Hey guys couldn't stay long at the meet up, got to head north in the morning, but was good to meet ye for a bit.

Ill be back around again in a few weeks so maybe catch ye properly then.


Just some guidelines for the newer people arriving regarding meet ups:

If you meet someone who has been out here for a while and they have brought friends/co-workers try to keep 'forum' talk to a minimum. It puts peoples relationships and employment at risk if you give away their forum details/involvement.

Personally I have no problem meeting up with people off the forum but as this thread grows and more people arrive please be sensitive with the information you have regarding other forum members.

Regarding myself I would prefer if forum members didn't share my name, phone number and work details with people I have not already meet in person. If they are curious and want some info about me get them to PM me and I will get in touch with them.

Also when I meet up with people I would prefer if they did not mention my forum activity to non-forum members who might be around. This doesn't mean you have to create a fictitious reason for knowing me but rather you just don't mention the forum directly:

'So I heard you are busy' rather then 'I seen on the forum you are busy'

To one of my friends: 'Hey nice to meet you I'm Jim, I just moved here from Australia' rather then 'Nice to meet you I'm pussyhound909 from the forums'

Hope everyone gets what I am getting at. Not trying to sound like a dick but just keep in mind that most of us like to keep our forum activity online and not in the public domain.


Thanks and again was good to see ye guys if only for a bit.

Irishman, any idea what the spring break up will be like this year?

(02-13-2014 09:45 PM)komatiite Wrote:  @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!

Thanks buddy, this thread is really helpful in those looking to move in to Alberta oilsands. I am also going to get into trade related to oilsands after making some cash on the rigs.

(02-10-2014 10:45 PM)jerassik Wrote:  Big ups to Scotian, Irishman and Albertron (im a former bboy as well lol). This thread has been a big inspiration for me. I wish i did the patch thing 12 years ago when an ex co-worker of mine asked if i wanted to join him as a general labourer. Im kicking myself big time. I was born and raised in cowtown but currently residing in beautiful vancity.

My current plan is to move back to Calgary March 15th as i just got my class 1. I originally wanted to head to fortmac as a general labourer and network with whoever i can and see what trades i maybe interested in. I changed my mind and decided to get a class 1 that way i can at least have sort of skill down there. I dont intend to drive a semi but instead im interested in vac truck or fracking. Then ill network from there. My main interest is pipefitting, but definitely open to other things as instrumentation.

I have absolutely no experience in the trades sector as ive worked as a delivery driver for the last 10 years. Hence the class 1 as driving is in my confort zone. Anyways, can any of you guys fill me in on your thoughts of fracking or vac truck operator. Maybe some of you guys can give me more ideas that i havent thought of that i can use my license for. Ive seen ceda, clean habors and Halliburton job ads looking for guys with little to no experience for frac work. Any comments would be awesome. Im looking forward to moving back to AB as BC is garbage right now for regular jobs and it is extremely expensive to live out here.

Once Im back in Calgary, i have a cousin that owns a multiplex that will charge me minimal rent and i am willing to help anyone out on here thats making the move to AB and needs a place to stay.

You have a class 1? Man, look up Big Eagle and Orion. I was talking to a driver from another company last month and he was saying if you can back one of those trucks, you will be laughing--he makes 42 buck an hour with overtime after 8. You shouldn't have any trouble at all finding work out west with a class 1. Couple that with some experience and you will be LAUGHING!

I know for a fact that Big Eagle is looking for drivers, specifically in Swift Current, Saskatchewan and more than likely Alberta. One vac driver I know just sat in his truck playing video games all night lol. If you want to go fraccing, you can start in Red Deer and hit up Canyon (saw a hiring sign this week btw), Trican, Baker Hughes, Sanjel, and STEP--from what I hear, STEP is hiring a lot of guys. I've been in one of their coil units and it's pretty nice. Hope this helps. Also, just go to kijjiji and search "driver" jobs in Alberta!

