People from diverse backgrounds enrich our workplaces with valuable skills, perspectives, and new ideas. When businesses create welcoming and inclusive environments, everyone benefits—teams become stronger, innovation grows, and collaboration thrives. These connections don’t just strengthen workplaces; they also help build more vibrant, resilient, and connected communities where all people feel a sense of belonging and can contribute.
In Pictou County, machinists are in demand. When MacGregors Industrial Group welcomed Issam Dahweir, a highly skilled machinist from Lebanon with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Beirut Arab University five months ago, it was more than a successful hire. It was a clear example of how welcoming workplace practices strengthen teams, improve operations, and help people put down roots.
A Business Perspective: Welcoming Talent and Strengthening the Team
Owner Nick MacGregor explained that while machinists remain in demand across Canada, the trade is becoming less common, making it harder for businesses to find the expertise they need.
“We’ve had difficulty for years finding people in this trade. It’s highly technical work, and having someone with Issam’s depth of experience has made a real difference for our operations.”
For Nick, success has always been about pairing technical skills with a culture that helps people feel valued and supported.
“We wanted Issam to feel part of the team from day one. Support and connection were just as important as the expertise he brought.”
That culture of support is built into the business. Experienced team members like John, with decades of service, along with Tim and Dave, mentor newer staff, share knowledge, and check in often.
“If you’re open to learning and bring a positive attitude, there’s no limit to what you can achieve here.”
A New Beginning: Issam’s Experience
Issam found the techniques and processes familiar, drawing on the skills and experience he had developed over the years. However, adjusting to the mix of metric and imperial units used in Canada took some time.
“At first, switching between metric and imperial units was a bit of a learning curve. Once I got the hang of it, I was able to hit the ground running.”
From his first days, the team’s approach stood out to him. Colleagues were supportive, checking in, offering guidance, and creating space for him to ask questions.
“People helped without me even asking. If Dave was busy, Tim would stop by to see what I needed. Everyone made me feel included and part of the team from day one.”
Issam is really enjoying his time at MacGregors Industrial Group and is starting to find his potential within the team. He appreciates that his ideas are listened to and valued, which has helped him settle into his new work environment.
Through our Community Connections program, we support newcomers in building relationships and finding their place in Pictou County. As part of this, we connected Issam with Catalina at YREACH, who introduced him to local groups and shared other community resources. These connections gave him opportunities to learn more about the area and begin building relationships within the community.
“I joined hiking and photography groups, which has made it easier to explore and get involved in the community.”
What Welcoming Looks Like in Practice
This experience shows that welcoming a new colleague goes beyond filling a role, it’s about creating an environment for them to succeed. At MacGregors Industrial Group, the team prepared, identified mentors, and embraced a learning process that helped Issam feel supported. Connecting with local organizations also eased the transition, offering guidance and connections that supported both Issam and Nick throughout the process.
Nick puts it simply:
“Be willing to take a chance, do your due diligence, and be inclusive. Engage with community partners, they can help you navigate the process, and the result is a stronger, more capable, and connected team.”
Issam’s advice to newcomers is:
“Take the time to understand what you’re looking for and seek out opportunities that feel like the right fit. When the role and the community align, it can be an incredibly positive and rewarding experience.”
Building Belonging and Capacity in Pictou County
For MacGregors Industrial Group, hiring skilled talent filled a long-standing gap and brought new expertise and perspectives to the team. For Issam, it meant joining a workplace where he is supported to contribute, learn, and grow. Together, their story shows how thoughtful, people-centered onboarding fosters a sense of belonging, and how that belonging drives innovation, strengthens teams, and builds a more resilient business.
To learn more about the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) and how employers can connect to skilled-refugee talent outside of Canada, click here.
