To avoid any confusion: I've changed my name from Irishman to Atlantic

(02-12-2014 05:59 PM)Atlantic Wrote:  To avoid any confusion: I've changed my name from Irishman to Atlantic

I was like "dafuq" for a second and then clued into your avatar

meetup tomorrow thursday feb 13, 2014 at the pint on whyte at 8pm. Scotian's gona be there, pretty much the same as last time.

(02-12-2014 01:21 AM)jerassik Wrote:  Very nice post ASOT!!! Very helpful, insightful and full of knowledge. Hard to believe your only 20.

ASOT is not. I however definitely am.

(02-12-2014 01:21 AM)jerassik Wrote:  You should consider writing and make some side cash lol.

Appreciate the kudos. Have thought about it, yet when I prioritize recreational writing my university classes tend to be ostracized from my scope of effort.

(02-12-2014 01:21 AM)jerassik Wrote:  After reading this, i will definitely check out welding and see if its for me. Im from Calgary but living in Vancity right now. Im moving back on the 15th of March with a CDL that i just got here, hoping to land a vac truck gig or get on a frac crew. (whichever comes first). Ill be doing some networking and maybe find a trade that i can see myself doing for 5/7yrs, bank some cash and pursue other dreams.

Welding is definitely the way to go then. Because of the relatively prevalent amounts of zinc and aluminium in most of the carbon steel that's used (I won't even go into the health effects of welding galvanized or stainless steel), I definitely don't see why you would do it for 10+ years like some guys out there. If you do it for 5-7 years, you will definitely have added more than a million dollars to your net worth. You have to be good at what you do though; position welding pipe is no joke and it can potentially be very hard on your posterior chain, your knees and your respiratory system. Blow your nose after rolling 24-inch heavy wall and you can see what I mean.

(02-12-2014 12:30 PM)theking Wrote:  nice post man, being from ontario I actually find alberta girls to be really laid back and easy compared to back home haha. Im a welding apprentice as well, hoping to one day have my own rig.

Damn, I've heard Roosh's posts on Toronto but never knew it was that bad. I'll have to include it on my next trip to the East Coast to see what's into them over there.

(02-12-2014 12:30 PM)theking Wrote:  Fav bar on whyte is definitely the rack, pulled a couple girls from there over the summer but haven't been out much currently as its so damn cold. Obyrnes is a great spot for day 2s, sip on some beer and as I only live a couple minutes from it, head back after.

I think that's why there are so many girls hitched up to oil patch guys; the winters are long and they don't want to be going to bars in -15 Celsius looking for potential suitors when the sun has already set by the time they finish their psych classes. Why go out for steak when you got chicken ready at home?

Saying that, if you can find a sexy nurse or something working on her RN I would definitely try and lock her down for the season

(02-12-2014 01:45 PM)Atlantic Wrote:  I kind of relate to your spending habits. Last winter I was booking $400 a night hotel rooms for banging girls and drinking heavily. Unfortunately I ended up nearly broke when the drilling season got quite. Good to see you are having fun while your young though.

I believe it starts as a "product of your environment" issue. My roommates, and all the fellas from work and the rugby club usually just got absolutely clobbered on the weekends, exponentially raising the cost of going out because they wouldn't get drunk until they actually got to the venue (I would contend that rugby players and farmboys arguably have the highest alcohol tolerance in the western hemisphere).

Since I was the young guy who was, new to Alberta, a greenhand in the industry and a new acquisition to the rugby team, many of whom I shared a workplace with, If I didn't get sloshed to the point of being a dancing monkey for them, that same pressuring behaviour would metastasize into a sober environment, whereupon it had the potential to be stressful and rife with tension. Day in, day out it can get to you.

(02-12-2014 01:45 PM)Atlantic Wrote:  Ill disagree on the ranch. I had an epic night there with a few make outs, pulling a girl back to the hostel (what got me banned) and was receiving crazy attention of girls. It was a Wednesday student night. Might have been down to being Irish and rolling with an Australian though so we had foreign factor.

Both times I went it was on a Friday and the place was jammed. I remember getting there with a bad attitude due to my wing dragging me down with his frugality and lack of social deftness. I simply despise country music too, so perhaps it was never meant to be.

(02-12-2014 01:45 PM)Atlantic Wrote:  I am impressed man - bottle service and suit game at 20.

Cheers man. It helps to go out with people more successful and affluent than yourself so you're not stuck shouldering the heaviest part of the bill. Countless times I would go out on a special occasion and my entire bill was covered.

Long been a fan of suit game. Trying to compile a list determinants of the worst times to wear a suit.

(02-12-2014 01:45 PM)Atlantic Wrote:  After last years mistakes I would recommend being a bit smarter with your money but at the same time your still pretty young so don't stress it too much either as long as you have yourself covered.

