Has anyone been affected by the visa delays? I've been waiting for my visa for over 75 days now, such bull shit.

(07-31-2013 02:18 AM)MicTyson Wrote:  Irishman why did you have such a long shutdown?
...
Is it possible for you to jump company to company like everyone else in Alberta seems to do?
...
Being an insider do you know of any companies to avoid?
...
I'm also guessing from you saying a 4-8 hour drive you're not always going to the same rig. Does that change rotation to rotation or is it based off of where you're needed as a measurement guy?

Q 1

The drilling industry is highly seasonal. Once a pad is drilled (1 or more holes drilled in a single location) all the gear that makes up a rig most be moved to the next location. In the winter months it is actually quite easy to move the massive trucks that carry the rig around from location to location. The ground is frozen and provides good support for the heavy loads. During the spring and summer the ground is not as solid. Things like rain affect the roads and slow down the movement of equipment. This usually means that drilling stops for most of spring and is slow through the summer months. This year having had a lot of rain the drilling season has been very slow. There are also other factors like the price of oil and drilling investment that can affect how much drilling takes place. Being new to the company I was close to the bottom of a long list of people to get work. Next year should not be as bad but it could always be worse. Thats just how driling goes.

Q 2

I could switch companies but it wouldn`t be a smart move. Being loyal is huge in the drilling industry and you will quickly gain a reputation as someone who will jump ship. Noone wants to invest time and knowledge in a guy who is going to leave for another company the moment things slow down. I could have switched but I like my company and promised to hold tight till things picked up again. My boss now knows now that I am loyal, able to budget and hussle to keep myself going and am not just going to quit when it gets tough. By staying with the same company I have boosted my reputation and respect from my drilling bosses.

Q 3

So far I would do not know of any companies to avoid. I would try find work with a larger company if possible. They will have more work and better training most likely.

Q 4

Sometimes I return to the same location to MWD for another hole on the same pad but in general I am moved around a lot. I work with a lot of different drilling companies (our company is sub contracted to measure for them). Once you are a leadhand you tend to stay with the same rig at lot more. As a leasehand you will nearly always follow the same rig with the same crew including helping out with rig moves.

Again thanks for the info. I've been trying to get a friend to come work with me but he refuses. He thinks the economic black hole area we live in will recover. It's awesome that everyone who made the move is doing well especially you guys from outside of Canada. From what I've read on here and other sources the rigs seem like the right place to be. Everyone that starts is "dumb" to the kind of work that they'll be doing because it's so specialized and it sounds like if you shut your mouth and work hard it's impossible to not advance.

Albertron said he was doing derrickhand duties periodically because of a fall arrest ticket, are there any other tickets besides the necessary ones that can help advance you faster like confined spaces? I have my ticket to operate an overhead crane and have experience with robotic maintenance, machine operations, quality control, and some very light industrial electric work but those 4 are just hands on with no formal education. I do have 3 years of schooling in economics and 1 in international business but suits are for people who hire other people to fix their shit.

Quick Edit: What is an interview like with a drilling company? Is it alot of " tell me about a time when this happened" or is it less formal?

(07-31-2013 03:12 AM)MicTyson Wrote:  From what I've read on here and other sources the rigs seem like the right place to be. Everyone that starts is "dumb" to the kind of work that they'll be doing because it's so specialized and it sounds like if you shut your mouth and work hard it's impossible to not advance.

Albertron said he was doing derrickhand duties periodically because of a fall arrest ticket, are there any other tickets besides the necessary ones that can help advance you faster like confined spaces? I have my ticket to operate an overhead crane and have experience with robotic maintenance, machine operations, quality control, and some very light industrial electric work but those 4 are just hands on with no formal education. I do have 3 years of schooling in economics and 1 in international business but suits are for people who hire other people to fix their shit.

Quick Edit: What is an interview like with a drilling company? Is it alot of " tell me about a time when this happened" or is it less formal?

From your tickets and pass work experience you have a great chance at getting hired. Don't over think the work side of things too much- focus on getting to Alberta and getting set up. Remember once you are set up in town with a truck and place to stay you can always shop around for a job that suits. I like drilling but its up to yourself if its for you. If its not there is always something else that pays similar.

Get set up, then do some rig work and see if its for you. Don't over think the small stuff at this stage. As I said recently worse case senario you are up a couple of thousand dollars for a two week rotation and have a few stories. Best case scenario you enjoy it and you start working towards moving up the ladder.


