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How’s it going everyone, hope your all doing well. I’ve been eary wigging on this blog for months. It’s been fantastic, informative & fun to follow and hopefully helps change my life for the good. Thanks a million to all the input, Scotian & his followers.
I’m from Ireland, a Pipefitter/Plumber. I sent out my CV to lot of companies in May’12. Received a letter of offer within weeks. The AAIT in Alberta have assessed and temporarily approved my existing Steamfitter/Pipefitter qualifications from Ireland and I’m due to arrive out before end of this month fingers crossed.
When I was sent the initial job offer, I noticed it was cc,d at least 20 others. But in the last few emails I’ve received its only cc’d to another 3 people. Maybe the others just dropped out.
I’ve jumped from one trade to another when needs must. You have to move with the flow, bend the rule book. In the university of life we soon realize how diverse you need to be in life career ways. After a few weeks in a trade you’ll be as confident as most others. Move on or you’ll miss the boat, you can always fall back on it. If you were born in a stable it wouldn’t make you a horse so never let your trade or occupation own you.
That’s my thoughts anyway!
Can I ask;
What’s the typical % deductions from a weeks wages in Alberta ie Tax etc…?
What’s camp lifes most essential must haves for your room and for working on site?
scotian · 2012-11-12 00:07:00 · #652
(11-11-2012 05:54 PM)Pipe bender Wrote: How’s it going everyone, hope your all doing well. I’ve been eary wigging on this blog for months. It’s been fantastic, informative & fun to follow and hopefully helps change my life for the good. Thanks a million to all the input, Scotian & his followers.
I’m from Ireland, a Pipefitter/Plumber. I sent out my CV to lot of companies in May’12. Received a letter of offer within weeks. The AAIT in Alberta have assessed and temporarily approved my existing Steamfitter/Pipefitter qualifications from Ireland and I’m due to arrive out before end of this month fingers crossed.
When I was sent the initial job offer, I noticed it was cc,d at least 20 others. But in the last few emails I’ve received its only cc’d to another 3 people. Maybe the others just dropped out.
I’ve jumped from one trade to another when needs must. You have to move with the flow, bend the rule book. In the university of life we soon realize how diverse you need to be in life career ways. After a few weeks in a trade you’ll be as confident as most others. Move on or you’ll miss the boat, you can always fall back on it. If you were born in a stable it wouldn’t make you a horse so never let your trade or occupation own you.
That’s my thoughts anyway!
Can I ask;
What’s the typical % deductions from a weeks wages in Alberta ie Tax etc…?
What’s camp lifes most essential must haves for your room and for working on site?
Good luck with the big move man and make sure you bring some warm clothes because you'll need them. I'm not sure what the exact tax rates are, I stopped looking at my cheques because it depresses me but you'll pay federal taxes and Alberta provincial taxes, you can look up both on line.
As for camp essentials, I think I've already listed them on the thread but I would say flip flop sandals for the showers, any medication or vitamins/supplements, cigarettes if you smoke, a lap top PC, ethernet cable if there's no wi-fi. When you get a cell phone in Canada make sure the provider knows you're going up north out of the three big cell companies in Canada (Telus, Bell, Rogers) I think that Telus has the best coverage in northern Alberta.
The companies usually provide you with basic work clothes like coveralls, rain coat, rubber boots, gloves but its up to you to buy things like insulated boots, socks, thermal under wear, etc. All of that is available at Mark's Work Warehouse in any Canadian city.
scotian · 2012-11-12 00:09:00 · #653
(11-11-2012 05:54 PM)Pipe bender Wrote: How’s it going everyone, hope your all doing well. I’ve been eary wigging on this blog for months. It’s been fantastic, informative & fun to follow and hopefully helps change my life for the good. Thanks a million to all the input, Scotian & his followers.
I’m from Ireland, a Pipefitter/Plumber. I sent out my CV to lot of companies in May’12. Received a letter of offer within weeks. The AAIT in Alberta have assessed and temporarily approved my existing Steamfitter/Pipefitter qualifications from Ireland and I’m due to arrive out before end of this month fingers crossed.
