Daniel Awrahim
“Getting your Gold Seal Certification is more than simply requiring experience. There is a lot of knowledge to acquire and understand. It was a challenge to time manage but I did it!”
Daniel Awrahim, GSC, Construction Superintendent, Buttcon Limited
Daniel is a construction Superintendent for Buttcon Limited. He began his career in Canada after immigrating from Iraq in 2000. With a Civil Engineering degree obtained in his native country, Daniel opted to have his credentials evaluated and reviewed at the University of Toronto. “I was always interested in being an engineer, and finding employment somewhere else in the world. I knew when I came to Canada that it was going to take some time to reach my goal. Especially that I don’t speak English well, and that I am an immigrant, but that didn’t stop me from wanting to improve my circumstances. It took some time for me to obtain my Canadian equivalent to my Iraqi Civil Engineering degree, but I did it!”
Daniel began his employment at Buttcon Limited in early 2011. Fortunately, his employers are extremely supportive of continuing education, and encourage their employees to pursue certification. “I’m happy that my employers were there to encourage me to do something positive for my career” explained Daniel “It’s something wonderful for your future, which is how I got into working towards earning my Gold Seal Certification. It’s a certification that I can say elevates you and your esteem in the eyes of your employer.”
Daniel earned his Gold Seal Certification in October 2016. He explained that his motivation for wanting to earn his certification was more than simply trying to impress his employers. “I have always believed that there is a certain level of appreciation for those professionally certified in their field. As an immigrant with my Gold Seal Certification, I prove myself worthy to work in this country because my credentials are supported by the Canadian Construction Association. It motivates me to know that I am a person who can have a promising career in which I have proven myself.”
However, nothing comes without hard work. Daniel also expressed how hard he needed to work in order to get where he is today. “I have 4 children, and a wife who was in an accident around the same time I was taking evening classes, and studying to earn my Gold Seal Certification. Taking care of my family and my career simultaneously is not an easy feat. Finding time to fit everything I needed to accomplish in my schedule was challenging.”
“It’s a challenge, but it’s worth it, trust me. Education is lifelong. I come to work every day and I learn something new all the time. If you’re in the construction industry Gold Seal Certification is something you need because it gives you power, and it’s a tool that can be used anywhere you decide to go. It’s a certificate and that in and of itself is important for your profession.”