Working in the Canadian oil sands: 6 figures in 6 months!
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scotian 路 2012-10-08 20:15:00 路 #551
I'm pretty sure that Zeus is right on this one, my trade isn't actually a provincial run apprenticeship, my certifications are issued by the federal government in Ottawa. Same idea, I have to go back to school every once in awhile to get more certs, I have a two week course coming up in Edmonton next week.
The pre-apprenticeship or pre-employment courses are designed to give a complete newbie a solid foundation of knowledge and skills in a specific trade before he gets on the job site. I would call SAIT or NAIT for further clarification, or the Alberta apprenticeship board. There's some good info on this site here: http://alis.alberta.ca/ep/eps/tips/tips.html?EK=183
Alecks, what country are you coming from? Catalyst is correct, it isn't easy to get into Canada and if you intend on going to school, you'll likely need to apply for a student visa, which may restrict your employment options after school as it isn't a work visa.
There are certain programmes set up for residents of the EU and commonwealth countries who are under 31, I listed them earlier on in this thread (maybe Irishman can elaborate on this), unfortunately if you're an American without a skill (trade or profession) it will be very hard to get in.
The pre-apprenticeship or pre-employment courses are designed to give a complete newbie a solid foundation of knowledge and skills in a specific trade before he gets on the job site. I would call SAIT or NAIT for further clarification, or the Alberta apprenticeship board. There's some good info on this site here: http://alis.alberta.ca/ep/eps/tips/tips.html?EK=183
Alecks, what country are you coming from? Catalyst is correct, it isn't easy to get into Canada and if you intend on going to school, you'll likely need to apply for a student visa, which may restrict your employment options after school as it isn't a work visa.
There are certain programmes set up for residents of the EU and commonwealth countries who are under 31, I listed them earlier on in this thread (maybe Irishman can elaborate on this), unfortunately if you're an American without a skill (trade or profession) it will be very hard to get in.
catalyst 路 2012-10-08 20:22:00 路 #552
(10-08-2012 08:15 PM)scotian Wrote: I'm pretty sure that Zeus is right on this one, my trade isn't actually a provincial run apprenticeship, my certifications are issued by the federal government in Ottawa. Same idea, I have to go back to school every once in awhile to get more certs, I have a two week course coming up in Edmonton next week.
The pre-apprenticeship or pre-employment courses are designed to give a complete newbie a solid foundation of knowledge and skills in a specific trade before he gets on the job site. I would call SAIT or NAIT for further clarification, or the Alberta apprenticeship board. There's some good info on this site here: http://alis.alberta.ca/ep/eps/tips/tips.html?EK=183
Alecks, what country are you coming from? Catalyst is correct, it isn't easy to get into Canada and if you intend on going to school, you'll likely need to apply for a student visa, which may restrict your employment options after school as it isn't a work visa.
There are certain programmes set up for residents of the EU and commonwealth countries who are under 31, I listed them earlier on in this thread (maybe Irishman can elaborate on this), unfortunately if you're an American without a skill (trade or profession) it will be very hard to get in.
I think Alecks might be Irish, which would probably make it a whole lot easier. That's what his profile states.
I won't go the student visa route if I were in his shoes. Immigrations generally will not issue a permit unless you have at least CAD$15,000 as living expenses. They have tighten a lot recently. That and tuition (have to include international differentiation) is another $10,000 to $15,000. He is much better off knocking on doors and networking.
I would think that taking pre-apprenticeship courses can only serve to help you.
I am so glad I took a 3 month MIG welding course before I jumped into the trade. My welding course a year and a half ago was an eye opener. I thought I could get into welding easy and run with it but that work is BRUTAL. I paid $300 for a good quality helmet after I melted the glass shield in my first helmet. Then went home after my first day coughing and hacking up all kinds of black sh1t.. the guys in the school told me that safety equipment was for pussies.... well I went to the 3M store and they told me that I should never weld without proper equipment. You run the serious risk of fvcking up your internals... most trades people are dumb fvcks though and disregard any safety, I would guess that is why there is such a huge demand for QUALITY people in Alberta.