When I was sent the initial job offer, I noticed it was cc,d at least 20 others. But in the last few emails I’ve received its only cc’d to another 3 people. Maybe the others just dropped out.
I’ve jumped from one trade to another when needs must. You have to move with the flow, bend the rule book. In the university of life we soon realize how diverse you need to be in life career ways. After a few weeks in a trade you’ll be as confident as most others. Move on or you’ll miss the boat, you can always fall back on it. If you were born in a stable it wouldn’t make you a horse so never let your trade or occupation own you.
That’s my thoughts anyway!
Can I ask;
What’s the typical % deductions from a weeks wages in Alberta ie Tax etc…?
What’s camp lifes most essential must haves for your room and for working on site?
Good luck with the big move man and make sure you bring some warm clothes because you'll need them. I'm not sure what the exact tax rates are, I stopped looking at my cheques because it depresses me but you'll pay federal taxes and Alberta provincial taxes, you can look up both on line.
As for camp essentials, I think I've already listed them on the thread but I would say flip flop sandals for the showers, any medication or vitamins/supplements, cigarettes if you smoke, a lap top PC, ethernet cable if there's no wi-fi. When you get a cell phone in Canada make sure the provider knows you're going up north out of the three big cell companies in Canada (Telus, Bell, Rogers) I think that Telus has the best coverage in northern Alberta.
The companies usually provide you with basic work clothes like coveralls, rain coat, rubber boots, gloves but its up to you to buy things like insulated boots, socks, thermal under wear, etc. All of that is available at Mark's Work Warehouse in any Canadian city.
Fantastic Scotian, all items now on my list. I've no word of any date today but I will post my destination etc, as when I know.
Virtus · 2012-11-12 16:47:00 · #655
Would love to get there by spring/summer if my other project does not lift off by then. Looking at taking either welding or PLC programming full time by then. What is your opinion of PLC programming working out as a path to oil fields either there or in ND?
Hey guys, firstly can I just say a big thank you to Scotian, Irishman, DjembaDjemba and everyone other contributor to this fantastic thread. I was recently advised by a friend to take a look and have been amazed to discover the opportunities in the oilsands, if you are prepared for hard work and more than a few sacrifices!
I am a twenty eight year old Irish man desperately seeking the means to a more comfortable future life and having found this thread, I am extremely eager to make the move ASAP. My back-round is in construction, although I have no official trade, I would consider myself accomplished in the forming and finishing of anything concrete. I also have experience in demolition and to a lesser extent scaffolding.
I am hopeful of gaining a visa through the International Experience Canada programme in January, so from now until then I want to gather as much further information as possible and would be extremely grateful for any advice and opinions on what the best route forward is, especially what line of work to go for. I suppose like many others I am looking for reassurance that there is well paid work available for those prepared for hard graft. I'm fortunate enough to still have employment in Ireland but the current economic climate means wages are terrible and future prospects bleak. It would be great to actually get well rewarded for hard work as opposed to struggling through on a meagre wage and having little/nothing to show for it!
Hopefully some of you guys can give me a little information or encouragement about how to best pursue my aims. I would quite like to continue in either scaffolding or another construction sector but would like to know how the wages compare. I think the IEC visa is only valid for two years so if that is the case, my aim would be to work like crazy and enjoy the benefits after. Would also be grateful if anyone knows if employers are keen to extend visas or help with the process if they think an employee is valuable or loyal?? I know its a long way down the road but I'm just curious!
Anyway, thanks once again to everyone involved and appreciate you taking the time out to read my post. Go raibh maith agaibh!
The IEC program is only valid for 2 years unless you are Australian. Your best bet would be to get as many tickets as possible in these 2 years and make an application to become a provincial nominee with your employer. This leads to permanent residency.
What sort of trade are you looking to get into? If you have it narrowed down it will be easier to convince employers to take you on.