(02-14-2014 11:58 PM)Temm Wrote:  I know for a fact that Big Eagle is looking for drivers, specifically in Swift Current, Saskatchewan and more than likely Alberta. One vac driver I know just sat in his truck playing video games all night lol. If you want to go fraccing, you can start in Red Deer and hit up Canyon (saw a hiring sign this week btw), Trican, Baker Hughes, Sanjel, and STEP--from what I hear, STEP is hiring a lot of guys. I've been in one of their coil units and it's pretty nice. Hope this helps. Also, just go to kijjiji and search "driver" jobs in Alberta!

what about white collar, logistics or transportation managers/dispatchers jobs? not really seeing anything worthwhile. mostly driving or trade work. Ive tried rigzone.com, but no luck

(02-14-2014 09:15 AM)Buzzyfurbox Wrote:  Irishman, any idea what the spring break up will be like this year?

Will be different for each company but if I had to guess at the moment late March. Some projects will continue regardless if they have good road access but they are usually kept for more experienced hands (workers).

I have no idea right know which boat I will be in.

Just got back from a month and a half away from a completely remote location last week. It certainly takes a few days to re-acclimatize to life outside of camp/work. Especially when dealing with work tools, cold, and tradesman for such a long time, day in day out.

Every time I come back from these long drawn out projects in camp, I feel somewhat akin to an Astronaut's inability walk and focus gaze, after an extended mission in low earth orbit.

This CSTS course is driving me insane! I know 99% of the stuff already, just wish I didn't have to watch all these stupid videos. Hoping to get it out of the way this afternoon.. Got my H2S certificate yesterday. Going to drop off my resume at a few of the offices in Calgary then head up to Nisku/Edmonton this week and hit the pavement. Will go to the labourers union as well and see if they will take me on. Have a few connections with a unionized company so its a prerequisite to getting hired on. Hoping H2S and CSTS will suffice but might take First Aid/CPR as well so i'm a little more qualified. Have a few years of labour experience, on and off construction sites so hopefully that gives me a little edge. I quit my job and gave my landlord notice I was leaving so the safety nets are kinda gone now.. Love diving straight into things, always makes for some interesting experiences. Might have to sleep in my truck for a couple nights

Hey is anyone up here using online dating - POF, tinder, okcupid etc.

How are your results, which is working the best?

Son of a bitch. I don't look at this thread for a few days and you guys have a meet in E-town. I was just at the Pint off Whyte a few weeks ago too.

(02-13-2014 10:52 AM)alphaspiraton Wrote:  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.

Like it or not you may spend a week, or even two if you're unlucky, actually securing employment. Edmonton is still a normal city just like any other, jobs are not just handed out. You can get your apprenticeship started but because of the 2-3 month delay in actually receiving your blue book (your personal apprenticeship ledger that most firms require before paying you the apprentice rate), you may as well begin working and accumulating hours towards your trade. When you are registering/ choosing a trade at the Apprenticeship office, be sure to select one that not only has a good endgame for journeyman, but also one that is relatively adaptable and transferable across myriad trade sectors (electrician, millwright, pipefitter, ironworker etc.). That's the way I did it.

(02-17-2014 04:20 PM)DjembaDjemba Wrote:  Just got back from a month and a half away from a completely remote location last week. It certainly takes a few days to re-acclimatize to life outside of camp/work. Especially when dealing with work tools, cold, and tradesman for such a long time, day in day out.

Every time I come back from these long drawn out projects in camp, I feel somewhat akin to an Astronaut's inability walk and focus gaze, after an extended mission in low earth orbit.

HAHA I know that feeling buddy. Where I am at up her, we go hard for 4 months, no days off and when its all over, I swear it takes a guy 1-2 months, just to readjusted himself to normal society again.

(02-14-2014 09:15 AM)Buzzyfurbox Wrote:  Irishman, any idea what the spring break up will be like this year?

This year and the next few we will be seeing spring break up a little sooner then usual. Reason is that there is no need for the oil companies to risk loosing tones of capital to delays caused by warm weather. They see no reason to be risking it and pushing breakup a little longer until the pipelines are built and the risk reward is better for them. The lack of pipelines has caused a bottleneck in the system which then causes the commodity prices to deflate.
So until the pipelines are built which will take 3-4 years, expect the majority of breakup to start around march 1-15th depending on your location. This doesn't mean that there is no work. As one poster said there are still lots of projects out there that will go through break up but usually the veteran hands will get them. Just the easier work will be harder to come by until September.

(02-17-2014 11:11 PM)Atlantic Wrote:  Hey is anyone up here using online dating - POF, tinder, okcupid etc.

How are your results, which is working the best?

I hate all things online but resorted to it since I'm new too the city. The only one that I got a bite off was Tinder...Thankfully the nightspots are packed with guys that are a bunch of hams which makes it easier to speak with girls and get number and close faster than any online dating site IMO.


