Employee Profile: Joel Isadore

March 3, 2014 in People
Explorer: Spring 2014

In 2007, Joel Isadore applied for a labour work job with a Points Athabasca earthworks contract. The Fond du Lac resident didn’t realize at the time he would stay working on contracts for the company for the next six years.

“It’s hard to find a job without grade 12,” says Joel, “I started with a seasonal contract, and waited over a year for a call back the first time. Now I’ve worked my way up to Lead Hand. It’s been a great experience.”

Joel’s work ethic and friendly nature made him a good fit for any team. When asked about his job, Joel comments, “I’m in construction, doing anything that I’m asked.” Primarily working as a carpenter, he has put in a lot of effort to improve his skills and work his way up, including participating in programs offered by Points Athabasca and Cameco to improve his academics, and has a willingness to go from site to site, wherever the work takes him. “I’m kind of a people guy, and what I like best about working with Points Athabasca is I really like meeting a lot of different people,” says Joel, “I also get exposure to a lot of different trades. And this company really helps you out, not just money-wise, but in getting a handle on this construction thing.”

At home, Joel is busy as well – he and his wife have four kids ranging from age six to thirteen. Working week-in, week-out and sometimes longer, can be difficult on his family, so during his off time, Joel really concentrates on spending time with his family.

“It’s nice to live back home in Fond du Lac,” says Joel, “but we also really like to travel together. We like to go anywhere we can and really enjoy new places.”

Since 2009, Joel has been working at the Cigar Lake Mine site, and today he works as a Lead Hand; the next step for him is to become a foreman, a goal he has set for himself and working hard towards achieving. Joel’s supervisors have been impressed with his hard work and dedication to the team.

“Joel has been such an asset to our team,” says Peter Mayotte, Project Superintendant, “he has really embraced anything that we have asked him to do, and it’s just great to see him get to where he is today. He has definitely earned it, and I see bright things for his future.”

Joel seems quite happy with his career and progress. “I’d encourage others to come check it out – I’d like to see more guys from the North here,” says Joel, “I see a lot of people come and go. Just a few guys have stayed long term. But the work is good, especially if you stick with it and keep working at it.”