From Ethiopian platforms to Canadian roads, Jonas Hila’s adventure

The characteristic sound of the air brakes that are released in Calgary’s industrial parks has become, for Jonas Hila, the soundtrack of unexpected success.

Originally from the Highlands of Eastern Africa, this man with an atypical course today directs one of the most important schools of driving in the city.

I come from Ethiopiaexplains Jonas with obvious pride in his voice. After a visit to South Africa where he did business, he arrived in Canada in 2006, asking himself a fundamental question: What would be the easiest way to earn money and what profession would be good for me?

His answer will come unexpectedly. It all really started when I helped my ex-wife learn to drivehe says. Quickly, this first informal service is more and more customers. Her friends began to ask me to teach them too, then neighbors … little by little, I got attached to this activity.

A course strewn with obstacles

Jonas moves with crutches, but categorically refuses to consider his handicap as a brake. I rather consider it as an advantagehe says with philosophy.

The only thing I know is that I can’t walk without crutches. But other than that, I don’t feel anything. I work hard, I earn money, I enjoy life, I support my family, my friends … that’s all that matters to me.

English has represented another challenge. The technical English used is completely different. For a question, they give you four paragraphs of half a page, you must understand the whole story and then simply answer a, b or c.

He failed the theoretical examination of instructors twice before succeeding.

More than a job, an opportunity

For Jonas, the trucking industry represents an incredible chance for newcomers. Drivers can earn up to $ 120,000 a year. It’s really a good salaryhe underlines, in an industry which he deems essential. Without the transport industry, we could not survive. Everything is transported by truck.

With the financing of the Canada Development Bank, Jonas has developed his business, acquiring land and building a building.

BDC granted me about 1.6 million at the start […] Now they have given me up to around 3.6 million.

The school today has 13 trucks, 10 trailers, several small cars, and a new building housing two classrooms of around thirty seats.

Jonas sees a business opportunity in the current shortage of truck drivers. He is among those, who, since 1^is April have access to an investment of $ 54 million in the Alberta government to support the truck industry, including 30 million devoted to the training of new drivers.

Despite its success, Jonas remains connected to its roots while fully kissing his Canadian life. I am involved in the Ethiopian community, especially at the level of the church. We show them that they can succeed. If I can do it, anyone can do it.