‘Couldn’t see myself doing anything else full-time’: WorkBC client’s first year as an RMT

Uttam Gala doesn’t believe in closing doors. As he celebrates one year in his successful practice as a registered massage therapist, Uttam uses his past, his passion and his love of community to guide him forwards.

Born in Mumbai, India, Uttam moved to Canada 10 years ago to pursue an education in Adventure Sports Management. After working as a whitewater rafting guide in Jasper, a sea kayak guide in Tofino and a swiftwater rescue technician with Kamloops Search and Rescue, Uttam changed courses and became an automotive service technician and Coquihalla Highway tow truck driver for immigration purposes. While he was passionate about his work, he struggled to find a long-term career that matched his aspirations.

Then, guided by his passion for a balanced lifestyle and interest in physical education, Uttam was drawn towards a career in manual therapy. Only, the two-year program offered through Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy was expensive and student loans could only cover a portion of his costs.

“I was an international student before getting my permanent residency in 2018. I just didn’t have the money I needed to take the program after going through the immigration process,” says Uttam. “I got to know people in the class, and when they found out I was interested, they suggested I reach out to WorkBC because they had programs that would be able to help people like myself.”

Uttam met his case manager, Jo-Ann Baker, and in a few short months created and presented his educational forecast and career plan to WorkBC.

“I knew where I wanted to go. I had a plan in place and could show the costs involved, the different schools available and the barriers that I had. I showed them that I’m committed and asked if they can help me get there,” recalls Uttam.

“Having been through immigration, I know there’s a flaw in the process. I hadn’t spoken to anyone directly, so they don’t get the sense of who you are as a person – it’s just paperwork. That’s where WorkBC shines. They’re looking to help people get back on their feet in the community. If you want to do something and there’s a barrier, they’re there to help remove that if they can.”

Equipped with a detailed budget, in-depth personality tests and a supportive community behind him, Uttam got to work and graduated from the program with honours in 2020.

After the intensive two-year program, Uttam spent six months studying for registration exams.

“It’s not an easy program. It’s not for everybody, but if you have the dedication and are passionate about holistic health care, it’s very rewarding. Now that I’ve been doing it for a year, I can’t see myself doing anything else full-time,” says Uttam.

With a six-figure net income coming out of his first year, Uttam carved out his niche in working with athletes and healthcare workers. From his clinic in Mission Health and Wellness in Kelowna, Uttam’s hour-long sessions focus on education, home care and strengthening to address the root of his patients’ complaints, not just the symptoms.

In the future, he dreams of building a complete health and wellness practice that features a full gym with treatments, yoga, strength training and manual therapy under one roof.

“I love what I do. It’s so rewarding to help people with pain and manage their physical health, but it’s the relationships with patients that are the most important to me,” Uttam says. “My favourite part of this career is being able to provide people with a safe space and working with them based on their individual needs, whether it’s the rehabilitation from an injury or helping them become the strongest version of themselves.”

And while he looks toward his bright future, Uttam will always remember his past.

“I strongly believe that once you achieve your goals, you want to share what worked with others,” says Gala. “I’d love nothing more than to be able to turn around at that point and help others achieve their own goals, just like WorkBC helped me.”

Looking for job search assistance or skills training? Contact the WorkBC Centre in Vernon at 250-545-2215 ext. 230 or visit workbccentre-vernon.ca for more information.