Working in the Canadian oil sands: 6 figures in 6 months!
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salmonfella 路 2013-10-02 11:24:00 路 #1751
You just have to make the move it's as simple as that. It won't be easy I did it over 3 months ago from Ireland moved here not noing anybody. Now I am in calgary Makeing more money then I ever had.. And have 2 camp job offers one in fort mc and the other in the NWT.. I am waiting my trade approval which should be here any day now.. Read this thread everything is here I hope ye make the move I did and it's the best thing I ever did..Vp all the best man
Vacancier Permanent 路 2013-10-02 16:24:00 路 #1752
Just landed in Etown. Will be reporting how things evolve from the ground.
Zeus, right on brother! Anyone looking at this opp needs to sit down and read the entire thread! Every question has been covered in every freaking way! You can read till you blue in the face but a time will come when you have to get on that plane or car and make it here. Thats the only way you will know how it really is. Like anything else pretty much. We can tell you but you will need to get off your butt and get here and make it happen! No short cut specially as a newbie!
J, you're asking about Norway in the Canadian oil sands thread! You're asking the wrong crowd bud. If you've got a friend already in the biz in Norway then he is the person to ask not here!
Good luck man!
Cheers!
Zeus, right on brother! Anyone looking at this opp needs to sit down and read the entire thread! Every question has been covered in every freaking way! You can read till you blue in the face but a time will come when you have to get on that plane or car and make it here. Thats the only way you will know how it really is. Like anything else pretty much. We can tell you but you will need to get off your butt and get here and make it happen! No short cut specially as a newbie!
J, you're asking about Norway in the Canadian oil sands thread! You're asking the wrong crowd bud. If you've got a friend already in the biz in Norway then he is the person to ask not here!
Good luck man!
Cheers!
Temm 路 2013-10-02 18:10:00 路 #1753
Just saw this over on Kijiji for those interested in the Red Deer area:
http://alberta.kijiji.ca/c-jobs-construc...Z529551120
More than 12 employers on location to hire and fill over 200 positions! Floorhands, motorhands, derrick hands, drillers, welders, production testing, coil and frac operators, managers, supervisors, electricians, safety, administrative and more!
Wednseday, November 6 & November 20th, 2013
9:00 am to Noon
Alberta Works
2nd Floor, 4911 - 51 Street
Red Deer, Alberta
Bring your resume and meet employers in a face-to-face environment
http://alberta.kijiji.ca/c-jobs-construc...Z529551120
More than 12 employers on location to hire and fill over 200 positions! Floorhands, motorhands, derrick hands, drillers, welders, production testing, coil and frac operators, managers, supervisors, electricians, safety, administrative and more!
Wednseday, November 6 & November 20th, 2013
9:00 am to Noon
Alberta Works
2nd Floor, 4911 - 51 Street
Red Deer, Alberta
Bring your resume and meet employers in a face-to-face environment
MicTyson 路 2013-10-02 18:14:00 路 #1754
(10-02-2013 06:59 AM)Jourgensen Wrote: If one has a connections to get invited for a job interview, has all the tickets but no expirience, what are the odds for him to get a job (i'm talking about starting positions, such as roughneck and such)?
Probably 0%. Even being in Canada none of the guys on this board could say to their boss MicTyson is a stand up dude but lives 3000km away from the job site give him a job. These companies aren't going to invest in a nobody(myself included) who isn't there in person. Maybe if you had a trade certification but no experience= unknown=dangerous= killing yourself/someone else= destroying equipment. Why not see if your buddy will front you the cash for a train ticket and a hostel, at least then you'll be in the same country as the company and have his recommendation giving you a foot in the door. Best of luck to you.
Nascimento 路 2013-10-02 19:41:00 路 #1755
Keep us updated VP!
Vacancier Permanent 路 2013-10-02 20:59:00 路 #1756
This morning when I left Toronto it was 25C here in Edmonton it is 2C!
First thing was to get a local # now next is to get a place to stay then look for work. Will start tomorrow. First impressions: a lot less cars on the roads than TO, prices for gas is 20-25 cents per litre cheaper (1.25/litre in TO VS 1.05 here), cars look cheaper as well as car insurance.