I will follow up soon on the Provincial Nominee program in Alberta soon to give those with limited immigration options a path to making this work long term.
scotian · 2012-11-12 19:29:00 · #658
(11-12-2012 06:15 PM)celticman Wrote: Hey guys, firstly can I just say a big thank you to Scotian, Irishman, DjembaDjemba and everyone other contributor to this fantastic thread. I was recently advised by a friend to take a look and have been amazed to discover the opportunities in the oilsands, if you are prepared for hard work and more than a few sacrifices!
I am a twenty eight year old Irish man desperately seeking the means to a more comfortable future life and having found this thread, I am extremely eager to make the move ASAP. My back-round is in construction, although I have no official trade, I would consider myself accomplished in the forming and finishing of anything concrete. I also have experience in demolition and to a lesser extent scaffolding.
I am hopeful of gaining a visa through the International Experience Canada programme in January, so from now until then I want to gather as much further information as possible and would be extremely grateful for any advice and opinions on what the best route forward is, especially what line of work to go for. I suppose like many others I am looking for reassurance that there is well paid work available for those prepared for hard graft. I'm fortunate enough to still have employment in Ireland but the current economic climate means wages are terrible and future prospects bleak. It would be great to actually get well rewarded for hard work as opposed to struggling through on a meagre wage and having little/nothing to show for it!
Hopefully some of you guys can give me a little information or encouragement about how to best pursue my aims. I would quite like to continue in either scaffolding or another construction sector but would like to know how the wages compare. I think the IEC visa is only valid for two years so if that is the case, my aim would be to work like crazy and enjoy the benefits after. Would also be grateful if anyone knows if employers are keen to extend visas or help with the process if they think an employee is valuable or loyal?? I know its a long way down the road but I'm just curious!
Anyway, thanks once again to everyone involved and appreciate you taking the time out to read my post. Go raibh maith agaibh!
I know there's always ads for concrete guys in the local Edmonton papers, a buddy of mine worked for a company called P-Ban (
http://www.pban.ca/) they have work all over northern Alberta, oil sands included. One company I know that hires lots of guys from Europe and the UK is Clark Builders, they're a big outfit (
http://www.clarkbuilders.com/). Also the largest construction company in Canada is called PCL, they're into everything from oil sands to commerical construcion from coast to coast (
http://www.pcl.com). I've listed others throughout the thread, once you get your paper work in order, start calling and firing off CVs. Good luck, slainte!
scotian · 2012-11-12 19:36:00 · #659
(11-12-2012 04:47 PM)calihunter Wrote: Would love to get there by spring/summer if my other project does not lift off by then. Looking at taking either welding or PLC programming full time by then. What is your opinion of PLC programming working out as a path to oil fields either there or in ND?
One of my best friends from home is a PLC programmer based out of Calgary and he does very well for himself, he works as a self contractor. He's pretty much always busy and back in 08' he worked in Argentina off and on for almost two years, his day rate was $1800, he makes less now that he has a family and 40/week office job downtown but is still doing well.
I can't really say how busy it is for those guys because I don't often run into them, my friend is the only PLC guy I know but he does well and often has to turn down work. There's a lot of automation in any oil and gas operation from the fabrication stage to production, I imagine there's a good demand for it in ND as well at things likes rigs, pipe lines, pump stations up until the refineries.
(11-12-2012 06:15 PM)celticman Wrote: Hey guys, firstly can I just say a big thank you to Scotian, Irishman, DjembaDjemba and everyone other contributor to this fantastic thread. I was recently advised by a friend to take a look and have been amazed to discover the opportunities in the oilsands, if you are prepared for hard work and more than a few sacrifices!
I am a twenty eight year old Irish man desperately seeking the means to a more comfortable future life and having found this thread, I am extremely eager to make the move ASAP. My back-round is in construction, although I have no official trade, I would consider myself accomplished in the forming and finishing of anything concrete. I also have experience in demolition and to a lesser extent scaffolding.
