Victor Matos

About me

I was born/grew up in: West Lorne, Ontario

I now live in: Rodney, Ontario

I completed my training/education at:The majority of my training was in the field, although I did take survey and management courses as well as Health and safety through the Local 1059.

What I do at work

The key daily activities that I do are to make sure the building is meeting the engineer's blue prints, ordering all material the work crew needs, and keeping the crew on schedule to meet all the deadlines. I use math every day to figure out area and volumes. I also use math in layout and in reading blue prints. I use a laser and transits to do layout and figure out elevations. The GPS system can also be used for this. I make decisions constantly throughout the day by prioritizing what needs to be done.

I also have to decide which crew should complete each job. My STEM background and skills help me know how to build structures to enable them to safely hold weights and loads. I engage with my colleagues continually throughout the day from organizing the crane to putting together the structures that will withstand weight loads of the concrete.

My career path is

The education and training that I have taken are all the required courses. Training has also come from hands on experience and the local 1059. I did set out with a construction career in mind. It has provided me with experience in a few different areas from home building to high rises, to sewer and water to heavy equipment, to road reconstruction and now back to concrete.

Some family members were already in this career and so I thought I would try. I have had lots of challenges and some failures. Every day can be a challenge in this business. I overcame them by not quitting, knowing that every problem has a solution.

I am motivated by

This career is rewarding when you drive by the final product and see how many people have a new and safe home.

How I affect peoples’ lives

If it wasn't for the workers and myself in the construction industry we wouldn't have the homes, buildings, roads, sewer and water systems that are needed.

Outside of work I

I enjoy hunting, fishing and passionate about horses and riding.

My advice to others

The money is good, you will never be bored and if you love a challenge it's a great career