I am hoping to crack Oilsands daygame this year once it heats up so will be interesting to see what your thoughts are on that.

Best of luck with the blog and welcome to the patch.

Thanks Atlantic, as I've heard before most people wait until their 30's and 40's to establish their prime earning years, so If I blow some thousands of dollars in my 20's I do so with a clear conscience. The civil layout of Edmonton isn't really conducive to street stops, but super market game, rodeo game, that's going to be your bread and butter.

Nonetheless, I came out of my experience more positive, socially adaptable and of higher means than when I first arrived. Returning to the land of black gold later this coming spring.

(02-12-2014 07:39 AM)random Wrote:  Hey guys, having basic tickets (h2s, sfa, csts) and 2 months (summer) experience as a leasehand, what chance is there to get a leasehand job right now? When are the rigs going to be shut down?
Currently, I'm in Europe and thinking about flying do E-Town next week and applying in Nisku immediately afterwards. I don't care if it's a camp or non-camp job (prefer the latter though).

The weather seems to be ok according to Google, up to -20 °C during the night shifts is alright.

Basic tickets esp. safety stuff, coupled with experience will put you at front of queue. Most of my acquaintances and connections within drilling companies tell me that many leasehands come on with no rig floor experience.

Anyone go to Alberta without any prior experience or any pre employment course and obtain a job in the trades? Scotian stressed about doing a pre employment course. But lets say if I just showed up in March with all the initial certificates and a driver's licence. Would I get a welding (or other trade) apprenticeship?

Assuming I have zero engineering experience and my degree was in commerce. I did a little bit of manufacturing in highschool and that's about it.

Thoughts?

(02-12-2014 09:04 PM)alphaspiraton Wrote:  Anyone go to Alberta without any prior experience or any pre employment course and obtain a job in the trades? Scotian stressed about doing a pre employment course. But lets say if I just showed up in March with all the initial certificates and a driver's licence. Would I get a welding (or other trade) apprenticeship?

Assuming I have zero engineering experience and my degree was in commerce. I did a little bit of manufacturing in highschool and that's about it.

Thoughts?

I came out here without prior experience, a pre-employment or a car and had an apprenticeship within 13 days. It's definitely possible man, but you have to make sure you NETWORK! That's the most important thing. I knew a guy who knew a guy who knew a guy. If you don't know anyone, make friends. Go into the yellowpages and look for welders in your area, call every one and ask if they take start ups. Be persistent and call regularly, you will land something.

As for the hiring season in March, I'm not sure how it differs... Hopefully one of the other guys can answer that. Good luck

(02-12-2014 09:51 PM)TravellingSoldier Wrote:  

(02-12-2014 09:04 PM)alphaspiraton Wrote:  Anyone go to Alberta without any prior experience or any pre employment course and obtain a job in the trades? Scotian stressed about doing a pre employment course. But lets say if I just showed up in March with all the initial certificates and a driver's licence. Would I get a welding (or other trade) apprenticeship?

Assuming I have zero engineering experience and my degree was in commerce. I did a little bit of manufacturing in highschool and that's about it.

Thoughts?

I came out here without prior experience, a pre-employment or a car and had an apprenticeship within 13 days. It's definitely possible man, but you have to make sure you NETWORK! That's the most important thing. I knew a guy who knew a guy who knew a guy. If you don't know anyone, make friends. Go into the yellowpages and look for welders in your area, call every one and ask if they take start ups. Be persistent and call regularly, you will land something.

As for the hiring season in March, I'm not sure how it differs... Hopefully one of the other guys can answer that. Good luck

Great thanks for the info. Hopefully Scotian can chime in here. I've narrowed down the skilled trades I would do to: Welding and Electrician. I'm just not sure if I should do a 12 week pre employment course first or hit the ground running in March.

Irishman,
Why the change of name? Your Irishman nick is kinda your trademark bro.

(02-12-2014 10:00 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  Irishman,
Why the change of name? Your Irishman nick is kinda your trademark bro.

It was getting too easy for people to figure out who I was at a glance.
At least Atlantic is semi vague as to my ethnicity and background.

What are ya up to these days man?

Well... might be out of work in Calgary by the looks of things. Thinking about heading north to try to find something.. Going for my H2S Alive course on the 16th unless somehow things turn around in the meantime. Applied online to a few leasehand jobs, might just get my H2S ticket and drive up to ETown/Nisku and get my name out there. Hopefully I can find something within a few days.

I hear you about protecting your privacy. Can't blame you man.

I'm here in Toronto in a boring office job which ends at the end of March. I bought a one way ticket to Manila for April 6 but I'm very tempted to cut that short and turn it into a very much needed but short 2-3 weeks vacation before returning to Etown and working there till the end of sept. and escape the winter. Theres no way I'm going to spend one more winter in this miserable shit hole! Lol I truly salute all of you guys who are staying in Alberta in the winters!

