Nefesh BNefesh

Wednesday, May 23rd

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The NBN Employment Department gave us realistic expectations and helped us prepare a game plan - who to meet, which sectors are looking, how to make and approach potential contacts. Throughout the process, it was evident how the NBN staff care and do their utmost to help new Olim transition successfully. I found a wonderful job (that matches 100% what I desired in a position) because the NBN Employment Counselor saw a position and cared enough to send my resume in to the company. I received a phone call not too long after, and a few interviews later I am happily employed!

-Amy, NBN 2010

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I started looking for a job on my own as soon as I arrived in Israel and after three months without a decent break, I reached out to NBN for help. NBN told me that they would start sending out my resume which I thought would be a nice, extra outlet. I was feeling hopeless, but now I am now very happily employed thanks to NBN who connected me with my current employer! Thank you NBN

-Tamar, NBN 2011

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I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for all of your assistance yesterday. I walked into your office not quite knowing what to expect and was amazed by the type of assistance that you were able to provide.

-Nir

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I wanted to thank the NBN team for setting me up with my first job in Israel! I couldn't have found this position without you! I am so glad I turned to NBN for help.

--Taire, NBN 2011

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To start me off, NBN gave me all the necessary tools and resources to begin the search. And the best part about this all was that they themselves were looking out for me, and sending my resume to any fitting positions they found. With their help, I landed my first job in Israel in a very reasonable about of time. A big thank you to the NBN Employment Department!

-Donna, NBN 2010

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Thank you for your smile! I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate the talk we had after the linked-in session. Thank you for listening. I will be in touch. From my heart, thank you for everything!

-Polly, NBN 2008

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The NBN Employment Department sent me the links from their job board. I sent my resume to positions that I thought were relevant and gave my specific information to the NBN Employment Department. A month later I get a reply from someone who got my resume from the NBN Employment Department. I was thrilled!

-Amy, NBN 2010

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I would like to say that the employment department for Nefesh b'Nefesh has been unflagging in its dedication to finding jobs for new olim - following through and helping at every stage, responsive to all inquiries, and always on the lookout for what is best for the oleh.

-Kim, NBN 2005

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I made an appointment at the NBN office to review my new resume tailored for the Israeli market.  The advice they give one is advice anyone who is job hunting knows - network, network, network.  What NBN gave me was a built-in network that I could immediately start to connect with.  However the most important thing I received was the belief that I had a great team behind me and that I am not alone!

-Ayala, NBN 2010

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Plumbing

To work as a plumber in Israel, you can attend a formal training program or work as an apprentice for an experienced plumber. Olim who come to Israel with plumbing experience from abroad generally find that, while their experience is helpful, the local plumbing system differs significantly from what exists abroad and it takes time and experience - working with a local plumber - to master the new system.

Professional Certification
Five levels of professional certification are officially defined and required by Israeli law, but the certification is not enforced; and the vast majority of plumbers work without official certification.

Each level of certification involves a progression in terms of professional knowledge and experience. The lowest level of certification qualifies you for work from the "sewer to the faucet," which basically entails relatively simple plumbing work in private homes. The second level of certification involves gaining experience with Yunkers (gas heating systems). The highest level of certification entitles you to work as a foreman or plumbing contractor. Note: Even if you obtain the highest level of certification, it is still necessary to work with an engineer.

To become certified, you must register to take a Hebrew-language exam given in conjunction with Misrad Hataasiya (Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor). To take the test, you must be at least 18 years old and provide proof that you successfully completed a vocational training course or have experience working as a plumber in Israel. The exams are both practical and theoretical.

Training Courses
Lishkat Hataasuka (government-run unemployment offices) runs courses in plumbing, which are usually available in different cities throughout Israel. In some cases, financial assistance for the cost of the course is available for new Olim. If you are interested in taking a course, you will need to arrange a meeting at your local Lishkat Taasuka. After this initial meeting, the Lishka will then arrange a second meeting with a social worker who can provide you with a referral; this referral is what qualifies you to take the course. In addition, you will be required to complete a simple entrance exam, which is given by the vocational school. These courses are only offered in Hebrew.

Privately-run vocational training courses are also available. When registering for a privately-run course, it is important to ascertain its legitimacy and make sure that it is properly certified. Each course should be under the supervision of Misrad Hataasiya.

Professional Certification from Abroad
If you are licensed as a plumber abroad, you can obtain Israeli certification by translating your documents and submitting them, together with proof of your experience, to the Testing Department. The Testing Department will assess your experience and award you the appropriate certification. In some cases, an experienced plumber may be required to take missing coursework in order to complete a higher level of certification.

Salaries
Salaries range from 4,000-12,000 NIS a month, depending on a person’s experience. A plumber’s assistant earns a starting salary of approximately 25-30 NIS an hour, while an experienced assistant generally earns between 30–40 NIS an hour.

Building a Business
Potential clientele includes private homeowners, commercial clients and construction/renovation projects. In order to build a business, it is a good idea to market your services via local publications, community bulletins, community websites, printed magnets and flyers, online business directories and social media.

Hebrew Skills
Hebrew is important if you plan to take a training course and pass the test. If you plan on working right away and “jumping” into the field, or if you have someone who is willing to mentor you through the beginning stages of your career, a 6 month Ulpan is advised in order to strengthen your basic Hebrew vocabulary. This is crucial in order to communicate with your clients.

Online Resources
• www.moital.gov.il: Misrad Hataasiya (Ministry of Labor)
• www.plu.co.il: Website listing of plumbers in Israel.
• There are numerous plumbing blogs in Hebrew.