Working in the Canadian oil sands: 6 figures in 6 months!
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Atlantic · 2014-02-02 20:55:00 · #2226
^ Na man its a visa. You apply and once excepted you get a 'letter of acceptance'.
When you land they switch that for a visa.
They might ask a few questions but its all easy enough.
When you land they switch that for a visa.
They might ask a few questions but its all easy enough.
little wing · 2014-02-02 21:40:00 · #2227
(02-02-2014 08:55 PM)Irishman Wrote: ^ Na man its a visa. You apply and once excepted you get a 'letter of acceptance'.
When you land they switch that for a visa.
They might ask a few questions but its all easy enough.
I mean the job. When you apply for a job in the oil sands, you'll have to have an interview with the company, right?
Atlantic · 2014-02-02 22:00:00 · #2228
Usually. They are pretty informal though.
Id see it as a positive, you want to see who you'll be working for before you commit.
Dont be afraid to ask direct questions about pay, conditions and benefits etc.
Id see it as a positive, you want to see who you'll be working for before you commit.
Dont be afraid to ask direct questions about pay, conditions and benefits etc.
salmonfella · 2014-02-02 22:46:00 · #2229
Yea benifits I think is very important you would be shocked at how much minor dental costs at least with benifits usually 80% is covered while some pay the full 100.
Sourcecode · 2014-02-04 15:41:00 · #2230
In terms of actual companies up there...Which ones are most profitable. What company is making the most money as a whole
komatiite · 2014-02-04 19:14:00 · #2231
@Sourcecode Be more specific on what part of the industry you are asking about. There are a zillion companies operating in western Canada. Generally though, the hottest companies right now are the midstream folks (pipelines, marketing etc). All the glut of supply from upstream production has put the pipeline guys in a very advantageous situation- they are the only ones who can get the shit-tons of oil we have up here to markets/refineries. However, its not like all of the upstream guys are shutting down. The show must go on, despite outside influences!
Seanchaí · 2014-02-05 08:31:00 · #2232
Just thought I'd give an update on my current situation
I'm still waiting on the Irish IEC Visa release date, which has yet to be posted but it should be any day now. I am currently making my way through the thread a second time and taking note of anything that will be useful to me. I quit my job at an engineering company in the UK on good terms, I told them I was making the move and they wished me the best of luck, should get a good recommendation from them.
I'm using my time off work to do as much research and preparation as possible, following the road maps already laid out here. I am currently researching the process of becoming an accredited engineer in Canada. Here is a link to the article I read, I think this is useful for anyone making the move who has an engineering degree.
http://www.engineersjournal.ie/easing-ir...in-canada/
http://www.apegga.org/
Are there any other people on here who have used a foreign engineering degree to become accredited in Canada and if so what was the process like? It seems to be possible but takes a long time.
Also I forgot to rep to Scoatian and Irishman on my first post, you lads deserve it. I'll check back soon, keep it together gentlemen
I'm still waiting on the Irish IEC Visa release date, which has yet to be posted but it should be any day now. I am currently making my way through the thread a second time and taking note of anything that will be useful to me. I quit my job at an engineering company in the UK on good terms, I told them I was making the move and they wished me the best of luck, should get a good recommendation from them.
I'm using my time off work to do as much research and preparation as possible, following the road maps already laid out here. I am currently researching the process of becoming an accredited engineer in Canada. Here is a link to the article I read, I think this is useful for anyone making the move who has an engineering degree.
http://www.engineersjournal.ie/easing-ir...in-canada/
http://www.apegga.org/
Are there any other people on here who have used a foreign engineering degree to become accredited in Canada and if so what was the process like? It seems to be possible but takes a long time.
Also I forgot to rep to Scoatian and Irishman on my first post, you lads deserve it. I'll check back soon, keep it together gentlemen
Seanchaí · 2014-02-05 08:57:00 · #2233
I forgot to add something here's a link to the Canadian IEC website that shows the step by step process of obtaining the IEC done in five videos. This is very helpful for anyone in the application process who lacks the the requisite patience to read through all of the guidelines
https://kompass-iec-eic.international.gc...erm=msg_04
https://kompass-iec-eic.international.gc...erm=msg_04
komatiite · 2014-02-05 11:26:00 · #2234
Seanchai, you shouldnt have much problem becoming an engineer in Canada. UK and Canada have a commonwealth agreement. You just need to make sure you got your reference from your old engineering job nailed down, they will want to know you have relevant experience. If you have 4 years in the UK you will just need 1 year as an engineer in training in Canada. Just out of curiosity, is engineering in the UK totally standardized? It is in Canada- doesn't matter if you go to University of British Columbia to University of PEI, you get the same core fundamentals. A lot different than the USA, you can't really compare Buttfuck State to Stanford! Thats why all Americans who come here need to write an exam to become licensed in Alberta...
