Today we are featuring EMBERS Staffing worker, Kingsley!
Kingsley joined EMBERS Staffing in February of 2023 after moving to Canada from Nigeria. In Nigeria, Kingsley was a teacher and was facing difficulties having his teaching certifications recognized in Canada. Kingsley started as a General Labourer and quickly worked his way up to now doing plumbing work, which he really enjoys! Alongside working, Kingsley is enrolled in full-time education for his MBA.
How long have you been with EMBERS and what is your role?
I started working with EMBERS on February 8th, 2023. I started as a General Labourer at the same site I am working at today. After gaining some skills, today I work as a plumber.
How did you hear about EMBERS?
I came to Canada in January from Nigeria and was looking for a job. There was a construction site close to my house so my friend and I went there asking for a job. At that site, I spoke to another EMBERS Staffing worker who suggested EMBERS and referred us here. The following day my friend and I came to the office and went to an orientation, filled out the forms and we were asked to come the next morning very early and got a job. The first site I was sent to in Burnaby is the same site I am working at today. I was there for four days and then had jobs at a variety of different sites after.
After working for one month, going from one site to another, I got a call from Manav [Vancouver Branch Manager] asking if I could do a skilled job. I said I could and it was the first job I had, back in Burnaby. EMBERS drove me from the office to the site and I have been working at that site ever since. I started learning the skills from Christopher. He taught me everything around there. I learned how to do the plumbing for showers and all the other plumbing tasks. In a matter of two weeks, I had learned all the skills. Before I didn’t even know the names of the tools.
Can you please tell us a little bit about your situation before EMBERS and what impact EMBERS has had on you?
When I came here it was not easy to get a job. I was looking for a teaching job. There were constraints with the certifications I have not being recognized in Canada. I started with other employment agencies but the jobs were not coming. When I came to EMBERS, the following day I got work and I have been working since that day. I’ve only missed one day of work. Having a job changed everything. Now I can pay my house rent. I was so happy seeing money in my account. I have already referred six people to EMBERS.
What would you say to others who are in a similar situation to yours?
My fellow Nigerians that are here I tell them to come to EMBERS. Once you go there you will get a job. I have compared EMBERS with others and they are the best. If not for EMBERS, I don’t know what would have happened. My advice for others? I would tell people that sometimes they are looking for something that isn’t reasonable. You need to start from somewhere. And you will get there some day. Step by step. It will be difficult but you need to have an ‘I can do it’ mindset. If someone else can, so can you.
What goals are you looking forward to in the future?
I am going to be a plumber. The plumbing job is good and I am sure I will have a good career. I look forward to becoming a professional plumber some day. What makes me like the job are the people I met on the site. People like Christopher. Secondly, the work is technical. You need to be focused. It’s inside. It’s a golden job.
Any advice to new workers starting out with EMBERS?
I would tell them to remain focused and be consistent. Consistency is key and believe that you will achieve your purpose of coming to Canada through EMBERS.
Anything else you would like to add?
I really want to appreciate the EMBERS Staffing team, especially Manav, Paulina, Laura, Mark, and all of the people I have met. Since I’ve met everyone, I’ve never regretted my decision.
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A huge thank you to Kingsley for participating in this interview and sharing his story!