Tell us a bit about your background and where you’re from.
My full name is Felix Baffoe Ampofo, and I’m from Nkoranza, a small town in the Bono East region of Ghana. I have a degree in Biomedical Lab Sciences and worked for three years as a biomedical lab scientist before coming to Canada. I’ve always been passionate about football, and I love to socialize—people tell me I’m funny, but I don’t know about that!
My career has always been in science, working in hospitals. I came to Canada last December to pursue my postgraduate studies at Douglas College. I started my program in September, focusing on Health Information Management.
How did you first hear about A Few Good Lads?
When I first came to Canada, I was looking for a job, but the job market was pretty tight, especially in the health field. I was scrolling through job sites like Indeed and came across A Few Good Lads. After checking their website, I found out they were hiring for the April holiday week, and since I was looking for work, I decided to apply—even though I had no experience in construction.
I was surprised when Sam personally called me to welcome me to the team. I wasn’t expecting that level of communication, but it was a pleasant surprise.
Had you ever worked on a construction site before?
Never! My work had always been in hospitals and labs, so stepping into construction was a huge change. But I love a challenge, and I’m a creative person who enjoys working with my hands. After my dad had an accident back home and had to undergo surgery, I knew I had to step up and support my family. So, despite the unfamiliarity with construction, I embraced it as a challenge.
What kind of work have you been doing on site?
I work as a general laborer, helping out on construction sites. I can pretty much do anything once someone teaches me. I’ve worked with plumbers, carpenters, and even done some concrete pouring. I’m a quick learner, so I’ve become a bit of a jack-of-all-trades. Recently, I built a fence, and it was such a rewarding experience to see something I built with my own hands.
How has your perception of the trades changed since you started working with A Few Good Lads?
It’s been eye-opening. A Few Good Lads has been incredibly supportive, more so than I expected. The management and operations team frequently check in with me, offering help and advice. It’s a family-like atmosphere, and they’ve made things easy for me, from scheduling shifts to providing guidance.
I’ve worked in hospitals where management can be quite stressful, but A Few Good Lads has been different. They make me feel valued and appreciated, which is something I never really experienced in my previous jobs. It’s a privilege when your boss calls to tell you you’re doing a great job—it’s motivating.
Can you share a particular instance where A Few Good Lads made a big impact on your life or career?
The moment they hired me changed everything. I was in a tough spot because of my father’s accident, and finding work was essential for me to settle in Canada. A Few Good Lads gave me the opportunity I needed, and once they learned about my situation, they ensured I had enough shifts to help cover my tuition fees. Their support helped me cover nearly 60% of what I needed for my education, which I’m incredibly grateful for.
What do you enjoy most about living in Canada?
There’s so much to love! Everyone here has been so kind and welcoming. Before coming to Canada, I had only heard the stereotypes about Canadians being nice, but experiencing it firsthand has been amazing. The people are always ready to help, and that inclusivity has made settling here much easier.
I’ve also come to love the weather, surprisingly! When I first arrived in Montreal, it was freezing, but Vancouver’s rain was a relief. I also love the natural beauty here—the mountains, lakes, and parks are stunning. I haven’t explored much yet, but I plan to visit more places like Stanley Park and Queen Elizabeth Park.
Do you have any professional goals for the next few years?
My primary goal is to complete my program and eventually set up my own medical lab back home in Ghana. I worked in microbiology and hematology, so I’d love to create a specialized lab that provides affordable, high-quality services. Medical care can be expensive for the average person in Ghana, so I want to make specialized testing more accessible.
At the same time, I’ve grown to enjoy working in construction. While my main focus is still on healthcare, I could see myself exploring opportunities behind the scenes in construction, especially in management or project coordination.
Do you have any advice for others considering a move to Canada for work or school?
If you’re hardworking and eager to learn, Canada offers the perfect environment to thrive. You can’t rely on media portrayals—you have to come here and experience the culture and people for yourself. Everyone is welcomed and valued, no matter where they’re from. Canada has become my second home, and I always recommend it to my friends back home who are considering furthering their education or careers abroad.