I am hopeful of gaining a visa through the International Experience Canada programme in January, so from now until then I want to gather as much further information as possible and would be extremely grateful for any advice and opinions on what the best route forward is, especially what line of work to go for. I suppose like many others I am looking for reassurance that there is well paid work available for those prepared for hard graft. I'm fortunate enough to still have employment in Ireland but the current economic climate means wages are terrible and future prospects bleak. It would be great to actually get well rewarded for hard work as opposed to struggling through on a meagre wage and having little/nothing to show for it!
Hopefully some of you guys can give me a little information or encouragement about how to best pursue my aims. I would quite like to continue in either scaffolding or another construction sector but would like to know how the wages compare. I think the IEC visa is only valid for two years so if that is the case, my aim would be to work like crazy and enjoy the benefits after. Would also be grateful if anyone knows if employers are keen to extend visas or help with the process if they think an employee is valuable or loyal?? I know its a long way down the road but I'm just curious!
Anyway, thanks once again to everyone involved and appreciate you taking the time out to read my post. Go raibh maith agaibh!
Go with the IEC visa, which is now for two years, forget getting one through an employer you've never met and will be stuck with.
Get written proof of as many scaffolding hours that you can convince your employers or ex-employers to give you.....also get whatever scaffolding tickets you can while still in Ireland, they might set you back a few bob now but it will be worth it.
Unlike in Ireland scaffolding is a serious trade in Canada with a 4 year apprenticeship.
If you can manage to get proof of 3000 hours you can challenge the Journeyman test to become a qualified scaffolder or you could even end up an apprentice through the Union.
Journeyman scaffolders earn about 50$per hour and they have a huge amount of work through the Edmonton Union (Local 1325).
Scaffolders are always in big demand and can always work the longest hours legally allowed.
PM me if you need any more help.
(11-11-2012 05:54 PM)Pipe bender Wrote: How’s it going everyone, hope your all doing well. I’ve been eary wigging on this blog for months. It’s been fantastic, informative & fun to follow and hopefully helps change my life for the good. Thanks a million to all the input, Scotian & his followers.
I’m from Ireland, a Pipefitter/Plumber. I sent out my CV to lot of companies in May’12. Received a letter of offer within weeks. The AAIT in Alberta have assessed and temporarily approved my existing Steamfitter/Pipefitter qualifications from Ireland and I’m due to arrive out before end of this month fingers crossed.
When I was sent the initial job offer, I noticed it was cc,d at least 20 others. But in the last few emails I’ve received its only cc’d to another 3 people. Maybe the others just dropped out.
I’ve jumped from one trade to another when needs must. You have to move with the flow, bend the rule book. In the university of life we soon realize how diverse you need to be in life career ways. After a few weeks in a trade you’ll be as confident as most others. Move on or you’ll miss the boat, you can always fall back on it. If you were born in a stable it wouldn’t make you a horse so never let your trade or occupation own you.
That’s my thoughts anyway!
Can I ask;
What’s the typical % deductions from a weeks wages in Alberta ie Tax etc…?
What’s camp lifes most essential must haves for your room and for working on site?
About 33% in total.
Thanks Lux,.
Does the tax year start in January and is it more benificial to start work then rather than now.
Am I able to recliam a better % of tax in the first year.
I've noticed guys work several months and then return the next year. Just thought it was a way to avoid higher tax.
(11-13-2012 06:54 AM)Pipe bender Wrote: Thanks Lux,.
Does the tax year start in January and is it more benificial to start work then rather than now.
Am I able to recliam a better % of tax in the first year.
I've noticed guys work several months and then return the next year. Just thought it was a way to avoid higher tax.
Guys build up social welfare credits, in alberta this takes 700 hours, once you have surpassed 700 hours your tax will go down by about 10%.
Guys will then take a few months off still getting paid by the government, I'm not sure of how much but I can to find out.
There are a few other things that I can't remember right now, but basically the more hours you do the faster your tax rate will come down.
