Company Offering Free Meals, Full Benefits, and Free Education to Attract Employees
TORONTO – The head of a respected GTA construction company is now travelling to other countries in an effort to find employees for jobs that pay up to $400,000 per year amidst a worsening labour shortage.
George Vassallo, CEO of Bothwell-Accurate, recently visited six countries, from Singapore and Ireland to the US and Philippines, driven by the challenge of to being able to find Canadians willing to take jobs offering high pay, good benefits, and even free meals.
“At this very moment, I have 30 jobs to fill, ranging from $65,000 to $400,000 a year. We’re eager to diversify our workforce with more women, newcomers, and youth, yet there’s a reluctance to pursue these rewarding opportunities. We need their talents, creativity, and determination, but how do we motivate them to come to work?” Vassallo said.
With 850 employees, Bothwell-Accurate has flourished into a $200-million enterprise under Vassallo’s 16-year leadership. Renowned for its roofing, cladding, waterproofing, and glazing projects, the company’s signature is evident on notable structures like Scotiabank Arena (roof), Brampton Courthouse, BMO Field, Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, and St. Paul’s Hospital in BC.
“This country is sleepwalking through a disastrous labour force shortage. Governments, educators, industry, and parents need to re-ignite the passion for jobs that require grit and dedication, but also offer great pay, solid health, dental and pension benefits, plus career growth opportunities,” said Vassallo.
During his global recruitment tour, Vassallo was informed it’s very difficult for potential foreign workers to get approvals to come to Canada. He also cites barriers for inter-provincial labour force migration. For example, some of his existing employees from the Philippines who are currently working in BC, are unable to transfer to understaffed projects in Ontario due to regulatory obstacles.
“We have one million people arriving every year, so let’s take advantage of this tremendous potential by filling important jobs in towns and cities across the country, not just 3 major urban areas. Governments are not doing enough. As a father and grandfather, I worry, which is why I’m advocating for a proactive approach to safeguard our economy for future generations.” Vassallo concluded.
By 2030, Canada needs to fill 454,000 construction jobs due to the labour shortage, and retirements among experienced workers.