Now I own a gas mask and a top quality welder helmet but man I would NOT want to do that job full time. I got a $15/hour job before I left for China, welding pieces of cages together, it SUCKED. It was like working in the factory, only hotter and much more boring with a bunch of rejects for co-workers. Frequently had sweat dripping in my eyes and fogging up my goggles... had the other douche bags laughing at me for using extra goggles and a mask. Infact, I'm quite certain I was fired for wearing the proper safety gear, one guy kept coming up to me and saying "TAKE THAT FUCKING THING OFF, YOU LOOK RETARDED!". Then he would proceed to cough, smoke and call his daughter a "dumb bitch"... she worked at the same factory.
During the course, I also managed to put a length of copper wire THROUGH my hand and out the other side. This is not something to be taken lightly, without proper training you can get into some very serious sh1t. I had no prior trade training and have spent the last 10 years working in and out of the office.
I am so glad I took a 3 month MIG welding course before I jumped into the trade. My welding course a year and a half ago was an eye opener. I thought I could get into welding easy and run with it but that work is BRUTAL. I paid $300 for a good quality helmet after I melted the glass shield in my first helmet. Then went home after my first day coughing and hacking up all kinds of black sh1t.. the guys in the school told me that safety equipment was for pussies.... well I went to the 3M store and they told me that I should never weld without proper equipment. You run the serious risk of fvcking up your internals... most trades people are dumb fvcks though and disregard any safety, I would guess that is why there is such a huge demand for QUALITY people in Alberta.
Now I own a gas mask and a top quality welder helmet but man I would NOT want to do that job full time. I got a $15/hour job before I left for China, welding pieces of cages together, it SUCKED. It was like working in the factory, only hotter and much more boring with a bunch of rejects for co-workers. Frequently had sweat dripping in my eyes and fogging up my goggles... had the other douche bags laughing at me for using extra goggles and a mask. Infact, I'm quite certain I was fired for wearing the proper safety gear, one guy kept coming up to me and saying "TAKE THAT FUCKING THING OFF, YOU LOOK RETARDED!". Then he would proceed to cough, smoke and call his daughter a "dumb bitch"... she worked at the same factory.
During the course, I also managed to put a length of copper wire THROUGH my hand and out the other side. This is not something to be taken lightly, without proper training you can get into some very serious sh1t. I had no prior trade training and have spent the last 10 years working in and out of the office.
I also took a private school course for my AZ (CDL). The first school I attended was a total hack job, basically trying to get students through lessons as quickly as possible. $500 later, I was still totally unqualified for the position. Then I invested about $5000 for a proper school and learned that if I had gone for my test, I would surely have failed and probably killed myself in the process. I learned a ton of stuff at the school and most of all learned that driving those big rigs is really HARD and DANGEROUS.
Previously, I believed that ANYONE could drive a rig... not so, its actually very difficult and you have to be a very technically minded person to understand half of the stuff they are talking about. It took me an absolute TON of practice before I somewhat got the hang of driving a rig, even then I was still really scared. These things are basically death machines in the wrong hands.... and unfortunately like trades people, rig drivers are frequently made up of ex-cons and people with serious retardation. I got a job with a company that stuck me with a guy who thought it was cool to sit on the phone, hit automatic pilot and put your feet up on the dash while driving a huge freightliner, fully loaded. I quit after 2 months... not willing to put my life in the hands of tards.
Another company I worked for (2 days) literally threw me the keys of their flat bed truck [with crane] and told me to 'train myself' cause they wanted to go home early. I spent 1 day driving around the city, crashing into the curb and the next day trying to explain to the boss why I needed more training on his truck. He said I was probably the most responsible guy he had ever had working for him and was happy to have me on the team. I thanked him profusely and then quit.
Make sure you think stuff like this over when you go out to the oil sands... Tards are everywhere and they have no regard for safety, rules or your life. They only care about the $$$ at the end of the day. Someone who is improperly trained in a trade and downing caffiene pills or effederine to stay awake could potentially be putting your life in danger. Someone who doesn't care about code or standards could be putting you in charge of something you are woefully unqualified for. Tards have an air of confidence but its usually based on stupidity and ignorance, not experience. The reason the ice roads are so dangerous is because tards always want to get the job done as quick as possible and bank more dollars. The Ice roads are apparently no problem if you are willing to drive at 40 km/h... The ice tends to break on anything over that, but rig tards always want to challenge authority. The Ice roads have a 1/4 mortality rate per year. Greed kills.
Be careful out there guys.