More later on!
First thing was to get a local # now next is to get a place to stay then look for work. Will start tomorrow. First impressions: a lot less cars on the roads than TO, prices for gas is 20-25 cents per litre cheaper (1.25/litre in TO VS 1.05 here), cars look cheaper as well as car insurance.
More later on!
MicTyson 路 2013-10-03 00:30:00 路 #1757
(10-02-2013 08:59 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote: This morning when I left Toronto it was 25C here in Edmonton it is 2C!
First thing was to get a local # now next is to get a place to stay then look for work. Will start tomorrow. First impressions: a lot less cars on the roads than TO, prices for gas is 20-25 cents per litre cheaper (1.25/litre in TO VS 1.05 here), cars look cheaper as well as car insurance.
More later on!
I was definitely surprised when I researched the gas prices. But the cars look like beaters on autotrader. Good luck out there, I saw some cheap rooms for rent on kijiji fully furnished for $600-650 ( don't know if they are in great neighborhoods) What kind of car are you planning on buying? I'm trying to get a lesser piece o shit to drive out there as we speak but don't know what'll be able to handle an Alberta winter
Are there any Instrument Techs about to answer a couple of questions?
buko 路 2013-10-03 10:14:00 路 #1759
Hey,
I'm back from the Job Fair. I bused all the way from Calgary to Grande Prairie, it's well over 10 hours. I arrived at 7am in the morning, then waited for one hour in the bus station until the first offices opened.
I hitchhiked to an Industrial Park north of Grande Prairie and got my first Job offer over there for Well Testing, 200$ + 50$ sub / day with 21/7 rotation. The manager already made an appointment for my drug and physical test at 10am lol, but i refused took his card and will call him back the next days. It's required to live in Grande Prairie for this position.
In this Industrial Park many roads weren't paved and my shoes and pants were covered in mud. I went to McDo cleaned it, had breakfast and went to another Industrial Park in Grande Prairie. Dropped many resumes and got another offer as an Inspection Traine. Small company and very friendly people, they offered me 20$ at the beginning, same rate for shop or field days, sub paid for field days. They do MPI mostly, i think it could be too specific so i'm not sure about this one. The manager said it's a narrow field that we do, Drill Collar Inspections and Tubing Inspections. What do the experienced guys think about it?
At 3pm after many hours of walking around i checked the Job Fair. Met there the members MiddleEastern and Panzertape, extremely nice guys and thanks again for the ride back to Edmonton
We went in and all of us got an offer for Well Testing, located out of Ft. St. John, 21/7 rotation, 210$ for field days, 105$ for shop days, 25$ sub for camp, 50$ Meal Allowance if we stay in a hotel. Double pay on holidays. We can stay wherever we want, no need to relocate to Ft. St. John. Guaranteed time off in April and May for Spring Breakup, excellent for travelling.
Dropped many more resumes and then a few minutes before the end i landed another offer Well Testing with one of the heavy weights. At first they wanted to put me into Wireline. I refused and asked about Well Testing. After a short interview and review of my resume, safety tickets and Work Permit the Manager asked the HR guys: "Do we need to invest here in anything?" HR Guy: "No, we are good to go". It's 2600$ salary per month, 105$ field bonus per day, 2,5k bonus for every 90 days of work, 25$ or 50$ sub (i forgot) and benefits from day 1. They will support me to relocate to Red Deer aswell. What bothers me is if it's possible take 2 months straight off because i'm on salary and some people say this company is not as busy as others.
After the Job Fair we went together to Edmonton (thanks for the ride again) and i bused back to Calgary.
MWD being the first priority, i applied to many compnaies here in Calgary over the last week, got to interviews but got no job offers. Finally i landed some for Well Testing and Inspection, my 2nd and 3rd choices. I'm very satisfied now.
I paid 150$ for the bus tickets and slept 2 nights in a bus and it was worth it. I arrived 2 hours ago in Calgary and will go out now to apply for more jobs and to send a copy of my canadian drivers abstract to the last mentioned company. My translated german abstract is not enough for them because it doesn't cover my time in Canada.