Any trip planned on your end man? If you make it to the Phils in April let me know and we'll party together man.

Cheers.

(02-12-2014 10:18 PM)Atlantic Wrote:  

(02-12-2014 10:00 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  Irishman,
Why the change of name? Your Irishman nick is kinda your trademark bro.

It was getting too easy for people to figure out who I was at a glance.
At least Atlantic is semi vague as to my ethnicity and background.

What are ya up to these days man?

(02-12-2014 10:49 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  I hear you about protecting your privacy. Can't blame you man.

I'm here in Toronto in a boring office job which ends at the end of March. I bought a one way ticket to Manila for April 6 but I'm very tempted to cut that short and turn it into a very much needed but short 2-3 weeks vacation before returning to Etown and working there till the end of sept. and escape the winter. Theres no way I'm going to spend one more winter in this miserable shit hole! Lol I truly salute all of you guys who are staying in Alberta in the winters!

Any trip planned on your end man? If you make it to the Phils in April let me know and we'll party together man.

Cheers.

(02-12-2014 10:18 PM)Atlantic Wrote:  

(02-12-2014 10:00 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  Irishman,
Why the change of name? Your Irishman nick is kinda your trademark bro.

It was getting too easy for people to figure out who I was at a glance.
At least Atlantic is semi vague as to my ethnicity and background.

What are ya up to these days man?

Yeah man the winters suck, especially working outside 12 hrs a day. I'm going to do my 8 weeks of schooling in jan-feb and probably go vacation for dec/march lol...

(02-12-2014 09:04 PM)alphaspiraton Wrote:  Anyone go to Alberta without any prior experience or any pre employment course and obtain a job in the trades? Scotian stressed about doing a pre employment course. But lets say if I just showed up in March with all the initial certificates and a driver's licence. Would I get a welding (or other trade) apprenticeship?

Assuming I have zero engineering experience and my degree was in commerce. I did a little bit of manufacturing in highschool and that's about it.

Thoughts?

I recommend finding an employer that will sponsor you before you go apply for your apprenticeship. Regarding welding, search around in Nisku for welding fabrication shops. It's not hard to run a MIG torch, and therefore it's what many first year apprentices do. Otherwise you can network and look for a rig welder and try to get on as his helper, but that would be easier after you get indentured as an apprentice. Networking is very important though, everyone knows everyone among firms, and if you're good at your job others will recognize and it will be mentioned. Conversely, if you're shit, that will also be recognized and mentioned.

For a newcomer, stay in South Edmonton or Nisku if you can, then spend a day in Nisku with a few dozen resumes and hit any and every place that says they are hiring. Take what you can get, because once hired, there will be room for advancement and specialization regardless of your status as apprentice. So many people do this that most firms, regardless of size will train you and sign off on your papers, because it shows devotion to your occupation, and to your employer.

Hi...am joining this thread after reading for a while. i have been following up with it since scotian started it...and i can tell that it started a while ago. good to see the thread is still live. like literally the last post was YESTERDAY. hmm anyways.
i was just wondering, is there any courses to be taken while am already there? considering that am a canadian and living in Toronto.
The money is so attracting and i feel like i should just take off as soon as 2morow. but i also read about the "H2S" "CSTS" "FIRST AID" .....is it possible to get all this certs there while am already there? or is it advisable to just get them from here before i leave?

PLUS Scotian , if you are still following this, are you still working at the rigs??

any replies will be appriciated.

How do I find an employer to sponsor me before I even get there? I thought the whole point was to get to AB and hit the ground running with my CV/resume...

(02-13-2014 12:32 AM)Condog Wrote:  

(02-12-2014 09:04 PM)alphaspiraton Wrote:  Anyone go to Alberta without any prior experience or any pre employment course and obtain a job in the trades? Scotian stressed about doing a pre employment course. But lets say if I just showed up in March with all the initial certificates and a driver's licence. Would I get a welding (or other trade) apprenticeship?

Assuming I have zero engineering experience and my degree was in commerce. I did a little bit of manufacturing in highschool and that's about it.

Thoughts?

I recommend finding an employer that will sponsor you before you go apply for your apprenticeship. Regarding welding, search around in Nisku for welding fabrication shops. It's not hard to run a MIG torch, and therefore it's what many first year apprentices do. Otherwise you can network and look for a rig welder and try to get on as his helper, but that would be easier after you get indentured as an apprentice. Networking is very important though, everyone knows everyone among firms, and if you're good at your job others will recognize and it will be mentioned. Conversely, if you're shit, that will also be recognized and mentioned.