Previously, I believed that ANYONE could drive a rig... not so, its actually very difficult and you have to be a very technically minded person to understand half of the stuff they are talking about. It took me an absolute TON of practice before I somewhat got the hang of driving a rig, even then I was still really scared. These things are basically death machines in the wrong hands.... and unfortunately like trades people, rig drivers are frequently made up of ex-cons and people with serious retardation. I got a job with a company that stuck me with a guy who thought it was cool to sit on the phone, hit automatic pilot and put your feet up on the dash while driving a huge freightliner, fully loaded. I quit after 2 months... not willing to put my life in the hands of tards.
Another company I worked for (2 days) literally threw me the keys of their flat bed truck [with crane] and told me to 'train myself' cause they wanted to go home early. I spent 1 day driving around the city, crashing into the curb and the next day trying to explain to the boss why I needed more training on his truck. He said I was probably the most responsible guy he had ever had working for him and was happy to have me on the team. I thanked him profusely and then quit.
Make sure you think stuff like this over when you go out to the oil sands... Tards are everywhere and they have no regard for safety, rules or your life. They only care about the $$$ at the end of the day. Someone who is improperly trained in a trade and downing caffiene pills or effederine to stay awake could potentially be putting your life in danger. Someone who doesn't care about code or standards could be putting you in charge of something you are woefully unqualified for. Tards have an air of confidence but its usually based on stupidity and ignorance, not experience. The reason the ice roads are so dangerous is because tards always want to get the job done as quick as possible and bank more dollars. The Ice roads are apparently no problem if you are willing to drive at 40 km/h... The ice tends to break on anything over that, but rig tards always want to challenge authority. The Ice roads have a 1/4 mortality rate per year. Greed kills.
Be careful out there guys.
scotian 路 2012-10-08 21:06:00 路 #555
Badwolf, your experience shows the difference between the shitty pay and working conditions out east (especially in Atlantic Canada) and in Alberta. Out here, you will get run off site so fast your head will spin if you fail to use the proper PPE and fill out the required paper work such as Job Site Analysis and Field Level Risk Assessments.
While we're on the subject, I've been meaning to go on a safety rant since so many of you guys are now out here and already working and I'm sure there's more than a few lurkers out there who are using this info too.
Guys if there's one thing I want you to take from this thread is the fact that safety is of the utmost importance when working on any industrial site, especially on live sites such as refineries and drilling rigs where people are routinely injured and in some cases die.
If its not safe: DON'T FUCKING DO IT
This is especially important for you new guys who've never worked in an industrial environment, something like 70% of all industrial accidents happen to guys who are new to the industry. Many of them aren't used to the safety culture, some have improper training and lots of them cut corners to "get the job done".
I want to beat this into your heads that no job, no matter how big or small is worth risking serious injury or your life for. If you find yourself working on a crew or for a company that doesn't value safety among its employees, get the hell out of there, trust me its not worth it and there are plenty of other jobs out there with companies who do care.
If you're new and unaware of how a specific task should be done safely, ask your foreman or a safety guy, they will help. Always participate in the morning safety tail gate meetings and ask any questions that need to be addressed.
Its cool that a lot of you guys are making the move out west and working in the oil biz, I wish you all luck and hope you achieve your goals but all the big money and lifestyle that goes along with it means fuck all if you end up losing a limb or going home in a body bag.
While we're on the subject, I've been meaning to go on a safety rant since so many of you guys are now out here and already working and I'm sure there's more than a few lurkers out there who are using this info too.
Guys if there's one thing I want you to take from this thread is the fact that safety is of the utmost importance when working on any industrial site, especially on live sites such as refineries and drilling rigs where people are routinely injured and in some cases die.
If its not safe: DON'T FUCKING DO IT
This is especially important for you new guys who've never worked in an industrial environment, something like 70% of all industrial accidents happen to guys who are new to the industry. Many of them aren't used to the safety culture, some have improper training and lots of them cut corners to "get the job done".
I want to beat this into your heads that no job, no matter how big or small is worth risking serious injury or your life for. If you find yourself working on a crew or for a company that doesn't value safety among its employees, get the hell out of there, trust me its not worth it and there are plenty of other jobs out there with companies who do care.
If you're new and unaware of how a specific task should be done safely, ask your foreman or a safety guy, they will help. Always participate in the morning safety tail gate meetings and ask any questions that need to be addressed.
