Tell us about your background and where you’re from.
I am from Cork in Ireland. I grew up there and went to university at Cork Institute of Technology, which is now Munster Technological University. I earned a bachelor’s degree in creative digital media, never expecting to end up working in construction. Before I left Ireland, I was working for a wedding stationery company. I’ve always enjoyed traveling, and during my degree, I did an exchange year in Germany, living in a city called Darmstadt. It’s a student city with a very cool vibe. I also traveled quite a lot before we moved here.
What motivated you to come to Canada?
While I was living in Germany, I met a friend from Vancouver. The way he spoke about Vancouver and all the outdoor activities really resonated with me because I love being outdoors and in nature. At the time, many Irish people were moving to Australia, but the culture there felt similar to what I already knew. Canada seemed like a better option with more opportunities and places to explore.
How did you first hear about A Few Good Lads?
We were looking to come to Canada in 2019, just before COVID hit. We had applied, but then everything went into shutdown. When the country reopened, I saw a Facebook post from A Few Good Lads offering work to help people get into the country. I reached out to them, and it all started from there.
Did A Few Good Lads help facilitate your move and start working with them?
Not really, as I’m quite proactive. I had already sorted out our visa stuff and had everything planned before reaching out to them. However, I know others who received significant help from the company. They were also great when we applied for permanent residency. They connected us with Jessica, an immigration consultant, who guided us through the entire process and continues to help us even now.
As someone without a construction background, has your perception of the trades changed since you started working with A Few Good Lads?
Definitely. I never imagined I’d work in construction. Initially, I thought it would be a temporary job to get into the country. I even left construction for a few months, but I realized how much I enjoyed working with my hands and being creative. It’s changed my perception of the trades entirely. I’ve seen how people can build a good life without going to university and getting into debt. There are other options out there.
What trade were you working in when you started?
I started as a general laborer and did that for about a year. After returning from a break, they put me on a site where I could upskill. The foreman and superintendent there were great; they taught me how to use power tools and do various jobs. Eventually, I became a skilled laborer. After about a year, the office called me about a foreman position. I took it and managed a team of five to ten people for my last year in Vancouver. It was a great experience.
How have A Few Good Lads supported you in your professional journey?
They’ve been instrumental in helping me upskill. I now feel confident that I could do renovations in my own house. I’ve met some amazing people through the company, some of whom, like me, had no prior experience in construction. For instance, a girl I started with, who had a background in marketing, ended up being hired by one of the major construction companies here. The company really helps you get started on a career path. When I moved to Calgary, they supported me in transitioning from a site role to a sales manager position.
What is your role with A Few Good Lads now?
I’m the sales manager in Calgary. My job involves going from site to site, contacting clients, and trying to get our guys out in the field. We’ve faced some challenges because the temp labor agency isn’t perceived very well here—it’s not considered reliable. The other companies up here often have temp laborers who get paid daily and might not show up regularly. We’re trying to overcome that perception by providing a reliable workforce, and we’re making progress.
Can you share a particular moment where A Few Good Lads made a significant impact on your career?
Before I left Vancouver, the site I was working on offered me a position to work with them. If we hadn’t already decided to move to Calgary, I would have taken that job. It was a huge opportunity. But more than that, meeting the diverse people through A Few Good Lads has been incredibly impactful. It’s opened my eyes to how different and yet similar we all are.
What do you enjoy most about living in Canada?
I love the nature here. I enjoy being outdoors, and since moving here, we’ve bought a Jeep Cherokee and go off-roading quite a bit. We drive through the mountains, go camping, and appreciate the wildlife. It’s a different lifestyle from home, and the longer I’m here, the harder it is to think about leaving.
Have you picked up any new hobbies since moving?
Yes, off-roading is new for me—rallying is big in Ireland, but not off-roading. I’ve also started playing golf, which I never thought I’d enjoy. I haven’t been skiing or snowboarding yet, but that’s on the list for this winter.
Do you have any memorable experiences in Canada outside of work?
Definitely. We’ve done quite a few road trips, which have been amazing. My parents visited, and we did a three-week road trip up the Sunshine Coast, across to the island, and back down the east coast. It was stunning—something you’d never see at home. I also got engaged while we were here, which was pretty special. But the most memorable experiences are the little adventures—camping, road trips, and off-roading. It’s so easy to just take off for the weekend and explore.
What are your goals for the next few years?
We’re hoping to get married in the next year and eventually buy a place here. Professionally, I want to help the company expand in Calgary and build the brand across Canada. The goal is to give people the opportunity to travel across Canada while working, which would be incredible.
Do you have any advice for people considering moving to Canada or already in the process?
Do your research. We had a lot of time during COVID, so I was able to do extensive research before moving. Join Facebook groups for Irish people in different Canadian cities—everyone’s in the same boat and willing to help. Also, be smart with your money when you arrive. Don’t blow through it all immediately. Focus on finding a place to live and work first. And if you’re working for A Few Good Lads, never hesitate to reach out to the office staff—they’re amazing and will go out of their way to help you.
Any final thoughts?
If anyone is interested in getting into the trades, even without prior experience, A Few Good Lads is the company to work for. They help you upskill and even have partnerships with organizations like the ICBA, where you can learn carpentry and other trades. Overall, they’re just a great company to work for.