For a newcomer, stay in South Edmonton or Nisku if you can, then spend a day in Nisku with a few dozen resumes and hit any and every place that says they are hiring. Take what you can get, because once hired, there will be room for advancement and specialization regardless of your status as apprentice. So many people do this that most firms, regardless of size will train you and sign off on your papers, because it shows devotion to your occupation, and to your employer.

(02-13-2014 02:57 AM)kimz Wrote:  Hi...am joining this thread after reading for a while. i have been following up with it since scotian started it...and i can tell that it started a while ago. good to see the thread is still live. like literally the last post was YESTERDAY. hmm anyways.
i was just wondering, is there any courses to be taken while am already there? considering that am a canadian and living in Toronto.
The money is so attracting and i feel like i should just take off as soon as 2morow. but i also read about the "H2S" "CSTS" "FIRST AID" .....is it possible to get all this certs there while am already there? or is it advisable to just get them from here before i leave?

PLUS Scotian , if you are still following this, are you still working at the rigs??

any replies will be appriciated.

You can get Standard First Aid and CPR from St. Johns Ambulance, it is recognized here.

http://www.sja.ca/English/eReg/Pages/default.aspx

Other than that, I would recommend getting the rest of the tickets on AB ground.

TRAVELLING SOLDIER.

Thanks a lot. much appreciated.
i forgot to mention that am only 19 and inexperienced especially when it comes to those kinda jobs up north. that includes welding, pipe-fitting, electrician etc etc. am not sure if there any short courses offered there that can land me some quick experience/certificate to just get a job as a green hand before i can channel my way up to something more solid??
scotian mention CEDA and CLEAN HABOURS that almost offers a job to people off the street. is it worth to just fly in and get those kinda jobs 1st then figure out what i can do afterwards?

how do someone get to the camps? do you apply for those jobs outside fort mac and fly in when you get one? or you can just show up there and look for a job?

i have a experience in other kinds of jobs that i have done in so many different places...but not exactly oil or rigs related ones.

all answers are appreciated.

Finally, I can post.

First of all big thanks to Scotian, Irishman and others for starting this thread and mentoring new guys on this forum.

So just to show you a glimpse of the job market here in Alberta, I came across this forum and registered to ask tons of questions but it took me a couple of weeks to get approved. Meanwhile I applied for a job based on the discussion on this thread, got the job, already completed 2 day orientation and now I am heading to a rig on Saturday.

To tell you a bit about me, I am from Calgary, AB. I had a cushy job in Calgary and a Bachelors in Business. I got sick and tired of staring at a computer screen all day decided to switch career. Since O&G is big in Alberta so it was only logical to choose this as a career. I was doing my research and came across this forum, I am glad I did!

I made a fictitious resume with tons of labour experience and didn't mention my professional qualification. I received all the necessary training, H2S and First Aid. There are many places in Calgary that offer these courses on the weekend so your normal workday is not disturbed.

I got the job on service rig, according to my research, drilling side of things is slow but service rigs are as busy as ever. Last year some companies had a break up which only lasted one week, that's it!

Only big advice to those looking for opportunities is do your research, there is tons of advice on this forum. Always look for areas with tons of activity, if you can, go to remote areas which most guys avoid, you will have no problem getting hired.

Thank you Scotian and everyone else involved in this thread, read the entire thing in a couple days and learned quite a bit.
I have heard of the oil sands/rigs since I was in high school however did not read more about it until now. This is a great opportunity for anyone, especially people like myself living in Alberta.

I am more interested in the trades rather than the oil rigs, specifically welding. Any welders out there, why did you get into welding? I am mainly interested in it because of the money and the ability to advance past a JM if you so choose.

Currently have no tickets, all the relevant experience I have is 5-6 months of general labor/framing. Gotta be getting them tickets real soon.

Been living in Alberta my entire life, can definitely say working outside in the winter is something you do not want to do. Would it be ideal for apprentices to work 6 months and avoid the winter? Of course it would take longer to complete the apprenticeship, is this something only JM can do?

Anyone else going for the meet-up at the pint?

If anyone knows zeeman or scotians # send me a pm, I'm going for the meet later and zee hasn't responded

Talked to zeeman and he'll be there so will I. I'll probably be there around 8:15 or so

@Zarathustra Good luck man. I remember my first year of uni when I had literally no idea what to take, so started down the business path simply because it "seemed like a good way to make money." That summer I got a job in the oilfield and it was a life-changing experience, I decided to pursue the sciences in school after getting a taste of the oil patch. It truly is a very interesting industry; a collection of almost every discipline known to man uniting to make some coin! So many young kids go into business school with expectations of being highly paid i-bankers for big banks, but often end up in a boring desk jockey lifestyle, without understanding that the best way to get ahead in this business is through either sciences, tradework or brute physical labour. I wish you all the best, go make some cash!