Its cool that a lot of you guys are making the move out west and working in the oil biz, I wish you all luck and hope you achieve your goals but all the big money and lifestyle that goes along with it means fuck all if you end up losing a limb or going home in a body bag.
scotian 路 2012-10-08 21:32:00 路 #556
Safety rant continued: DRIVING
When you start your new job out west, or even in the job interview, they'll likely ask you if you have a driver's license and a clean abstract, which I hope most of your do, although it isn't necessarily a deal breaker.
If you're anything like I was, you're an experienced driver but that experience is limited to driving a compact sedan through city streets and plowed country roads. Thank God I wasn't sent out for jobs in the bush by myself for the first couple of years because I probably wouldn't be around today if I had, I was always a passenger up until two years ago.
I actually took a defensive driving course and bought a 4X4 truck and played around with that until I was comfortable driving a work truck on my own. Most of the work trucks out here are full size 1-tonnes; Ford F350 and Dodge ram 3500, often with a big cap on the back so you can only use side mirrors.
Again, don't do anything that you're not properly trained on or are uncomfortable doing and this definitely includes driving, here's a video of the types of remote logging roads you'll be travelling on to get to drilling sites, pump stations, etc:
When you travel on these logging roads, the big semi-trucks loaded up with logs won't move out of your way or slow down for you, sometimes you literally have to drive into the ditch to avoid a collision, then radio in to one of the road operators (these roads are privately owned by logging companies) to come pull you out.
The worst road for fatalities in Alberta is the infamous highway 63 that runs up to Fort McMurray, a drive I've done numerous times. Its not the road that's so bad, its the idiots that drive on it, guys getting off their hitches who want to make it back home to Edmonton ASAP, we call it the Fort Mac 500.
Every year people die on it, including a girl I went to high school with last spring who was among 6 others killed in pile up caused by a young guy racing up to the Mac. http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/04/27/...-six-dead/
That crash happened where one of my idiot coworkers got a DUI last week and was also charged with reckless and dangerous driving, thankfully he's since been fired.
Drive safe guys!
When you start your new job out west, or even in the job interview, they'll likely ask you if you have a driver's license and a clean abstract, which I hope most of your do, although it isn't necessarily a deal breaker.
If you're anything like I was, you're an experienced driver but that experience is limited to driving a compact sedan through city streets and plowed country roads. Thank God I wasn't sent out for jobs in the bush by myself for the first couple of years because I probably wouldn't be around today if I had, I was always a passenger up until two years ago.
I actually took a defensive driving course and bought a 4X4 truck and played around with that until I was comfortable driving a work truck on my own. Most of the work trucks out here are full size 1-tonnes; Ford F350 and Dodge ram 3500, often with a big cap on the back so you can only use side mirrors.
Again, don't do anything that you're not properly trained on or are uncomfortable doing and this definitely includes driving, here's a video of the types of remote logging roads you'll be travelling on to get to drilling sites, pump stations, etc:
When you travel on these logging roads, the big semi-trucks loaded up with logs won't move out of your way or slow down for you, sometimes you literally have to drive into the ditch to avoid a collision, then radio in to one of the road operators (these roads are privately owned by logging companies) to come pull you out.
The worst road for fatalities in Alberta is the infamous highway 63 that runs up to Fort McMurray, a drive I've done numerous times. Its not the road that's so bad, its the idiots that drive on it, guys getting off their hitches who want to make it back home to Edmonton ASAP, we call it the Fort Mac 500.
Every year people die on it, including a girl I went to high school with last spring who was among 6 others killed in pile up caused by a young guy racing up to the Mac. http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/04/27/...-six-dead/
That crash happened where one of my idiot coworkers got a DUI last week and was also charged with reckless and dangerous driving, thankfully he's since been fired.
Drive safe guys!
Nima 路 2012-10-08 23:45:00 路 #557
Scotian I only have my class 7N (I believe it's equivalent to Alberta's Class 5, Probationary license). Do you think that will be a problem?
scotian 路 2012-10-09 08:28:00 路 #558
(10-08-2012 11:45 PM)Nima Wrote: Scotian I only have my class 7N (I believe it's equivalent to Alberta's Class 5, Probationary license). Do you think that will be a problem?
Shouldn't be, all I have is a class 5 but you should eventually get your full class 5 "graduated" license in order to drive a company vehicle. As I stated before, not having a license isn't a deal breaker, plenty of guys out here with DUIs who can't drive but it makes your resume less attractive to potential employers. Also, not driving in Alberta sucks, trust me, I did it for a year, the cities out here are definitely "car cities".