As for the interviews for a roughneck/newbie position its a case of meeting the basic criteria and passing a piss test. Do you have a truck/H2S Alive/First Aid and enough money to buy some gear and survive two weeks out of town? You are good to go.

I didn't even have an interview for my leasehand position. I went in and signed some paperwork and watched a few safety videos. I was hired through my resume and from ticking the boxes of what they are looking for. Honestly the standard isn't that high.

Getting hired as an MWD is obviously different and I have already written about that extensively.

Is a truck absolutely necessary? A truck isn't in my price range at all until I can make a decent wage out west. I understand that the roads to and from the rigs will be shitty but I think I read here that you can just say you do and it'll be fine

Has anyone here heard of PTI Group?
I am still in the process of getting hooked up with a job with them
and finally got a reply that my resume was sent to the recruiting person.
So its still a waiting game to hear from them.

Well boys not even here 24 hours and I already basically have a job in my chosen trade. The guy was ready to send me for a physical and piss test today except I just have to email him my references. Pay is about $21 an hour, but with overtime, $75 a day food allowance, and travel/accommodation covered it will add up pretty good. The guy told me its about 60% travel, some in Canada some in the US and even occasional trips to Mexico and Europe. I'm pretty stoked. Also he said the company covered H2S and all that stuff so I guess you don't always need the tickets. I forgot how busy Nisku was with all the drilling rigs lining the highways.
Get your asses out here.

(07-31-2013 01:41 PM)Kdog Wrote:  Well boys not even here 24 hours and I already basically have a job in my chosen trade. The guy was ready to send me for a physical and piss test today except I just have to email him my references. Pay is about $21 an hour, but with overtime, $75 a day food allowance, and travel/accommodation covered it will add up pretty good. The guy told me its about 60% travel, some in Canada some in the US and even occasional trips to Mexico and Europe. I'm pretty stoked. Also he said the company covered H2S and all that stuff so I guess you don't always need the tickets. I forgot how busy Nisku was with all the drilling rigs lining the highways.
Get your asses out here.

Nice Kdog, what your trade?

(07-31-2013 09:42 AM)MicTyson Wrote:  Is a truck absolutely necessary? A truck isn't in my price range at all until I can make a decent wage out west. I understand that the roads to and from the rigs will be shitty but I think I read here that you can just say you do and it'll be fine

Does it have to be a truck? Can it be jeep/suv? If I were to get a car in Alberta, Id much rather buy something more versatile like a jeep or a suv.

Kdog, thats awesome man! Very very happy for you. Lets do a skype chat man. I'll pm you my info.

Cheers.

for those interested to work in the rigs i strongly suggest reading this thread it has more than 200 pages
a lot of good info about the work conditions , positions , salaries, time of the year to make the move and tons of success and horror stories
it started on 2004 and still going to this day
http://www.reality-check.ca/threads/3956...h-Columbia
and yes i've read 214 pages i wouldn't make such a decision without doing my homework
it was the first thread that i read about work in the oil and gas industry in alberta

it's been a longtime since i've read it, to sum it up
1- you need to get H2S, CSTS, first aid and a valid DL
2- service rigs are busy all year long , drilling rigs are busy from september to april
3-service rigs are physically more demanding
4-for entry level position you need to make the move to the following towns and apply in person : Red Deer ,Nisku , Calgary, Grande Prairie etc
5- best time of the year for green guys to apply is on late august / early september
*one of the guys can correct the info about the rigs if i'm mistaken
@ Rosstan dropping knowledge as usual
my roommate got his first job in Edmonton with qmm, he applied in person and got a job on the spot ,if you have a valid passport and tell them you are willing to travel , they have a lot of travelling opportunities in the us and western provinces it's not a bad gig for guys on the down time/winter to make cash

(07-31-2013 06:36 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  

(07-31-2013 09:42 AM)MicTyson Wrote:  Is a truck absolutely necessary? A truck isn't in my price range at all until I can make a decent wage out west. I understand that the roads to and from the rigs will be shitty but I think I read here that you can just say you do and it'll be fine

Does it have to be a truck? Can it be jeep/suv? If I were to get a car in Alberta, Id much rather buy something more versatile like a jeep or a suv.

Kdog, thats awesome man! Very very happy for you. Lets do a skype chat man. I'll pm you my info.

