An Interview with Farah
When Farah Ali was laid off in 2019, a friend told him about the Experienced Worker Centre at Algonquin College. With funding and support, he was able to go back to school without also having to work full-time, so he could focus on his studies and find success.
What led you to the Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician (HRAC) Technician program at Algonquin College?
After I graduated from high school, I worked in various industries but never found a job I really enjoyed. When I lost my pipe insulation job, I thought about going back to school, but I didn’t know what program to enroll in. Ian Paul, a consultant at the Experienced Worker Centre, met with me three or four times and helped me narrow down my choices. We talked a lot about the different trades and the chances of getting hired, which was very important to me. I wanted to make sure I found an industry in high demand that also pays well.
How did the Centre help you achieve your goals?
I was completely lost before I came to the Centre. With Ian’s help, I got accepted into the Algonquin College HRAC Technician program and secured funding from the government. Before talking to Ian, I had never even heard about the Second Career Funding! His door was always open, and he reached out to me regularly to make sure everything was going well.
Did the Employment Ontario Second Career funding make a big difference for you?
It helped me with my expenses so I didn’t have to worry about getting a full-time job. I’d tried that before, working and studying at the same time, but I was never able to concentrate and be successful. Being on a budget also helped me stay focused.
Where are you working today?
I work for a company that sells and installs furnaces, hot water tanks, heat pumps and air conditioners. I’m learning a lot and am always on the go. I just received my final gas fitters’ licence (GAS 3), and I am very proud of my credentials. The company is even sponsoring an air conditioning and refrigeration apprenticeship. I love that every day is different, every day is a new adventure.