Vacancier Permanent 路 2012-10-09 22:57:00 路 #559
Today, went and did my H2S Alive course at Enform in Nisku. In retrospect, I should have waited and registered to do it in Edmonton and not in Nisku, which is kind of far and not convenient to get to specially if you have no car. However, I've been very lucky to have met here an outstanding guy such as Djemba Djemba, who on top of giving me a ton of tips and advices, has also been very kind to drive me to Nisku not only yesterday afternoon to see where the training centre for Enform is located but most importantly, to drive me there in the morning. I've been lucky that I've only meet top notch guys in here such as DD and Irishman and other guys I've been talking to in the hotel, have all been very kind to me by giving me a ton of tips. I hope to be able to not only repay these guys some way some day but also, I'm here and more than willing to help anyone who is looking to get here or once they get here.
One of the guys I've been talking to has been telling that one of the nicest and most in demand trades is that of having your level 3 and 5 truck driver licence as with those, you'd be golden any company would hire you right away. Plus it's not very physically demanding and when it's really cold outside, you're sitting inside a warm truck. And the money is good, like 9-11k for a 3 week rotation. Starting. Some food for thought for those who are qualified and who can be easily qualified...
Tonight and tomorrow morning, I'm going to be working on my resume and updating it and then, will start contacting companies. I want to get something going fast so that the soonest I start making money, the soonest I'm going to reach my goal...
One of the guys I've been talking to has been telling that one of the nicest and most in demand trades is that of having your level 3 and 5 truck driver licence as with those, you'd be golden any company would hire you right away. Plus it's not very physically demanding and when it's really cold outside, you're sitting inside a warm truck. And the money is good, like 9-11k for a 3 week rotation. Starting. Some food for thought for those who are qualified and who can be easily qualified...
Tonight and tomorrow morning, I'm going to be working on my resume and updating it and then, will start contacting companies. I want to get something going fast so that the soonest I start making money, the soonest I'm going to reach my goal...
pitt 路 2012-10-09 23:08:00 路 #560
Thats whats up VP, glad you also made the move.
Just wondering, are you going to work as a driller just like irishman?
Just wondering, are you going to work as a driller just like irishman?
scotian 路 2012-10-09 23:09:00 路 #561
Good luck VP, you'll be seeing me soon in Etown, probably Thursday night.
Guys I'm happy to say that today was my LAST DAY at work for the rest of the year, I"m so glad to be getting out of northern Alberta, after 6 long months up here, I'll finally be heading south on highway 63!
Guys I'm happy to say that today was my LAST DAY at work for the rest of the year, I"m so glad to be getting out of northern Alberta, after 6 long months up here, I'll finally be heading south on highway 63!
Vacancier Permanent 路 2012-10-09 23:14:00 路 #562
Pitt,
I'm open to anything however, I'd rather stay away from the rig as I've heard some truly shocking stories by guys who are staying in my hotel about drilling jobs and what the lease hand guys (newbies) go through and the hell they're put through by the more senior guys. I'd rather focus on a technical field, which is less of physically demanding and more of technical/intellectual type of jobs. But in the beginning, I'm not going to be picky as I just want to get a foot in the door so to speak and once that is done, then I can easily move up. I already received a lot of feedback, tips and suggestions from people I've been talking to in here, so lots of ideas floating around right now. I'll be sure to give the full details of the kind of job I've found once I do get one. So stay tuned...
My biggest regret of the year so far has been, as I just told Djemba Djemba last night over drinks, is that I had an opportunity to come to Alberta in April this year but I chickened out. Had I come then, I would have been now in a position to join Scotian and get the hell out of Canada for the winter till April. Lesson learned...
Have a safe drive to E town on Thursday Scotian. I'm excited to meet you bro! Let's paint the town in Red when when you get to E Town! Anyone else thinking of making the move soon? Now is the time guys, as they are hiring left and right!
I'm open to anything however, I'd rather stay away from the rig as I've heard some truly shocking stories by guys who are staying in my hotel about drilling jobs and what the lease hand guys (newbies) go through and the hell they're put through by the more senior guys. I'd rather focus on a technical field, which is less of physically demanding and more of technical/intellectual type of jobs. But in the beginning, I'm not going to be picky as I just want to get a foot in the door so to speak and once that is done, then I can easily move up. I already received a lot of feedback, tips and suggestions from people I've been talking to in here, so lots of ideas floating around right now. I'll be sure to give the full details of the kind of job I've found once I do get one. So stay tuned...