When i'm back i can write down some tips and i need to thank some guys over here.
I'm back from the Job Fair. I bused all the way from Calgary to Grande Prairie, it's well over 10 hours. I arrived at 7am in the morning, then waited for one hour in the bus station until the first offices opened.
I hitchhiked to an Industrial Park north of Grande Prairie and got my first Job offer over there for Well Testing, 200$ + 50$ sub / day with 21/7 rotation. The manager already made an appointment for my drug and physical test at 10am lol, but i refused took his card and will call him back the next days. It's required to live in Grande Prairie for this position.
In this Industrial Park many roads weren't paved and my shoes and pants were covered in mud. I went to McDo cleaned it, had breakfast and went to another Industrial Park in Grande Prairie. Dropped many resumes and got another offer as an Inspection Traine. Small company and very friendly people, they offered me 20$ at the beginning, same rate for shop or field days, sub paid for field days. They do MPI mostly, i think it could be too specific so i'm not sure about this one. The manager said it's a narrow field that we do, Drill Collar Inspections and Tubing Inspections. What do the experienced guys think about it?
At 3pm after many hours of walking around i checked the Job Fair. Met there the members MiddleEastern and Panzertape, extremely nice guys and thanks again for the ride back to Edmonton
We went in and all of us got an offer for Well Testing, located out of Ft. St. John, 21/7 rotation, 210$ for field days, 105$ for shop days, 25$ sub for camp, 50$ Meal Allowance if we stay in a hotel. Double pay on holidays. We can stay wherever we want, no need to relocate to Ft. St. John. Guaranteed time off in April and May for Spring Breakup, excellent for travelling.
Dropped many more resumes and then a few minutes before the end i landed another offer Well Testing with one of the heavy weights. At first they wanted to put me into Wireline. I refused and asked about Well Testing. After a short interview and review of my resume, safety tickets and Work Permit the Manager asked the HR guys: "Do we need to invest here in anything?" HR Guy: "No, we are good to go". It's 2600$ salary per month, 105$ field bonus per day, 2,5k bonus for every 90 days of work, 25$ or 50$ sub (i forgot) and benefits from day 1. They will support me to relocate to Red Deer aswell. What bothers me is if it's possible take 2 months straight off because i'm on salary and some people say this company is not as busy as others.
After the Job Fair we went together to Edmonton (thanks for the ride again) and i bused back to Calgary.
MWD being the first priority, i applied to many compnaies here in Calgary over the last week, got to interviews but got no job offers. Finally i landed some for Well Testing and Inspection, my 2nd and 3rd choices. I'm very satisfied now.
I paid 150$ for the bus tickets and slept 2 nights in a bus and it was worth it. I arrived 2 hours ago in Calgary and will go out now to apply for more jobs and to send a copy of my canadian drivers abstract to the last mentioned company. My translated german abstract is not enough for them because it doesn't cover my time in Canada.
When i'm back i can write down some tips and i need to thank some guys over here.
Vacancier Permanent 路 2013-10-03 11:38:00 路 #1760
Thats awesome buko! I just missed this job fair as I arrived yesterday in Edmonton. Any idea when is the next job fair?
Starting to call companies today. Hopefuuly will have something lined up by the end of the day!
Middleasterner and Panzer, if you guys are in Etown, lets meet for drinks on Whyte ave tonight.
Starting to call companies today. Hopefuuly will have something lined up by the end of the day!
Middleasterner and Panzer, if you guys are in Etown, lets meet for drinks on Whyte ave tonight.
buko 路 2013-10-03 11:46:00 路 #1761
Here you go:
http://alis.alberta.ca/pdf/canadacareerw...obFair.pdf
28th October near Edmonton, Oil&Gas career fair so it's a good choice i think.
http://alis.alberta.ca/pdf/canadacareerw...obFair.pdf
28th October near Edmonton, Oil&Gas career fair so it's a good choice i think.
Temm 路 2013-10-03 12:46:00 路 #1762
Man Buko quite the adventure. That's the first time I've heard of a well testing company saying you can live anywhere. Well testing is my second choice too. I'm looking forward to heading over there.