"1b) Mutual Recognition Agreements
APEGA has ratifi ed mutual recognition agreements with a number of countries that have developed
engineering education accreditation systems similar, but not identical, to the Canadian accreditation
system: United Kingdom (1989), Ireland (1989), Australia (1989), New Zealand (1989), Hong Kong
(1995), South Africa (1999), France, Japan (2005) , Singapore (2006), South Korea (2007), Taiwan (2007)
and Malaysia (2009).
When APEGA evaluates the academic qualifi cations of individuals with mutual recognition agreement
degrees we use a “looking to exempt” approach. This means APEGA is looking to exempt such
individuals from having to complete the confi rmatory examination assessment.
As part of APEGA’s commitment to public safety and well-being, we require that your transcripts come
directly from your university. If no anomalies are found upon review of your transcripts, then you will
not be assigned the confi rmatory technical examination assessment. This means that if you obtained
an undergraduate degree in engineering from one of the countries listed above after the dates shown
and if your degree is listed on the list of approved programs from that country, you likely will not be
assigned any confi rmatory engineering exams by APEGA."
Source: http://www.apegga.com/Applicants/pdf/IEG...ug2012.pdf
"1b) Mutual Recognition Agreements
APEGA has ratifi ed mutual recognition agreements with a number of countries that have developed
engineering education accreditation systems similar, but not identical, to the Canadian accreditation
system: United Kingdom (1989), Ireland (1989), Australia (1989), New Zealand (1989), Hong Kong
(1995), South Africa (1999), France, Japan (2005) , Singapore (2006), South Korea (2007), Taiwan (2007)
and Malaysia (2009).
When APEGA evaluates the academic qualifi cations of individuals with mutual recognition agreement
degrees we use a “looking to exempt” approach. This means APEGA is looking to exempt such
individuals from having to complete the confi rmatory examination assessment.
As part of APEGA’s commitment to public safety and well-being, we require that your transcripts come
directly from your university. If no anomalies are found upon review of your transcripts, then you will
not be assigned the confi rmatory technical examination assessment. This means that if you obtained
an undergraduate degree in engineering from one of the countries listed above after the dates shown
and if your degree is listed on the list of approved programs from that country, you likely will not be
assigned any confi rmatory engineering exams by APEGA."
Source: http://www.apegga.com/Applicants/pdf/IEG...ug2012.pdf
blazer88888 · 2014-02-05 20:32:00 · #2235
This seems like an amazing opportunity that's too great to pass on. I'd love to go up there for a season and just do any work on a camp such a general labour etc. to get the feel of it and more importantly save up some cash to do a pre-employment course at either NAIT or SAIT. That being said I have no previous experience in this field- I've only got retail and sales experience. In terms of tickets, First Aid, CSTC, etc will be no problem at all, I plan on getting them ASAP. So, the question is will the greenest of greenhorns have an opportunity to find work?
Vacancier Permanent · 2014-02-05 22:01:00 · #2236
blazer888,
yes, even newbies are welcome provided they can pass a drug test and and even then, there ways around it. Do get there young man! Best move you'll ever make to set you up nicely for the future and build a very solid foundation!
yes, even newbies are welcome provided they can pass a drug test and and even then, there ways around it. Do get there young man! Best move you'll ever make to set you up nicely for the future and build a very solid foundation!
blazer88888 · 2014-02-05 22:17:00 · #2237
Vancanier Permanent,
that's awesome to hear. I have a few stupid questions to ask:
- how to go about securing a labourer job whilst having no experience in this field (I'd love to be set up in Ft. McMurray)
I don't mind getting down and dirty for a season (shovel shit/snow or clean just anything for that matter). I thought about getting my ass out there (I'm from Ontario and VIA rail ticket prices are on sale all the time: http://www.viarail.ca/en/deals) and then just calling up companies and handing out resumes. Problem is my resume is more suited for a job at the mall. Anyways I'm in the process of getting my H2S (you can get it in Ontario through here if anyone's looking: http://www.ptscanada.com/h2s-courses/) and will get my OSSA, CSTS once I'm in Alberta.
