Milton was a licensed architect in Colombia with 20 years’ experience. However, he understood that employment opportunities in Colombia were limited for him and his young family. For years, he explored many possible avenues to use his qualifications and experience in a new homeland. Ultimately, his search led him to respond to an online job application posted by Just Working Construction. It was through Just Working Construction that Milton found a fulfilling pathway to employment as a newcomer to Canada.
Milton’s early work history in Colombia
As a fledgling architect, Milton coordinated projects for an installation contractor for a large home renovation retailer in Colombia. He moved on to work as a site supervisor for a small plumbing and gas company. His role there was to coordinate the worker and contractor schedules and the purchase and delivery of construction materials. Milton was later employed as a design department manager in a large Colombian firm company for five years. He was responsible for the building permits for all the company’s projects, including large residential and commercial buildings.
Finding – and losing – employment in the USA
In 2005, Milton and his wife were able to obtain a work permit to enter the USA. Milton became the design manager for a large renovation and construction firm in Miami, FL. During the four years they were there, his first son was born. In 2008, the mortgage crisis severely impacted his company and Milton was laid off. He could no longer renew his worker visa and apply for a green card. His options were to go back to Colombia or to remain illegally in the USA. He and his wife chose to honour the legal process and go back to Colombia.
Back in Colombia
Their return to Colombia was a heartbreaking one. Milton still remembers how hard it was for them to leave Miami and the life they had built there. For a while, they settled back into life in Colombia. They ended up staying for eleven more years, and their second son was born during that time. But they could not forget their dream of a better life for themselves and their two young boys.
Milton worked for ten years managing the construction of 40 commercial gyms. When COVID-19 restrictions came into effect, he was laid off and supported his young family at home. This allowed his wife to take on a demanding role as an art conservator and database specialist. Milton valued the time he invested with his young family, and he learned a lot. But he was ready for a new challenge in a new homeland.
Working toward a better future
Milton explains that opportunities are very restricted in Colombia for architects. Older, more experienced professionals are often overlooked for advancement. Instead, the positions are given to new graduates who can be paid less.
For a time, Milton explored the possibility of emigrating to Australia. However, they learned that Milton’s qualifications and experience as an architect would not be recognized there. He would have needed to start from the beginning to qualify as an architect. And there were no options open to them for obtaining an Australian visa.
A new opportunity to emigrate to Canada
Milton began looking for work in Canada. He applied to an online job posting by Just Working Construction. He had an interview with Jeff Van Gyssel, company president, and Jess Van Es, office manager. They were interested in his experience as a design manager. Milton knew right away that he wanted to work at Just Working Construction.
When a work visa couldn’t be obtained for Milton, he decided to come to Canada on a student visa. He enrolled in the Renovation and Carpentry Technician course at Conestoga College. He worked part-time for Just Working Construction as a labourer, but kept telling Jeff, “Don’t forget about me! Give me the chance to work with blueprints, drawings, schedules, whatever you need.”
Milton was offered a management position with Just Working Construction. He switched to a one-year program at Conestoga, and has now graduated with a diploma as a renovation technician. He is currently applying to extend his stay in Canada under a one-year open work permit.
The learning curve
Milton recognizes that he faces a steep learning curve as a project manager. He is studying to get his Ontario Building Code (OBC) Compliance certificate. He is also busy learning about the processes, materials, and other technical aspects of construction here in Canada. He notes that it is different from construction in Colombia where they don’t have seasons. As a result, they usually don’t have heating/cooling systems, and their window construction is very simple.
“I think I have learned a lot of things. But it is not easy. When you think you are an expert in your field, it is not easy to start over. But it is quite interesting too because it’s a challenge for your brain, and for your professional skills.”
Teamwork
Milton takes every opportunity to learn from the management team. He deeply appreciates their expertise and wants to learn everything he can from them.
He also appreciates the construction labourers at JWC. He has met most of them while working alongside them as a labourer. Now, he feels he understands the challenges they face, and the skill required to achieve a beautiful finished product.
Kelvin Chatinyara, Site Supervisor (left) with Milton Gomez, Project Manager (right)
Moving forward professionally
Milton is helping with the design of one of JWC’s newest renovation projects. This project is the residential property where Jeff and his family currently live with a single mother from Mexico. There are plans for five new apartments at this site, which is part of the Just Homes project. Milton is thankful to be part of the creative and technical team which will make this vision a reality.
“The fact that you have this opportunity to learn and adapt is a huge gift. I know that not too many companies are open to that. I hope that someday, with my learning process, my experience, and my knowledge, I can pay back. That one day,” he chuckles, “Jeff will say that it was not such a bad idea to hire me.’”
Helping others and building community
Milton confides that working at Just Working Construction has taught him to be a better person.
“Sometimes when I hear Jeff focusing on helping people, I think, ‘I’ve never helped anybody like that.’ I’ve found that to be a growing experience for me. It’s not just a matter of being a successful employee. It’s about people. And that’s the really important thing that Just Working Construction has, that people matter. The community matters. Here we are all friends.”
Looking ahead
“The other day, someone asked me how long I planned to stay in this company.” Milton laughs, “If I can stay here forever, I will. If given the chance, I want to learn and grow with this company and help to make it successful. Because I really feel thankful. My dream is that someday, one of my colleagues will say, ‘The situation is in Milton’s hands, so we are okay with that.’”
Just Working Construction has created a much-appreciated pathway to employment for this talented and experienced newcomer. He came to Canada just one year ago, and he is working in his area of professional expertise. Whether he becomes licensed as an architect in Canada someday or not, he is doing what he loves. He is learning alongside knowledgeable construction professionals who value his contribution as a team member. He is working hard to create a future here for himself and his family. And he has become part of a workplace community that motivates him to care deeply about others.