(11-12-2012 07:36 PM)scotian Wrote: (11-12-2012 04:47 PM)calihunter Wrote: Would love to get there by spring/summer if my other project does not lift off by then. Looking at taking either welding or PLC programming full time by then. What is your opinion of PLC programming working out as a path to oil fields either there or in ND?
One of my best friends from home is a PLC programmer based out of Calgary and he does very well for himself, he works as a self contractor. He's pretty much always busy and back in 08' he worked in Argentina off and on for almost two years, his day rate was $1800, he makes less now that he has a family and 40/week office job downtown but is still doing well.
I can't really say how busy it is for those guys because I don't often run into them, my friend is the only PLC guy I know but he does well and often has to turn down work. There's a lot of automation in any oil and gas operation from the fabrication stage to production, I imagine there's a good demand for it in ND as well at things likes rigs, pipe lines, pump stations up until the refineries.
Scotian - Thanks for posting. I'd love more insights from your friend on such opportunities in Latin America and other places. PLC, Information/ data management / IT related stuff with such high pay rates?
scotian · 2012-11-18 05:05:00 · #666
(11-17-2012 09:06 AM)xmlenigma Wrote: (11-12-2012 07:36 PM)scotian Wrote: (11-12-2012 04:47 PM)calihunter Wrote: Would love to get there by spring/summer if my other project does not lift off by then. Looking at taking either welding or PLC programming full time by then. What is your opinion of PLC programming working out as a path to oil fields either there or in ND?
One of my best friends from home is a PLC programmer based out of Calgary and he does very well for himself, he works as a self contractor. He's pretty much always busy and back in 08' he worked in Argentina off and on for almost two years, his day rate was $1800, he makes less now that he has a family and 40/week office job downtown but is still doing well.
I can't really say how busy it is for those guys because I don't often run into them, my friend is the only PLC guy I know but he does well and often has to turn down work. There's a lot of automation in any oil and gas operation from the fabrication stage to production, I imagine there's a good demand for it in ND as well at things likes rigs, pipe lines, pump stations up until the refineries.
Scotian - Thanks for posting. I'd love more insights from your friend on such opportunities in Latin America and other places. PLC, Information/ data management / IT related stuff with such high pay rates?
I'll get in touch with him in the next few days and post some info on the forum.
Thanks Scotian - At such pay rates I'd love to work in Brazil/ Argentina / LA countries.
Here is some info regarding immigration options for those who can't get IEC or want to stay on after their IEC working holiday.
The PNP program is a good option for those with certification that is recognised in Alberta and/or those with job offer already sorted out.
http://www.albertacanada.com/immigration.../ainp.aspx
The general idea is that you get a temporary work permit to work the offered job while you wait for CIC to process your application (almost 2 years).
Those with trades should look up there number on the following website to get the 4 digit number and use that number to enquire on the PNP website to see if they are good to go.
http://www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/NOC/English/NOC/...lcome.aspx
There is a lot of info to comb through there but for AB the options are basically employer driven or trade driven. There is an obligation to attempt to settle in the Province (legally this means landing in Alberta and declaring your intent to the border guard when the time comes) but as this is the province where all the bitumen is it's not really an issue for those that wish to get their 6 figures in 6 months.
If you don't have trade certification and are willing to play a long run strategy then get it in your home country or during your working holiday and make sure Alberta recognises it. They will have you if you are willing to come over and contribute to the economy (read:pay taxes for a lifetime).
This is by no means the only option there are federal schemes and family schemes but currently the Federal Skilled Worker category is collapsed with an insane backlog.
Hit me up if you have any questions. I am a PNP nominee myself for BC.
Sorry I haven't been able to update you guys. It's been 2 weeks since I've been here. Got all my safety tickets done, explored the city and have begun applying both online and in person. Haven't met any of the other guys yet. Thoughts so far:
For trades and gigs around Alberta, check out Nisku, pretty much everyone I met said there is work there. Just drop an application, getting there is the hard part. You really need a car, otherwise its pretty inconvenient with the bus. The labourers union is pretty swamped, those guys are moving into carpentry and scaffolding.There are 2 major projects opening up nearby, Shell is one of them. There will be a demand in Spring. Most people try to stay in the area, if you are willing to travel it opens up doors. I was advised to look into safety too, though from the stories I heard, those guys have to take a lot of crap.