Honestly this thead is awesome and big ups to Scotian and the rest who've taken time to give all this info out freely. All you other young dudes who don't really know what to do or are struggling in Uni/College or whatever this is a great way to make money and fund a lifestyle that seems flexible. Its hard work but I think its worth it.
that's awesome to hear. I have a few stupid questions to ask:
- how to go about securing a labourer job whilst having no experience in this field (I'd love to be set up in Ft. McMurray)
I don't mind getting down and dirty for a season (shovel shit/snow or clean just anything for that matter). I thought about getting my ass out there (I'm from Ontario and VIA rail ticket prices are on sale all the time: http://www.viarail.ca/en/deals) and then just calling up companies and handing out resumes. Problem is my resume is more suited for a job at the mall. Anyways I'm in the process of getting my H2S (you can get it in Ontario through here if anyone's looking: http://www.ptscanada.com/h2s-courses/) and will get my OSSA, CSTS once I'm in Alberta.
Honestly this thead is awesome and big ups to Scotian and the rest who've taken time to give all this info out freely. All you other young dudes who don't really know what to do or are struggling in Uni/College or whatever this is a great way to make money and fund a lifestyle that seems flexible. Its hard work but I think its worth it.
Vacancier Permanent · 2014-02-05 22:23:00 · #2238
Blazer,
don't worry, just get there and start hitting the pavement. You'll get a job within a week. Don't expect to be put in a camp right away tough. But you might luck out. Out west, it's nothing like in Ontario. It's all about being friendly and chatting to people, you never know who the guy having a beer besides you at the bar can be. So always strike a conversation with guys everywhere. Guys in Alberta are pretty friendly and easy going. Hirings out there are done in a very informal way. None of the HR crap you see in Fucktario. You go there, talk to the manager/boss and if he likes you, that is if you're not drunk and or high and a retard, he'll hire you on the spot.
Here's a tip when talking to managers/bosses during "interviews" which look more like casual chats between 2 guys, is tell them that you're sick and tired of the office environment and all the crap that goes on inside of it, and that you're tired of being over taxed, under paid and over worked in Ontario. That's music to their ears.
Best of luck man!
don't worry, just get there and start hitting the pavement. You'll get a job within a week. Don't expect to be put in a camp right away tough. But you might luck out. Out west, it's nothing like in Ontario. It's all about being friendly and chatting to people, you never know who the guy having a beer besides you at the bar can be. So always strike a conversation with guys everywhere. Guys in Alberta are pretty friendly and easy going. Hirings out there are done in a very informal way. None of the HR crap you see in Fucktario. You go there, talk to the manager/boss and if he likes you, that is if you're not drunk and or high and a retard, he'll hire you on the spot.
Here's a tip when talking to managers/bosses during "interviews" which look more like casual chats between 2 guys, is tell them that you're sick and tired of the office environment and all the crap that goes on inside of it, and that you're tired of being over taxed, under paid and over worked in Ontario. That's music to their ears.
Best of luck man!
blazer88888 · 2014-02-05 22:31:00 · #2239
Vacancier,
Thanks man, I'll keep posting useful info to this thread. What do you do in the oilfields if you dont mind me asking and what's your experience been like so far?
Thanks man, I'll keep posting useful info to this thread. What do you do in the oilfields if you dont mind me asking and what's your experience been like so far?
Vacancier Permanent · 2014-02-05 22:42:00 · #2240
I'm not in the oil fields at this time but I do intend on returning in the future. I was working in a trade for which I took a pre-employment course. Not going to post about it in the open forum, pm me if you want to know more.
TravellingSoldier · 2014-02-06 09:54:00 · #2241
(02-05-2014 10:23 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote: Blazer,
don't worry, just get there and start hitting the pavement. You'll get a job within a week. Don't expect to be put in a camp right away tough. But you might luck out. Out west, it's nothing like in Ontario. It's all about being friendly and chatting to people, you never know who the guy having a beer besides you at the bar can be. So always strike a conversation with guys everywhere. Guys in Alberta are pretty friendly and easy going. Hirings out there are done in a very informal way. None of the HR crap you see in Fucktario. You go there, talk to the manager/boss and if he likes you, that is if you're not drunk and or high and a retard, he'll hire you on the spot.
Here's a tip when talking to managers/bosses during "interviews" which look more like casual chats between 2 guys, is tell them that you're sick and tired of the office environment and all the crap that goes on inside of it, and that you're tired of being over taxed, under paid and over worked in Ontario. That's music to their ears.
Best of luck man!
Vacancier totally hit the nail on the head lol, I can vouch for this.
It was the most amazing thing, coming from a city with no "now hiring" signs and struggling to get a $12/hr job - to seeing multiple signs a day and getting a $22/hr position within 2 weeks of arrival.
Alberta, the land of opportunity!