PanzerTape 路 2013-10-03 15:11:00 路 #1763
Yes, it was damn worth it. Buko is a machine, he came all the way over from Calgary, props.
As for ME and I, we did a roundtrip, definitely the longest driving i've done, clocking in at 1017 kms total.
Fort St John is a small place with only 18k people, and GP is like a little Fort Mac near BC. Takes an eternity to go there, there's also not much competition for jobs.
also worth reading, http://www.rooshv.com/all-experience-is-equal
@VP I don't say no. send me a txt
As for ME and I, we did a roundtrip, definitely the longest driving i've done, clocking in at 1017 kms total.
Fort St John is a small place with only 18k people, and GP is like a little Fort Mac near BC. Takes an eternity to go there, there's also not much competition for jobs.
also worth reading, http://www.rooshv.com/all-experience-is-equal
@VP I don't say no. send me a txt
MicTyson 路 2013-10-03 15:34:00 路 #1764
(10-03-2013 03:11 PM)PanzerTape Wrote: Yes, it was damn worth it. Buko is a machine, he came all the way over from Calgary, props.
As for ME and I, we did a roundtrip, definitely the longest driving i've done, clocking in at 1017 kms total.
Fort St John is a small place with only 18k people, and GP is like a little Fort Mac near BC. Takes an eternity to go there, there's also not much competition for jobs.
also worth reading, http://www.rooshv.com/all-experience-is-equal
@VP I don't say no. send me a txt
That's great news guys. Good for you. If you don't mind me asking what experience do you all have?
Cattle Rustler 路 2013-10-03 15:45:00 路 #1765
It seems like there are so many jobs in Canada that anyone with a pulse can get one.
Good going guys!
Good going guys!
Zeus 路 2013-10-03 16:34:00 路 #1766
(10-03-2013 03:45 PM)Cattle Rustler Wrote: It seems like there are so many jobs in Canada that anyone with a pulse can get one.
Good going guys!
Not in all of Canada, but all of Alberta. The rest of Cananda ... not so much.
The problem is, Canadians are not movers/travellers. They don't like to disrupt their comfort. Unlike Americans who move to numerous states during their lifetime, Canadians rarely leave their birth city for opportunity.
Jay_Bird 路 2013-10-03 16:49:00 路 #1767
Had a phone interview today for a general labour job, went good they pretty much just explained what the job was and what i'd be doing,
asked about any work experience, and basic yes no questions. I sent the lady some more info like a more recent reference list ( if they will even call) and now I'm just waiting to hear back from them again. From the way it went it sounds like I already got the job, I said I'd like to give my work a notice before I leave but I am fully willing to start as soon as tomorow.
If I get it I will be working with the mobile crew in different locations building work camps. I'm most looking forward to working with the tradesman and the
woman I spoke to said after a few months if they like me and see that I'm able to work and got what it takes they have an apprenticeship program
as well if I decide say maybe becoming a plumber is for me.
Good to hear everybody else is making it out there and finding success, I'm amazed at stories like Buko who got a job offer right there and then thats awesome.
Unfortunetly being with the mobile guys I can't stay at the camp on my week off but id rather be working with the trades then washing dishes. (21/7) is the typical shift it may change depending on jobs. 17 an hour around to start and after they see I can work will go up. I will probably look for a place to stay but I am also debating flying back home each shift so I can go hunting and snowmobiling!
asked about any work experience, and basic yes no questions. I sent the lady some more info like a more recent reference list ( if they will even call) and now I'm just waiting to hear back from them again. From the way it went it sounds like I already got the job, I said I'd like to give my work a notice before I leave but I am fully willing to start as soon as tomorow.
If I get it I will be working with the mobile crew in different locations building work camps. I'm most looking forward to working with the tradesman and the
woman I spoke to said after a few months if they like me and see that I'm able to work and got what it takes they have an apprenticeship program
as well if I decide say maybe becoming a plumber is for me.
Good to hear everybody else is making it out there and finding success, I'm amazed at stories like Buko who got a job offer right there and then thats awesome.