My biggest regret of the year so far has been, as I just told Djemba Djemba last night over drinks, is that I had an opportunity to come to Alberta in April this year but I chickened out. Had I come then, I would have been now in a position to join Scotian and get the hell out of Canada for the winter till April. Lesson learned...
Have a safe drive to E town on Thursday Scotian. I'm excited to meet you bro! Let's paint the town in Red when when you get to E Town! Anyone else thinking of making the move soon? Now is the time guys, as they are hiring left and right!
Ecksie 路 2012-10-09 23:26:00 路 #563
He would definitely land a job.....the technician diploma may set him up well for a career in instrumentation or as an electrician (MEGA-bucks). If I had a trade, it would likely be as an industrial electrician. It's dangerous if you aren't smart and safe but you make ridiculous coin for the effort.
If he wants a trade...there's a lot of electronics to install and maintain on all these refineries, upgraders, wellheads, etc. Hell, I met a guy last year who installed and maintained cell towers up north--he started a company and pulled down close to a million a year with 2 helpers.
If he wants to be in an office, he should move out here and work towards finishing his technology degree so he can't get the CET designation. That will open a lot of doors.
If he wants a trade...there's a lot of electronics to install and maintain on all these refineries, upgraders, wellheads, etc. Hell, I met a guy last year who installed and maintained cell towers up north--he started a company and pulled down close to a million a year with 2 helpers.
If he wants to be in an office, he should move out here and work towards finishing his technology degree so he can't get the CET designation. That will open a lot of doors.
(10-07-2012 01:32 AM)23Billion Wrote: Hey Ecksie thanks for the reply man.
Hey man another question. I told my buddy about what you said. I basically copied it and emailed it to him.
He then asked me to ask you about the job prospects for his older cousin who has an Electronics Technician Diploma from college in Toronto, and an unfinished Bachelor of Technology from the same school with absolutely no experience. I was told that the guy could not find any job at all so he discontinued his degree. I think I met him once he was so down and he was also working in retail. He told me to post the list of his qualifications to you so you'd know since you're a technical guy. So that guy's qualifications are:
1) Bachelor of Technology - unfinished degree
2) Electronics Engineering Technician Diploma, completed but no experience
3) CCNNA = Cisco Certified Network Associate. i was told this was a hard to get thing but he didn't find a job either because there are no jobs in Ontario.
4) A+ certification.
The dude had to get any job he could find to pay bills and support his family. So I am told he didn't find any job in his field.
Would that guy be able to land any decent paying jobs?
lavidaloca 路 2012-10-09 23:30:00 路 #564
9-11k in 3 weeks as a truck driver? Is that if you drive 16 hours a day? That is absolutely ridiculous. If you work 4 months straight then thats like 50k. I wonder if that type of pay is here to stay or whether it will come back down as more and more Canadians / Expats catch wind of the opportunities in Alberta.
pitt 路 2012-10-09 23:34:00 路 #565
(10-09-2012 11:14 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote: Pitt,
I'm open to anything however, I'd rather stay away from the rig as I've heard some truly shocking stories by guys who are staying in my hotel about drilling jobs and what the lease hand guys (newbies) go through and the hell they're put through by the more senior guys. I'd rather focus on a technical field, which is less of physically demanding and more of technical/intellectual type of jobs.
Care to share these shocking stories? Because i am planning to find a drilling job, im just wondering how bad it can be.
scotian 路 2012-10-09 23:43:00 路 #566
(10-09-2012 11:30 PM)lavidaloca Wrote: 9-11k in 3 weeks as a truck driver? That is absolutely ridiculous. If you work 4 months straight then thats like 50k. I wonder if that type of pay is here to stay or whether it will come back down as more and more Canadians / Expats catch wind of the opportunities in Alberta.
Those type of wages have been the norm for the past 10 years or so and I can't see them going down anytime soon, hopefully they'll go up even more!
Ecksie is spot on with his advice about the electrical field, I have a good friend who got his JM ticket last year and started working as an independent contractor at a mod yard in Edmonton making $65/hour, works 5 10 hour shifts M-F, not a bad gig and is home every night. I have another friend with an electrical background who does Programmable Logistics Controls (PCL) and makes so much money as a contractor that you probably wouldn't believe me if I wrote it on here.
