At SpaceKap, we spare no effort in achieving success in the hiring and retention of our foreign workers. As covered in an earlier story on supporting foreign workers, real integration takes real support, both professionally and personally.
Key Takeaways
- Oscar Sanchez-Silva was hired at SpaceKap in May 2022 as a laminator and was later promoted for his skills and character.
- While working full-time, he attends language classes four days a week and reached level 4 on Quebec’s language proficiency scale.
- His written composition, “My New Life,” was recognized at the Adult Education Center of the Patriots’ “Grande Ourse” gala.
Who is Oscar Sanchez-Silva, and how did he join SpaceKap?
We take pride in seeing our workers thrive, adapting to our culture, language, and company. Oscar Sanchez-Silva is one of them. A native of Peru, Oscar left everything behind in 2021 to settle in Canada with his wife and three children. He was hired at SpaceKap in May 2022 as a laminator. His skills and human qualities quickly led to a promotion within the company, and today he’s a production supervisor.
How is Oscar balancing a full-time job with learning a new language?
In addition to working full-time at SpaceKap, Oscar Sanchez-Silva is enrolled in language classes four days a week. “I go to school from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm, and then I work from 3:30 pm to 2:30 am. My days are busy, but I am proud to say that I have reached level 4 of language proficiency on the Government of Quebec’s scale,” says the 50-year-old.
He’s not content with just attending language classes. He succeeds with flying colors.
What honor did Oscar receive for his writing?
Last March, Oscar was honored by the Adult Education Center of the Patriots, following a regional competition organized by the school board to highlight students’ perseverance. His written composition, “My New Life,” caught the judges’ attention, and his involvement was recognized at the “Grande Ourse” gala.
Here’s an excerpt from the text Oscar wrote:
“It’s often said that we forge our own destiny, some with more effort than others, but forging it often entails making many sacrifices, abandoning and planning many things. Over time, this requires a lot of courage, determination, and, when it comes to thinking about a different future for the sake of one’s family abroad, it means there is much to tell.
Before making the momentous decision to leave my country, there were many years of research, scenario analysis, exploring better options, browsing the internet, mutual advice, discussions with friends living in Canada, and many conversations with my wife to find all the answers to the doubts and questions we had.
It’s something we will never forget, tears at every goodbye, at every gathering organized by friends and family to bid farewell to us as we left the country. Leaving behind so many loved ones and friends, so many years of experience, your customs, your life, with one clear goal of packing your story into a few suitcases to realize it in a new country and thus forge a new future, with the only weapons and tools that life has given you: your family and the life experience each one has acquired.”
Congrats, Oscar. SpaceKap is proud of you and all your colleagues at the factory. You’re a wonderful example of resilience. Thank you for your commitment and dedication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What role did Oscar Sanchez-Silva start in at SpaceKap?
Oscar was hired in May 2022 as a laminator, before being promoted for his skills and character to the production supervisor role he holds today.
What language proficiency level has Oscar reached?
Oscar has reached level 4 on the Government of Quebec’s language proficiency scale, while attending classes four days a week alongside his full-time job.
What recognition did Oscar receive for his writing?
His composition “My New Life” was honored by the Adult Education Center of the Patriots at the region’s “Grande Ourse” gala for student perseverance.