Edit*
The only thing I wouldn't say is being over worked.. most places are too cheap to have you in for more than 40hrs a week hence no over time/long hours.. haha
Seanchaí · 2014-02-06 11:56:00 · #2242
(02-05-2014 11:26 AM)komatiite Wrote: Seanchai, you shouldnt have much problem becoming an engineer in Canada. UK and Canada have a commonwealth agreement. You just need to make sure you got your reference from your old engineering job nailed down, they will want to know you have relevant experience. If you have 4 years in the UK you will just need 1 year as an engineer in training in Canada. Just out of curiosity, is engineering in the UK totally standardized? It is in Canada- doesn't matter if you go to University of British Columbia to University of PEI, you get the same core fundamentals. A lot different than the USA, you can't really compare Buttfuck State to Stanford! Thats why all Americans who come here need to write an exam to become licensed in Alberta...
"1b) Mutual Recognition Agreements
APEGA has ratifi ed mutual recognition agreements with a number of countries that have developed
engineering education accreditation systems similar, but not identical, to the Canadian accreditation
system: United Kingdom (1989), Ireland (1989), Australia (1989), New Zealand (1989), Hong Kong
(1995), South Africa (1999), France, Japan (2005) , Singapore (2006), South Korea (2007), Taiwan (2007)
and Malaysia (2009).
When APEGA evaluates the academic qualifi cations of individuals with mutual recognition agreement
degrees we use a “looking to exempt” approach. This means APEGA is looking to exempt such
individuals from having to complete the confi rmatory examination assessment.
As part of APEGA’s commitment to public safety and well-being, we require that your transcripts come
directly from your university. If no anomalies are found upon review of your transcripts, then you will
not be assigned the confi rmatory technical examination assessment. This means that if you obtained
an undergraduate degree in engineering from one of the countries listed above after the dates shown
and if your degree is listed on the list of approved programs from that country, you likely will not be
assigned any confi rmatory engineering exams by APEGA."
Source: http://www.apegga.com/Applicants/pdf/IEG...ug2012.pdf
Great info Komatiite I received my degree in Ireland and worked in England. My degree is a standard four year Bachelors, I have only one year of experience on the job.
Yes it's a similar case in Ireland as far as standards go, some universities are higher ranked than others but overall the level of education is the same.
I'm going to look into the process and see if I qualify, I'll give updates on my progress
Tresdus · 2014-02-06 19:59:00 · #2243
First day in Edmonton done. Got my SIN, a sim card and an appointment for my bank account tomorrow morning. Also got a room about 5 minutes from Whyte Ave.
Met up with buko and zeeman yesterday evening. And buko just got hired today. So yeah guys, get over here if you are serious!
Met up with buko and zeeman yesterday evening. And buko just got hired today. So yeah guys, get over here if you are serious!
TravellingSoldier · 2014-02-06 20:04:00 · #2244
(02-06-2014 07:59 PM)Tresdus Wrote: First day in Edmonton done. Got my SIN, a sim card and an appointment for my bank account tomorrow morning. Also got a room about 5 minutes from Whyte Ave.
Met up with buko and zeeman yesterday evening. And buko just got hired today. So yeah guys, get over here if you are serious!
Dope man! Good to hear! If you need help finding a good place for safety tickets, let me know. The one I used had cool owners, gave me a discount and tax free! Congrats, what kinda work are you trying to get into?
komatiite · 2014-02-06 21:12:00 · #2245
@seanchai
You will probably be golden to get your E.I.T. (Eng in training) if your engineering program is pretty similar to the syllabi they have posted here:
http://www.apega.ca/applicants/Examinati...llabi.html ... I looked at a couple of schools in Ireland and you guys do the exact same shit as us, so I am 99% sure you will have no issues.
Honestly, it will probably be a lot harder to find a job as a young engineer than it will be to get through APEGA!
You will probably be golden to get your E.I.T. (Eng in training) if your engineering program is pretty similar to the syllabi they have posted here:
http://www.apega.ca/applicants/Examinati...llabi.html ... I looked at a couple of schools in Ireland and you guys do the exact same shit as us, so I am 99% sure you will have no issues.
Honestly, it will probably be a lot harder to find a job as a young engineer than it will be to get through APEGA!
Seanchaí · 2014-02-07 11:55:00 · #2246
(02-06-2014 09:12 PM)komatiite Wrote: @seanchai
You will probably be golden to get your E.I.T. (Eng in training) if your engineering program is pretty similar to the syllabi they have posted here:
http://www.apega.ca/applicants/Examinati...llabi.html ... I looked at a couple of schools in Ireland and you guys do the exact same shit as us, so I am 99% sure you will have no issues.