That's where the real money is guys, independent contracting. Any jibroni tradesman can make $150-200 a year up here, look at me, I'm one of them, its the independent guys who make the really big money, $250-500 is definitely not unheard of, something to think about.
Ecksie 路 2012-10-10 00:07:00 路 #567
(10-08-2012 01:21 PM)Irishman Wrote:(10-05-2012 11:38 PM)Ecksie Wrote: I've had the opportunity of seeing the production/drilling side of the business as well and I can't recommend it. Sure, the coin is unbelievable as a rig consultant ($1500+/day) but it takes t least a decade of experience to get to that level..ive seen one guy who was younger but his brother, the petroleum engineer in charge of the drilling program, hired him. you'll make crazy cash even getting there--but the lifestyle isn't worth it. As a consultant, you're a contractor who will live on the Wellsite for months without break. As a contractor, labour laws don't apply and you can be forced to work 60 day stints. I've yet to meet one consultant, rig manager, or even driller than hasn't been sucked into spending a huge chunk of their money on booze, drugs, disgusting bush-hookers, and divorces. One of the drillers I met was close to 50--and paid 3 women alimony and two kids child support. He created a world where, although he pulled down 180k a year, he was always broke and rented a one bedroom condo in red deer when he wasn't working.
Petroleum engineers visit the drilling programs to see how the rigs are progressing-- but they are usually in the bush no more than 2 days. They also pull down 200k+.
Thanks for an insight into the drilling side of things but at the same time I find this really disheartening. I am going into drilling to build the life I want not to tear it apart. I hope I can avoid turning out like these guys. I think I should be able to since I am done with drugs, won't ever pay some bush hooker for sex and have a strong mindset and goals.
Sounds like I have my work cut out for me on all sides though- dangerous work, long hours, disgusting camps and an industry that turns you into a burnt out old man. Challenging but then I knew it would be.
I am hoping to make directional driller by three years and consultant by five. On the flip side if all these drillers are drugged up and burnt out then it should not be too hard to compete with them for promotions/jobs. I am a good net worker, a hard worker and when I put my mind to it and focus on something I can learn very fast.
For people who have experience in the industry how hard has it been for you to avoid ending up like the people described above?
I really believe that having the mindsets and goals described on this forum should go a long way in not ending up like this. I plan on using my money somewhat wisely and hopefully being around the million mark by 30.
As for being a Petroleum engineer- is it possible to switch over from drilling? How does it work-hours, job, set-up, career ladder etc.
It sounds even better again and if its possible to switch over in a few years then perfect.
Also has anyone looked into masters in Petroleum based courses. I seen some ads for some in Edmonton but haven't looked into it too much. I plan on being in the oil industry for a good while so if it helps in the long run I would definitely look into it.
Irish, good to see you have your head on tight. The fact is, it's an incredibly tough life. I'm not trying to sugarcoat anything and just want you to be aware of the challenges you may face and the people you'll likely be around. Now, the great side of it is this....if you can keep your current perspective, you'll have a lot of options in a few years. Petroleum engineer isn't out of the question but you would almost have to have some serious schooling. A petroleum engineer in charge of a drilling program may have 5 rigs going at once. If there are concerns about how the reservoir is flowing, he may fly in to meet and make adjustments to the program but otherwise, s/he lives and works out of Calgary. I really considered going back to university to get my masters in petroleum engineering last year.
If your goal is to make consultant--put in the time and you'll climb the rig ladder fast. 3 years seems possible but it will take a LOT of dedication and hours. What I was told is that becoming a driller takes a while but at that point, you just need to write a fairly simple test and set yourself up with liability insurance to become consultant. FYI, as a consultant, you are the one liable if something happens on your Wellsite. The wells integrity and your people's safety is your responsibility and it's not to be taken lightly. That being said, you'll easily clear 200k when times are good.
catalyst 路 2012-10-10 00:55:00 路 #568
(10-09-2012 11:34 PM)pitt Wrote:(10-09-2012 11:14 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote: Pitt,
I'm open to anything however, I'd rather stay away from the rig as I've heard some truly shocking stories by guys who are staying in my hotel about drilling jobs and what the lease hand guys (newbies) go through and the hell they're put through by the more senior guys. I'd rather focus on a technical field, which is less of physically demanding and more of technical/intellectual type of jobs.
