Vladimir Bilkun

Engineer from Ukraine builds future in Alberta

Vladimir Bilkun was looking for an English-speaking, democratic country that welcomes newcomers – and he found what he was looking for in Canada. Born in Kiev, Ukraine, Vladimir came to Canada in June 2007. He landed first in Montreal, Quebec, then decided to make the move to Calgary.

"All I knew about Alberta was that it was a fast-growing province similar in size to the Ukraine but populated a lot less," explained Vladimir. "What impressed me first was how friendly and relaxed the people are. There is an atmosphere I was looking for and I was eager to become one of these open, smiling, cheerful people!"

With a master’s degree in thermal physics from the Kiev Polytechnic Institute, Vladimir worked as an engineer for the Ukrainian State Centre of Metrology and Standards.  He was looking for work in his field, but faced challenges integrating into Canadian culture and the job market when he first arrived.

Vladimir soon found the assistance he was looking for with the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society, a non-profit organization that provides settlement and integration services to immigrants and refugees in southern Alberta. Vladimir completed the organization's four-week Service Rig Hand Training Program and received two job offers within two weeks.
 
In the first week of the Service Rig Hand Training, Vladimir learned about life and work management skills, how to prepare for work, and how to write a cover letter for a resumé. Week two focused on safety training. Then Vladimir and 19 of his fellow students headed to Nisku, Alberta, to complete a rigorous seven-day work experience program on a training rig.

Vladimir worked with NATCO in Calgary, Leduc and Fort St. John, B.C. NATCO manufactures a wide range of on- and offshore wellhead and refinery equipment for oil, gas, and petrochemical industries. Vladimir is currently working to get his Canadian engineering status.

Vladimir speaks highly about his Alberta experience and enjoys spending time outdoors, especially in the "beautiful” mountains around Banff and Jasper.

“Alberta is a great place to live because it has a unique spirit of freedom, progress and confidence," said Vladimir. "The people here are friendly and open like in no other place I have visited. Officials care and they help newcomers settle and find work. There are also a lot of opportunities for professional growth, there is perfect infrastructure here, and, of course, the beautiful nature.”

Date Updated: Sep 14, 2010
RDP:1126