The effects of the invasion of Ukraine were felt around the world, but nowhere more than among the Ukrainian people. We share the compelling story of Serhii—an emergency traveler to Canada. He has found a new beginning with Musket Transport, navigating the intricacies of a new country while establishing himself in his chosen career path. His experience sheds light on the resilience of the human spirit and the power of seizing opportunities, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Serhii’s Story – From Ukraine to Canada
On the 23rd of February, 2022, I went to my house, which I had been building for more than six years, to clean it and to get prepared for my family to move in. All my belongings were already in the house. And I planned it would take me about a week to get the house clean, and to bring my family to the new house.
Just two days later, on the 24th in the early morning, we heard the missile blasts. We had to grab all our kids, all our pets, and flee first to the neighbouring region of Ukraine. When it became more dangerous there, we gradually went to the west of Ukraine, and even there was not safe.
We had to cross the border and went to Poland. By then the Polish people were helping Ukrainians a lot. There were lots of billboards, lots of signs in support of Ukraine and we felt really welcome there. Luckily the Polish host accepted all my family there because we had eight people and four dogs, plus a cat. So, we found a safe haven there.
After that, I heard about the Canada-Ukraine Emergency Travel program and I applied for myself and my whole family. I have a friend here In Toronto who helped me a lot with filling the application.
“If you want to pursue your dream, just go ahead and you will find the opportunities. The one who’s looking for the opportunities has much more of a chance to find them”
Following our conversation, I asked him many questions due to his experience. He advised me to move here immediately, rather than waiting to gain professional experience in Europe. He explained that Canadian companies highly value experience. Knowing this, I began exploring my options. I realized that I needed to complete the commercial driver’s license program. While my national driver’s license is respected in Europe, it wouldn’t suffice here. This is because unlike in Ukraine, there is a distinction between private and commercial driver’s licenses in Canada.
A New Country and a New Career
I began exploring opportunities and sent my resume to Musket Transport, among other companies. This was the only company that replied promptly. The next day, I was contacted via email, and my correspondence with the company began. I was fortunate to receive an offer for a scholarship from them for their school (CHET). This unique combination of an affiliated company and school was beneficial, as it saved me from paying for the program, which I could not afford.
I had two meetings. The first meeting was with CHET, and the second meeting was with Musket. And I felt really welcome here. I started with CHET in July 2022 and everybody helped me here a lot. To describe my coming here in one word, the one word would be ‘gratitude’, probably because I felt so much assistance from so many different people here—from CHET staff, from instructors, from Musket staff. And that was a great feeling for me as a new person, not to be afraid of the new country, but to be easily integrated into the new environment.
Serhii’s Favourite Part of Being a Truck Driver
I like being in charge of the process, over the whole planning of my days, planning my week. I had to start here in Canada from scratch. Previously I’d held pretty serious positions in international companies, I used to be a logistics manager and a commercial real estate broker. But I deliberately chose truck driving here because it offered a guaranteed start in a new career.
Serhii’s Advice on Pursuing Your Passion
Don’t be afraid. If you want to pursue your dream, just go ahead. Regardless of your age, regardless of your fears. If you want to pursue your dream, just go ahead and you will find the opportunities. The one who’s looking for the opportunities has much more of a chance to find them, you know. That’s why I would say dare doing something and you will succeed.