For white collar gigs, they hire mostly out of Calgary and have experienced guys. I got in touch with a few bankers and they have a more somber view of the Albertan economy. If you are looking for sales, there are some options, mostly industrial equipment with a focus on Saskatchewan.
I've met quite a few people who've moved here, mainly BC but some lovely Ontario women too. Quite a few Irish guys in my classes. Ive been living with relatives and have had to lay low, there is a push amongst the south Asian community to get people here, this place won't be the same in a few years. West Edmonton Mall has some prime day game choice, I haven't dabbled much and have wussed out on some clear options. I cant speak for the nightlife though.
For younger cats, look into the technical colleges, if you have an engineering background, sometimes you won't find work. I strongly advise you to take a technologist course, lose the engineering ego. You can do the program in an accelerated format within a year by skipping courses. One kid I met, as an electrical engineer couldn't find work, did instrumentation technology and is raking in 11k a month now. Hasn't been home in 3 months, always travelling.
I'll keep you boys posted on my progress.
scotian · 2012-11-19 10:05:00 · #670
Good to hear you're making progress Brownman, just curious about the two major projects opening up nearby, are you talking about up in Fort Saskatchewan and Red Water? Is the Shell project the Scotford refinery in Fort Sask? I worked on the Scotford expanion back in 09' and it was nice to be living in Edmonton and still making really good money there.
(11-18-2012 11:42 PM)brownman Wrote: Sorry I haven't been able to update you guys. It's been 2 weeks since I've been here. Got all my safety tickets done, explored the city and have begun applying both online and in person. Haven't met any of the other guys yet. Thoughts so far:
For trades and gigs around Alberta, check out Nisku, pretty much everyone I met said there is work there. Just drop an application, getting there is the hard part. You really need a car, otherwise its pretty inconvenient with the bus. The labourers union is pretty swamped, those guys are moving into carpentry and scaffolding.There are 2 major projects opening up nearby, Shell is one of them. There will be a demand in Spring. Most people try to stay in the area, if you are willing to travel it opens up doors. I was advised to look into safety too, though from the stories I heard, those guys have to take a lot of crap.
For white collar gigs, they hire mostly out of Calgary and have experienced guys. I got in touch with a few bankers and they have a more somber view of the Albertan economy. If you are looking for sales, there are some options, mostly industrial equipment with a focus on Saskatchewan.
I've met quite a few people who've moved here, mainly BC but some lovely Ontario women too. Quite a few Irish guys in my classes. Ive been living with relatives and have had to lay low, there is a push amongst the south Asian community to get people here, this place won't be the same in a few years. West Edmonton Mall has some prime day game choice, I haven't dabbled much and have wussed out on some clear options. I cant speak for the nightlife though.
For younger cats, look into the technical colleges, if you have an engineering background, sometimes you won't find work. I strongly advise you to take a technologist course, lose the engineering ego. You can do the program in an accelerated format within a year by skipping courses. One kid I met, as an electrical engineer couldn't find work, did instrumentation technology and is raking in 11k a month now. Hasn't been home in 3 months, always travelling.
I'll keep you boys posted on my progress.
The shops are swamped. People don't like travelling away from home as much. It's a good idea to get an out of town gig, but there's disadvantages. It's harder to get guys working out in the bush than in town. The rural areas far from Edmonton/Calgary are where the money is. I'm in a pretty remote area right now myself.
Nima · 2012-11-20 21:41:00 · #672
Damn, haven't checked out the thread in a bit. Need to catch up.
