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woodworker

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2nvme
  9/13/2014 13:53 EST

Hi! I live in a small rural town near Toronto Canada. I'm a cabinet maker looking to move to Belize to start a cabinet or furniture making business. Also with the possibility of home renovations. Is it possible and where would be the best areas of surviving with this type of business.

Melissajane
  9/13/2014 15:32 EST

Hi - you would not get a work permit - cabinetry/woodwork is a skill that is in plentiful supply here. If you were to stay for a year, apply for permanent residency and get it, you would then not need a permit, however there will already be a lot of local competition. Home renovations/building/construction are also areas where there are a lot of locals who already offer this work. I'm not saying it's impossible, just you are entering an area that already has these things on offer.

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bobbyveee
  9/14/2014 06:08 EST

I totally agree with what Melissajane says, theres a lot of very good craftsmen in the wood working industry. Not a hope of getting work there even if you were able to,and they work for local wages which an expat would find paltry

2nvme
  9/15/2014 17:42 EST

Thanks for the reply.You say that there is a lot of wood workers there. Then why do a lot of houses look all beaten up. Looks like they could use wood workers that do quality work. I've heard through other forums that they could use quality cabinet makers that are on time with there products.

bobbyveee
  9/15/2014 19:09 EST

Its all down to money, wages are less than $1000bd a month. Theres beautiful local cabinetry, but time is something locals dont nunderstand. You are right, really good on time wood workers are needed, but you need a work permit and then contacts, You'd go broke waiting. Sad but true

Lillymac
  9/18/2014 06:37 EST

I believe you wouldn't get a work permit for a cabinet maker. It would also be very hard for you to make any money competing with the Mennonites here.
However if you move here build or Reno a house for yourself maybe people will see what your capable of and you can start your own business. Then a work permit is easier to get. People will see what you can do and maybe a business you will have. Check our Architectural Accents or Caribbean Engineering online. I to am from a small town outside Torinto.

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bobbyveee
  9/18/2014 08:03 EST

Basically, dont rely on coming to Belize and earning a living, you need to be financially independent from day one

hrlee7804
  9/20/2014 00:13 EST

I whole heartedly agree with what everyone is saying. 2nvme said "then why do a lot of houses look all beaten up. Looks like they could us good wood workers that does quality work" ..... Many things come into play here. Least of which is most 3rd world countries are not interested in spit shining their home to keep up with the Jones's. They spend that time being wonderful family folks. If it is not falling over that is usually good enough. Most are not interested in our values and that is why most expats find countries like Belize so refreshing. Great on time cabinets don't make great cultures in MANY places in the world. Many have tried that approach and just given up after time because your values are not their values. In the big scheme of things which is more important, a fresh coat of varnish and new hardware on your front door or taking the "chicken bus" to a friends 2nd cousin's friends birthday party for a weekend?

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