Unfortunetly being with the mobile guys I can't stay at the camp on my week off but id rather be working with the trades then washing dishes. (21/7) is the typical shift it may change depending on jobs. 17 an hour around to start and after they see I can work will go up. I will probably look for a place to stay but I am also debating flying back home each shift so I can go hunting and snowmobiling!
buko 路 2013-10-03 19:12:00 路 #1768
(10-03-2013 03:34 PM)MicTyson Wrote: That's great news guys. Good for you. If you don't mind me asking what experience do you all have?
I have a degree in Production Management and no recent work experience at all. My last steady job was in 2006 for a few months as a delivery driver and in 2003 i worked one year for the German Red Cross delivering blood and blood products to blood banks or from blood banks to hospitals.
My driving experience helped me maybe a little bit, it was positively mentioned in some interviews because there is a lot of driving included in the Oilfield.
(10-03-2013 03:45 PM)Cattle Rustler Wrote: It seems like there are so many jobs in Canada that anyone with a pulse can get one.
Good going guys!
The interview for my first Job offer yesterday was like this:
Me: Hi I would like to apply for a job in Well Testing
Receptionist: Ok, please go through to the Manager
I entered his room
Manager: How ya doin man?
Me: Thanks i'm fine, i would like to apply for a job
Manager: Do you have oil field experience?
Me: No
Manager: Any safety tickets?
Me: Yes, First Aid, H2S, PS... (i got interrupted)
Manager: Can you pass a drug test?
Me: Yes
Manager: In one hour is your piss test
It's definitely possible to get a job if you can spell your name and have a quarter of a brain
But in the bigger Companies and for MWD it's more difficult, the interviews can last 15 mins, they want to see all your certificates, clean driver's abstract, the work permit, ask you many questions about the job, why this job, how you can fit into the company and many more and at the end they'll tell you when the right time comes we will call you. It happened to me also.
Still hundred times easier than in other professional jobs, where you have a phone interview, another phone interview, a few days AC, then personal Interviews, this sucks.
Here it's so laid back that it makes fun to apply. It's not a nightmare like back home in Germany.
Yesterday the manager of the small Inspection company was explaining me his truck, the tools and we were joking around for 20 minutes after the interview, this can happen in the oil field only.
Zeus 路 2013-10-03 19:17:00 路 #1769
(10-03-2013 07:12 PM)buko Wrote: Here it's so laid back that it makes fun to apply. It's not a nightmare like back home in Germany.
Yesterday the manager of the small Inspection company was explaining me his truck, the tools and we were joking around for 20 minutes after the interview, this can happen in the oil field only.
You are among, and working with like minded men.
They work hard (mostly), know various consequences to different actions, and want to make money.
Full stop.
Good luck
MiddleEastern 路 2013-10-03 20:11:00 路 #1770
(10-03-2013 11:38 AM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote: Thats awesome buko! I just missed this job fair as I arrived yesterday in Edmonton. Any idea when is the next job fair?
Starting to call companies today. Hopefuuly will have something lined up by the end of the day!
Middleasterner and Panzer, if you guys are in Etown, lets meet for drinks on Whyte ave tonight.
I am down for this weekend if you guys are free
scotian 路 2013-10-03 23:25:00 路 #1771
(10-03-2013 08:52 AM)Swearbox Wrote: Are there any Instrument Techs about to answer a couple of questions?
I'm sharing a lunch room for the next week with a bunch of electricians and instrument techs, what exactly do you want to know? I'll ask them for you.
(10-03-2013 03:11 PM)PanzerTape Wrote: Yes, it was damn worth it. Buko is a machine, he came all the way over from Calgary, props.
As for ME and I, we did a roundtrip, definitely the longest driving i've done, clocking in at 1017 kms total.