Cheers.

You would figure a truck would be out of it's element. We had a big snowstorm in Niagara around January and my friends truck wouldn't move at all due to the lack of weight in the back. I'm worried I'll either have to stay in Ontario until I can buy a truck or work a shitty job in Edmonton until I can afford one. Either way by the time I can buy one the drilling season will be over.

(07-31-2013 09:30 PM)MicTyson Wrote:  You would figure a truck would be out of it's element. We had a big snowstorm in Niagara around January and my friends truck wouldn't move at all due to the lack of weight in the back. I'm worried I'll either have to stay in Ontario until I can buy a truck or work a shitty job in Edmonton until I can afford one. Either way by the time I can buy one the drilling season will be over.

Dafuq!

Worry is as effective as trying to solve algebra by chewing bubblegum!


You have a choice. Take ALL the advice throughout these pages, apply it, or stay where you are. No one is holding back with the information. You're coming up with excuses despite the generous advice and links people on the ground are providing!

Two types of people in this life, people who make excuses and people that make money. Which one are you?

Read this thread again, take notes! Go do! There is no try, only do! If you're truly serious about this, plan and get out there! Life and opportunity will pass you by if all you look for is excuses!
Go, DO!

(07-31-2013 10:42 PM)RossTan Wrote:  

(07-31-2013 09:30 PM)MicTyson Wrote:  You would figure a truck would be out of it's element. We had a big snowstorm in Niagara around January and my friends truck wouldn't move at all due to the lack of weight in the back. I'm worried I'll either have to stay in Ontario until I can buy a truck or work a shitty job in Edmonton until I can afford one. Either way by the time I can buy one the drilling season will be over.

Dafuq!

Worry is as effective as trying to solve algebra by chewing bubblegum!


You have a choice. Take ALL the advice throughout these pages, apply it, or stay where you are. No one is holding back with the information. You're coming up with excuses despite the generous advice and links people on the ground are providing!

Two types of people in this life, people who make excuses and people that make money. Which one are you?

Read this thread again, take notes! Go do! There is no try, only do! If you're truly serious about this, plan and get out there! Life and opportunity will pass you by if all you look for is excuses!
Go, DO!

I might not be understanding what you're saying. You're saying I should say fuck it and make the move without a truck? I am truly serious, and I have planned, I have a place to live, maps of the area, and a back-up job at a restaurant. The only issue is I've been laid off and have spent the majority of my savings eating and having a roof over my head. That's not an excuse, that's circumstance.

(07-31-2013 09:42 AM)MicTyson Wrote:  Is a truck absolutely necessary? A truck isn't in my price range at all until I can make a decent wage out west. I understand that the roads to and from the rigs will be shitty but I think I read here that you can just say you do and it'll be fine

Ya I would suggest getting a truck although they are not that expensive for an old beater.

I bought a 1988 XLT Ford 150 pickup truck with a 6 foot box for $500.

It got me to my first 3 or 4 drilling jobs before I left it sitting for a week in minus 30 conditions and froze the engine.

I kind of miss it cause it was such an adventure to drive. I had to wait on the side of the road at night to follow other cars when they went pass cause the lights were so bad.

After that I got a car loan with zero percent down and no payments for the first 2 months for a 2008 Ford F150 pickup.

Its all about your mindset out here, either come out here giving it everything or just stay at home.

@MicTyson

If you have over 3,000 CAD you will be able to make the move here no problem. I think thats a good amount to have in mind.

(08-01-2013 12:02 AM)Irishman Wrote:  @MicTyson

If you have over 3,000 CAD you will be able to make the move here no problem. I think thats a good amount to have in mind.

I worked out a budget for $1500. I know a girl in Edmonton and can stay with her for next to nothing, I have an insurance quote of $80 a month and don't mind eating ramen. Being out of work for the last couple months showed me I can live on almost nothing. Fuck it maybe I'll just junk my piece O shit saturn take the bus and buy a junker. I can't say I'm looking for adventure while driving a $500 truck though lol.

You don't need your own tools as a green/leasehand do you? Just boots glasses coveralls and a hardhat. As a measurement guy are you able to do offshore or is that a whole different ballgame? Good luck with the drilling Irishman, hopefully by October you'll be able to boss me around lol

No tools needed and quite a few companies will provide what gear you need as part of getting hired.