Scotian, I had a level 3 Occupational First Aid certificate (highest level). It's now expired. I worked for 6 months for a temp agency using that ticket here in Vancouver. The money was good (I was in college and I was getting 16-18 an hour). I went to get recertified yesterday, but I realized that I would have to pay 1000 dollars to retake the course+test. I want to have a first aid ticket of some sort before going to Alberta, do you think this is overkill? This is equivalent to something similar in Alberta, but I don't know what exactly. I believe in Alberta you have "advanced first aid." Do you have any idea about this?
I wouldn't mind getting recertified if I can use it somehow in Alberta. I can make up the cost by using the ticket here before moving to Alberta.
Zeus · 2012-11-20 23:17:00 · #673
(11-20-2012 09:41 PM)Nima Wrote: I had a level 3 Occupational First Aid certificate (highest level). It's now expired. ...I want to have a first aid ticket of some sort before going to Alberta, do you think this is overkill? This is equivalent to something similar in Alberta, but I don't know what exactly. I believe in Alberta you have "advanced first aid." Do you have any idea about this?
I wouldn't mind getting recertified if I can use it somehow in Alberta. I can make up the cost by using the ticket here before moving to Alberta.
If you want to get in a skilled trade, all you need is standars first aid. Cost is ~ $140 and 2 days of your time.
Nima · 2012-11-21 01:49:00 · #674
(11-20-2012 11:17 PM)Zeus Wrote: (11-20-2012 09:41 PM)Nima Wrote: I had a level 3 Occupational First Aid certificate (highest level). It's now expired. ...I want to have a first aid ticket of some sort before going to Alberta, do you think this is overkill? This is equivalent to something similar in Alberta, but I don't know what exactly. I believe in Alberta you have "advanced first aid." Do you have any idea about this?
I wouldn't mind getting recertified if I can use it somehow in Alberta. I can make up the cost by using the ticket here before moving to Alberta.
If you want to get in a skilled trade, all you need is standars first aid. Cost is ~ $140 and 2 days of your time.
Thanks for the reply
I'm going to Calgary first to take a course. In the meantime I will be doing random jobs. Here in Vancouver an OFA level 3 certificate (equal to advanced first aid in Alberta) will get you a nice 5-6 dollar pay increase (to work as a labourer/first aid attendant on construction sites). Does the advanced first aid certificate in Alberta allow you to work as a first aid attendant?
scotian · 2012-11-21 02:08:00 · #675
(11-21-2012 01:49 AM)Nima Wrote: (11-20-2012 11:17 PM)Zeus Wrote: (11-20-2012 09:41 PM)Nima Wrote: I had a level 3 Occupational First Aid certificate (highest level). It's now expired. ...I want to have a first aid ticket of some sort before going to Alberta, do you think this is overkill? This is equivalent to something similar in Alberta, but I don't know what exactly. I believe in Alberta you have "advanced first aid." Do you have any idea about this?
I wouldn't mind getting recertified if I can use it somehow in Alberta. I can make up the cost by using the ticket here before moving to Alberta.
If you want to get in a skilled trade, all you need is standars first aid. Cost is ~ $140 and 2 days of your time.
Thanks for the reply
I'm going to Calgary first to take a course. In the meantime I will be doing random jobs. Here in Vancouver an OFA level 3 certificate (equal to advanced first aid in Alberta) will get you a nice 5-6 dollar pay increase (to work as a labourer/first aid attendant on construction sites). Does the advanced first aid certificate in Alberta allow you to work as a first aid attendant?
I'm not sure about that, better to directly contact some safety companies such as United Safety (
http://www.unitedsafety.net/) or HSE Integrated (
http://www.hseintegrated.com/), or the safety departments of the many contractors I listed in the thread.
Also, have you looked into work in BC? There's lots of jobs in the NE in such lovely places as Fort St.John and Fort Nelson, offering Fly in/out from Van city. If your certs aren't recognized in AB, then that may be the way to go if you want to go the EMT or first aid route.
If you're looking to get into a trade, then sure your first-aid training wouldn't hurt but it won't help all that much, one of those things that is nice to have on a resume but won't be a primary reason why you'll get hired.