Fort St John is a small place with only 18k people, and GP is like a little Fort Mac near BC. Takes an eternity to go there, there's also not much competition for jobs.
also worth reading, http://www.rooshv.com/all-experience-is-equal
@VP I don't say no. send me a txt
Buko and PanzerTape, you guys are awesome, that's exactly the attitude and mindset that will get you a job and keep you busy, hitch hiking to a job fair in GP, get er done son! I don't know much about well testing or oil field services in general but if you guys can get on a 21/7 rotation and work straight through until April then go for it. You'll have enough money stashed by then to take some time off, travel and take it easy and reassess the situation then. You can decide if you want to continue in that line of work or move onto something else, such is the luxury of having $20K in the bank.
Just be prepared to work hard and in the shittiest of conditions, I mentioned it before about 20 or 30 pages back but the winter here is fucking brutal and you guys have probably already noticed that the air is getting drier than a nun's cunt. Ask your company if they supply cold weather gear and if not, get down to Mark's Work Warehouse and get some (Google Mark's WW coupons to get a discount card, sometimes 10-20% off) and tell them that you work at Suncor but "forgot" your work ID, you'll get another 10% off.
Also, its that time of year again and the critters are out, I almost smashed into a deer yesterday on my way to work, so be careful! Only a few more weeks and we can legally shoot the bastards but until then they're all over the roads.
Work safe boys.
(10-03-2013 11:25 PM)scotian Wrote: [quote='Swearbox' pid='547042' dateline='1380808324']
Are there any Instrument Techs about to answer a couple of questions?
I'm sharing a lunch room for the next week with a bunch of electricians and instrument techs, what exactly do you want to know? I'll ask them for you.
Well I've narrowed down the field of things that I'd like to get into to just two, either Haul Truck driving (requires me to wait until at least May next year to take the course IF I get accepted), or I would really like to get into an apprenticeship as an Instrument guy.
Now that I finally have a clearer idea of what it is I want to do (half the battle) I now have to figure a way out to drive this forward and get a foot in the door. Given that I have no experience in oil & gas (though I have a fairly good CV - ex military (weapons engineer for 15 yrs) plus an Hons Degree in Computing and several yrs exp as an IT guy) I was wanting to ask what's the best avenue to entry into a company with the specific goal of getting put through an apprenticeship. Not blowing my own trumpet but if I get my foot in the door I can make the rest happen...I'm not a youngster though (53) but I'm reading on here and other forums that age isn't really a factor if you show that you are switched on and can handle the job.
I'd welcome any feedback you have mate and I'll add my thanks for kicking off an incredible resource for those looking to make a move to the oil patch :-) :-)
Dunno what happened with my previous reply...came out blank. Here goes again...
I'm sharing a lunch room for the next week with a bunch of electricians and instrument techs, what exactly do you want to know? I'll ask them for you.
Well I've narrowed down the field of things that I'd like to get into to just two, either Haul Truck driving (requires me to wait until at least May next year to take the course IF I get accepted), or I would really like to get into an apprenticeship as an Instrument guy.
Now that I finally have a clearer idea of what it is I want to do (half the battle) I now have to figure a way out to drive this forward and get a foot in the door. Given that I have no experience in oil & gas (though I have a fairly good CV - ex military (weapons engineer for 15 yrs) plus an Hons Degree in Computing and several yrs exp as an IT guy) I was wanting to ask what's the best avenue to entry into a company with the specific goal of getting put through an apprenticeship. Not blowing my own trumpet but if I get my foot in the door I can make the rest happen...I'm not a youngster though (53) but I'm reading on here and other forums that age isn't really a factor if you show that you are switched on and can handle the job.
I'd welcome any feedback you have mate and I'll add my thanks for kicking off an incredible resource for those looking to make a move to the oil patch :-)
(10-03-2013 11:25 PM)scotian Wrote: [quote='Swearbox' pid='547042' dateline='1380808324']
Are there any Instrument Techs about to answer a couple of questions?
I'm sharing a lunch room for the next week with a bunch of electricians and instrument techs, what exactly do you want to know? I'll ask them for you.
Well I've narrowed down the field of things that I'd like to get into to just two, either Haul Truck driving (requires me to wait until at least May next year to take the course IF I get accepted), or I would really like to get into an apprenticeship as an Instrument guy.