(08-01-2013 12:57 AM)Irishman Wrote:  No tools needed and quite a few companies will provide what gear you need as part of getting hired.

Sounds good. Again everyone thank you for your help. Got a couple interviews here tomorrow so hopefully I'll be able to meet you guys around Halloween for some beer and scantily clad women.

Loving reading the very positive feedback from the ground from the guys there!

Found a really good link, a directory of all the companies in the Canadian oil sands. List of pretty much all the companies in the major trades/services, etc.

http://www.cossd.com/

(07-31-2013 12:24 PM)Jay_Bird Wrote:  Has anyone here heard of PTI Group?
I am still in the process of getting hooked up with a job with them
and finally got a reply that my resume was sent to the recruiting person.
So its still a waiting game to hear from them.

Yes, they build and run some of the work Camps that people live in while working in the oil sands.

They have a shop in Edmonton where the fabricate the buildings before shipping them up north.
Their carpenters are hired through the Edmonton carpenter's union, not sure about their camp staff.

(08-01-2013 11:34 AM)Lux Interior Wrote:  

(07-31-2013 12:24 PM)Jay_Bird Wrote:  Has anyone here heard of PTI Group?
I am still in the process of getting hooked up with a job with them
and finally got a reply that my resume was sent to the recruiting person.
So its still a waiting game to hear from them.

Yes, they build and run some of the work Camps that people live in while working in the oil sands.

They have a shop in Edmonton where the fabricate the buildings before shipping them up north.
Their carpenters are hired through the Edmonton carpenter's union, not sure about their camp staff.

I see. I'm still debating leaving Ontario to go work washing dishes or cleaning or something on a 3 week on 1 week off shift

Irishman I figured I'd ask you one more question. What is the pay cycle like on the rigs? Every week, 2 weeks? And is direct deposit available?

(08-01-2013 10:09 PM)Jay_Bird Wrote:  

(08-01-2013 11:34 AM)Lux Interior Wrote:  

(07-31-2013 12:24 PM)Jay_Bird Wrote:  Has anyone here heard of PTI Group?
I am still in the process of getting hooked up with a job with them
and finally got a reply that my resume was sent to the recruiting person.
So its still a waiting game to hear from them.

Yes, they build and run some of the work Camps that people live in while working in the oil sands.

They have a shop in Edmonton where the fabricate the buildings before shipping them up north.
Their carpenters are hired through the Edmonton carpenter's union, not sure about their camp staff.

I see. I'm still debating leaving Ontario to go work washing dishes or cleaning or something on a 3 week on 1 week off shift

They are sort of like the Wal-mart of camps.

If that is what it takes, do it.

They make decent money, better than you would make in the city. You get to stay warm while the rest of us freeze our asses off. Plus after 1 or 2 month you should have enough cash to find something else.

I always return to this thread for inspiration.

amazing to see you guys making the move !

I'm almost jealous of the adventure even though I got my mud engineer job. it's just not the same adventure have your pieces laid out already working domestic

. in a coupe of years I might head over to Canada for a hard work year, earn some extra cash and get some new experience

(08-01-2013 10:09 PM)Jay_Bird Wrote:  

(08-01-2013 11:34 AM)Lux Interior Wrote:  

(07-31-2013 12:24 PM)Jay_Bird Wrote:  Has anyone here heard of PTI Group?
I am still in the process of getting hooked up with a job with them
and finally got a reply that my resume was sent to the recruiting person.
So its still a waiting game to hear from them.

Yes, they build and run some of the work Camps that people live in while working in the oil sands.

They have a shop in Edmonton where the fabricate the buildings before shipping them up north.
Their carpenters are hired through the Edmonton carpenter's union, not sure about their camp staff.

I see. I'm still debating leaving Ontario to go work washing dishes or cleaning or something on a 3 week on 1 week off shift

Do you have a job lined up with a camp because those aren't usually gigs you debate whether to do or not, camp jobs are some of the hardest ones to get, either you have your name in with the union (http://www.ufcw.ca/) or you know someone. Seriously, its probably easier to become a welder or an electrician than a dish washer.

PTI is a big company but their camps suck and I ended up in the ER in Fort Mac after getting a staph infection from a PTI camp at Suncor Firebag, there was a big scabies outbreak at the camp, which thankfully doesn't exist any more but you can read about it here: http://www.edmontonsun.com/news/2010/04/...31326.html