Episode Description
In this episode, I'm speaking with Abu Hafejee, who runs a carpentry business in Toronto, teaches the carpentry apprenticeship program at George Brown Polytechnic, while supporting the Toronto Business Development Centre's (TBDC) Explore Skilled Trades program.
Abu hasn't looked at a resume in seven years. He hires whoever his crew vouches for. And he says the fastest way a newcomer can get into the trades is to start as a general labourer, supporting the tradespeople as they work the site and asking questions.
That's asides from joining TBDC's Explore Skilled Trades program.
Abu and I chat about:
The three things he needs from a new hire
Why nobody's hoarding skills
Why a big constructor can afford to lose money on you and he can't
What entry level pays, and what a licensed tradesperson earns
Dozie's Notes
A few things that stuck with me as I listened through this week's conversation:
Abu's list of things that folks who progress fast do are show up on time, take initiative, and don't kill yourself. Notice there's nothing about skill in it. I mean, this doesn't mean that you don't need some training or coaching on how to hammer a nail in or stuff like that. But don't let your inability to do so hold you back.
Official Links
✅ Connect with Abu Hafejee on LinkedIn
✅ Check out TBDC's Explore Skilled Trades program
✅ Read the guide on breaking into Ontario's skilled trades industry
One Ask
If you found this story helpful, please consider sharing it with one Canadian immigrant you know.
Timestamps
0:00 The easiest entry point
0:39 Intro
1:32 On teaching
5:04 Is it hard to find talent in construction?
9:09 Nobody's hoarding skills
15:13 How newcomers get into the trades without a resume
17:30 Why general labour is the best way in
21:58 The three skills you need
26:24 What TBDC does
29:36 Salaries
35:29 The Book of Questions
39:27 Outro