Honestly, it will probably be a lot harder to find a job as a young engineer than it will be to get through APEGA!
Komatiite,
+1 from myself, looking through the syllabus it all appears quite basic so it should be no problem, I'm considering going a similar roue to Irishman. Although at the same time I wouldn't mind getting my hands dirty for a while.
One year in an office environment has thought I'm not built for it. It might sound a little retarded but I'd like a go at the roughneck side of things simply because I enjoy physical labour. I think I have a little chimp DNA than the average human.
komatiite · 2014-02-07 17:04:00 · #2247
@seanchai Well Don't think all engineering positions in Alberta are office based, tons of opportunities for field engineers. Most kids out of school want a cushy desk job so keep your eyes peeled on field engineering positions, there are always openings. You won't get any credit towards a PEng if you are doing shitty roughneck work, so if your end goal is getting your professional designation then don't sleep on field engineering.
Field engineering job search buzzwords include fracking, well testing, operating, pipelines, geotechnical, reclamation, production, etc.
My buddies (ranging from mech to chem to geological to petroleum to civil engineers) who are in the field are doing a huge range of things, from facility operations to geotechnical work on tailings ponds to core logging to mud/fluid work for drilling companies to to pipeline project management to well logging to fracking engineering, to directional drilling, all across Western Canada. Great money and IMO better experience at this young age than wasting away doing Excel on a computer all day!
Field engineering job search buzzwords include fracking, well testing, operating, pipelines, geotechnical, reclamation, production, etc.
My buddies (ranging from mech to chem to geological to petroleum to civil engineers) who are in the field are doing a huge range of things, from facility operations to geotechnical work on tailings ponds to core logging to mud/fluid work for drilling companies to to pipeline project management to well logging to fracking engineering, to directional drilling, all across Western Canada. Great money and IMO better experience at this young age than wasting away doing Excel on a computer all day!
Jack Of All Trades · 2014-02-09 03:25:00 · #2248
for those guys working in the current weather outside in alberta doing 10+ hr shifts, I salute you.
alphaspiraton · 2014-02-10 13:00:00 · #2249
Before every foreign dude decides to jump on this oilsands money making trip, there are 2 stories emerging, literally 2 and 3 days ago:
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/02/06/...41305.html
Good right? Canadians laid off and foreigners given the jobs at half the rate ($36 to $18). But wait... this made headlines on Feb 6, 2014, and just 2 days later:
http://www.torontosun.com/2014/02/07/fed...ian-labour
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/02/07/...48260.html
The story made headlines in Toronto. So what happened? Basically the government looked into it and the company got scared shitless and re-hired back all of the Canadians that they fired. The government is now trying very hard to make sure Canadian's fill the top spots, and the other jobs which no one wants to do, i.e. AP clerk, or whatever, is filled by foreigners. The government is going to be doing inspections at the companies and if they find any violations to the rules and regulations, then they will revoke the right for the company to hire any foreign workers at all.
The post above was inspiring about the guy coming to Canada and making big bank. But that's now going to be the norm.
Just my 2 cents..
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/02/06/...41305.html
Good right? Canadians laid off and foreigners given the jobs at half the rate ($36 to $18). But wait... this made headlines on Feb 6, 2014, and just 2 days later:
http://www.torontosun.com/2014/02/07/fed...ian-labour
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/02/07/...48260.html
The story made headlines in Toronto. So what happened? Basically the government looked into it and the company got scared shitless and re-hired back all of the Canadians that they fired. The government is now trying very hard to make sure Canadian's fill the top spots, and the other jobs which no one wants to do, i.e. AP clerk, or whatever, is filled by foreigners. The government is going to be doing inspections at the companies and if they find any violations to the rules and regulations, then they will revoke the right for the company to hire any foreign workers at all.
The post above was inspiring about the guy coming to Canada and making big bank. But that's now going to be the norm.
Just my 2 cents..
alphaspiraton · 2014-02-10 13:01:00 · #2250
"Our government will not tolerate any abuse of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program," said spokesman Nick Koolsbergen.
"Those who are found to have violated the rules of Temporary Foreign Worker Program will be added to a blacklist and denied the ability to hire temporary foreign workers in the future. Canadians must be first in line for available jobs."
Ottawa brought in new regulations in December to calm fears that foreigners were taking jobs from Canadians."
"Those who are found to have violated the rules of Temporary Foreign Worker Program will be added to a blacklist and denied the ability to hire temporary foreign workers in the future. Canadians must be first in line for available jobs."
Ottawa brought in new regulations in December to calm fears that foreigners were taking jobs from Canadians."