Now that I finally have a clearer idea of what it is I want to do (half the battle) I now have to figure a way out to drive this forward and get a foot in the door. Given that I have no experience in oil & gas (though I have a fairly good CV - ex military (weapons engineer for 15 yrs) plus an Hons Degree in Computing and several yrs exp as an IT guy) I was wanting to ask what's the best avenue to entry into a company with the specific goal of getting put through an apprenticeship. Not blowing my own trumpet but if I get my foot in the door I can make the rest happen...I'm not a youngster though (53) but I'm reading on here and other forums that age isn't really a factor if you show that you are switched on and can handle the job.
I'd welcome any feedback you have mate and I'll add my thanks for kicking off an incredible resource for those looking to make a move to the oil patch :-)
@ Scotian - I tried twice to reply but they came out blank...dunno why...here goes a third try...
Scotian wrote "I'm sharing a lunch room for the next week with a bunch of electricians and instrument techs, what exactly do you want to know? I'll ask them for you."
Well I've narrowed down the field of things that I'd like to get into to just two, either Haul Truck driving (requires me to wait until at least May next year to take the course IF I get accepted), or I would really like to get into an apprenticeship as an Instrument guy.
Now that I finally have a clearer idea of what it is I want to do (half the battle) I now have to figure a way out to drive this forward and get a foot in the door. Given that I have no experience in oil & gas (though I have a fairly good CV - ex military (weapons engineer for 15 yrs) plus an Hons Degree in Computing and several yrs exp as an IT guy) I was wanting to ask what's the best avenue to entry into a company with the specific goal of getting put through an apprenticeship. Not blowing my own trumpet but if I get my foot in the door I can make the rest happen...I'm not a youngster though (53) but I'm reading on here and other forums that age isn't really a factor if you show that you are switched on and can handle the job.
I'd welcome any feedback you have mate and I'll add my thanks for kicking off an incredible resource for those looking to make a move to the oil patch.
Scotian wrote "I'm sharing a lunch room for the next week with a bunch of electricians and instrument techs, what exactly do you want to know? I'll ask them for you."
Well I've narrowed down the field of things that I'd like to get into to just two, either Haul Truck driving (requires me to wait until at least May next year to take the course IF I get accepted), or I would really like to get into an apprenticeship as an Instrument guy.
Now that I finally have a clearer idea of what it is I want to do (half the battle) I now have to figure a way out to drive this forward and get a foot in the door. Given that I have no experience in oil & gas (though I have a fairly good CV - ex military (weapons engineer for 15 yrs) plus an Hons Degree in Computing and several yrs exp as an IT guy) I was wanting to ask what's the best avenue to entry into a company with the specific goal of getting put through an apprenticeship. Not blowing my own trumpet but if I get my foot in the door I can make the rest happen...I'm not a youngster though (53) but I'm reading on here and other forums that age isn't really a factor if you show that you are switched on and can handle the job.
I'd welcome any feedback you have mate and I'll add my thanks for kicking off an incredible resource for those looking to make a move to the oil patch.
Temm 路 2013-10-04 13:18:00 路 #1775
(10-04-2013 09:04 AM)Swearbox Wrote: I'd welcome any feedback you have mate and I'll add my thanks for kicking off an incredible resource for those looking to make a move to the oil patch.
Hey man, from what I've been told, it's a good time to get into this field, but the downside to it is that you're limited to just working in Alberta--not a bad thing for me cause I've always enjoyed my time there.
You can either take the two-year course at SAIT or NAIT (I'm sure there are other schools)--there's even a 2.5 year course here in Saskatchewan at SIAST I believe. I've spoken to a few guys that are in the field and was told to just apply as a hand. Tarpon and Techmation are two companies that are always posting on Kijiji for 2-4 year apprentices and journeymen--from what I hear, both are good companies to work for. I contacted a company called Clear Stream and told them I was interested in working as a labourer/hand in instrumentation and was told to send a resume and copies of safety tickets.
I'm an older guy too (38) and was hesitant about pursuing instrumentation because it's been awhile since I've done hardcore math and physics, but was urged by another guy in the field to go for it. He's an older guy that got into it as well and ended getting some of the highest marks in the province on his exams. Hope this helps.