Care to share these shocking stories? Because i am planning to find a drilling job, im just wondering how bad it can be.
One of my friend's older brother has been working the rig for a couple of years. According to my friend, if you are new on the rigs, you are basically pretty effed for a while. It's almost like hazing, except worse.
Personally, I can deal with cold, away from family (15 months and counting), lack of pussy, and even racists. But not a big fan of hazing here. I went through basic 7 years ago, I have no intention of going through another hazing ritual if I can help it.
If I have any hesitation, it's shit like this. If you guys can share some of your experience on this matter (just isolated to the rigs or rather widespread..), that would be good.
Atlantic 路 2012-10-10 09:36:00 路 #569
On my phone so Ill write more later but sounds like I have a bit of a tough time ahead. Im going to stick with the drilling plan though. If other people can do it so can I. Im more motivated, just as tough and have come this far. I hope I can report back differently on the working conditions but if not Ill stick with it anyway. Good big or go home as we say back in Ireland.
pitt 路 2012-10-10 09:53:00 路 #570
(10-10-2012 09:36 AM)Irishman Wrote: On my phone so Ill write more later but sounds like I have a bit of a tough time ahead. Im going to stick with the drilling plan though. If other people can do it so can I. Im more motivated, just as tough and have come this far. I hope I can report back differently on the working conditions but if not Ill stick with it anyway. Good big or go home as we say back in Ireland.
Thats fucking motivating..GO BIG OR GO HOME
scotian 路 2012-10-10 09:54:00 路 #571
Good attitude Irishman, you're right, if other people can do it, then why not you?
I don't think there's too much "hazing" going on, at least not like you'd see in a frat house, there is a lot of work to do so there shouldn't be a lot of time for shenanigans. There likely will be a lot of screaming and yelling and hard work going on and not a lot of idle time on the rig, I'm sure you're ready for that.
Even if it does suck really bad, the rewards for toughing it out until the spring break-up are huge, you'll have enough money saved up to explore other options in the oil biz, if that's what you'd like to do at that time.
I don't think there's too much "hazing" going on, at least not like you'd see in a frat house, there is a lot of work to do so there shouldn't be a lot of time for shenanigans. There likely will be a lot of screaming and yelling and hard work going on and not a lot of idle time on the rig, I'm sure you're ready for that.
Even if it does suck really bad, the rewards for toughing it out until the spring break-up are huge, you'll have enough money saved up to explore other options in the oil biz, if that's what you'd like to do at that time.
Beyond Borders 路 2012-10-10 23:31:00 路 #572
(10-10-2012 09:36 AM)Irishman Wrote: On my phone so Ill write more later but sounds like I have a bit of a tough time ahead. Im going to stick with the drilling plan though. If other people can do it so can I. Im more motivated, just as tough and have come this far. I hope I can report back differently on the working conditions but if not Ill stick with it anyway. Good big or go home as we say back in Ireland.
We say that where I come from too.
How is the job market in the FSU and how are the salaries compared to that of Petroleum Engineers in USA/Canada? I'm just stuck on where to receive my degree, Russia/Canada/USA..
scotian 路 2012-10-11 08:41:00 路 #574
(10-11-2012 07:09 AM)BrownBear Wrote: How is the job market in the FSU and how are the salaries compared to that of Petroleum Engineers in USA/Canada? I'm just stuck on where to receive my degree, Russia/Canada/USA..
Not too sure what the job market is like there although I do know that the FSU and Russia have A LOT of natural resources, even more oil than Canada and lots of natural gas.
(10-11-2012 08:41 AM)scotian Wrote:(10-11-2012 07:09 AM)BrownBear Wrote: How is the job market in the FSU and how are the salaries compared to that of Petroleum Engineers in USA/Canada? I'm just stuck on where to receive my degree, Russia/Canada/USA..
Not too sure what the job market is like there although I do know that the FSU and Russia have A LOT of natural resources, even more oil than Canada and lots of natural gas.
http://www.shell.com/home/content/abouts.../sakhalin/
Quote:Sakhalin-2 is one of the world鈥檚 largest integrated, export-oriented oil and gas projects and Russia鈥檚 first offshore gas project.
Quote:It will meet almost 8% of Japan鈥檚 gas needs and 5% of South Korea鈥檚
You were right Scotian, that's a A LOT of gas from one project.