Snuke: I hope you and my company are dead wrong on that for my sake at least. I spoke with them today and they told me not to expect a call to work until March and even then my crew coordinator did not seem very confidant with that.

(02-17-2014 11:11 PM)Atlantic Wrote:  Hey is anyone up here using online dating - POF, tinder, okcupid etc.

How are your results, which is working the best?

Using Tinder and OKC at the moment, got 2 dates lined up for this weekend, lot's of girls just play the numbers game.

Actually had a date lined up from meetme but cancled it for the forum meeting.

Us Germans are a lusty people, Tresdus.

Just joined tinder today so see how it goes.

Kind of funny - there is only one girl within a 100kms of me right now. And she is a bushpig.

Anyone using this successfully when they stay in remote towns/work camps?

(02-17-2014 11:11 PM)Atlantic Wrote:  Hey is anyone up here using online dating - POF, tinder, okcupid etc.

How are your results, which is working the best?

I've been on POF the last 2 days, place is a gold mine right now. Tons of hot women signing up with post V-Day depression looking for a suitable mate. Get on there while they're still insecure and lunging at any dick that comes their way! Haha, supposed to have a date today with a chick, going to Shisha on whyte. Tomorrow I'm supposed to go Salsa dancing with a Chilean HB 8.5+

They're ripe for the picking so get in there ya sikkunt!

Hi guys,

Today after going to several drilling companies in Nisku, I walked into Trinidad Drilling and was hired on the spot. I take a piss test on Tuesday and I probably start my hell week initiation soon after that. Wish I hadn't wasted my time at the other places had I known Trinidad would take me right away.

I was wondering what essential items do you veteran drilling workers bring with you?

Also, what PPE will the company be providing for me and what do I need to provide on my own?

I'll probably find out Tuesday but it would be nice to know in advance.

Also, thanks to Scotian and everyone else. Wouldn't have found the motivation to do it without the wealth of information from this thread!

(02-19-2014 08:24 PM)Laurifer Wrote:  Hi guys,

Today after going to several drilling companies in Nisku, I walked into Trinidad Drilling and was hired on the spot. I take a piss test on Tuesday and I probably start my hell week initiation soon after that. Wish I hadn't wasted my time at the other places had I known Trinidad would take me right away.

I was wondering what essential items do you veteran drilling workers bring with you?

Also, what PPE will the company be providing for me and what do I need to provide on my own?

I'll probably find out Tuesday but it would be nice to know in advance.

Also, thanks to Scotian and everyone else. Wouldn't have found the motivation to do it without the wealth of information from this thread!

Congrats dude! For the items that you should bring with you, check out Atlantic's (irishman) thread that he started. He mentions in there somewhere on the items that he bought.

Also - did you find employment as a leasehand? I thought the oil drilling was closing down in March/April?

Check out this for equipment that they recommend you bring:
http://www.toughnecks.com/become_drilling.php#salary

Do you know how many hours you will be working? Thanks!

(02-19-2014 08:39 PM)alphaspiraton Wrote:  

(02-19-2014 08:24 PM)Laurifer Wrote:  Hi guys,

Today after going to several drilling companies in Nisku, I walked into Trinidad Drilling and was hired on the spot. I take a piss test on Tuesday and I probably start my hell week initiation soon after that. Wish I hadn't wasted my time at the other places had I known Trinidad would take me right away.

I was wondering what essential items do you veteran drilling workers bring with you?

Also, what PPE will the company be providing for me and what do I need to provide on my own?

I'll probably find out Tuesday but it would be nice to know in advance.

Also, thanks to Scotian and everyone else. Wouldn't have found the motivation to do it without the wealth of information from this thread!

Congrats dude! For the items that you should bring with you, check out Atlantic's (irishman) thread that he started. He mentions in there somewhere on the items that he bought.

Also - did you find employment as a leasehand? I thought the oil drilling was closing down in March/April?

Check out this for equipment that they recommend you bring:
http://www.toughnecks.com/become_drilling.php#salary

Do you know how many hours you will be working? Thanks!

Yea as far as I know I'll be a leasehand, which works for me. The recruiter did say they were slowing down so I'm just assuming they'll work me until break up.

We didn't discuss hours and pay, but I'm guessing 2 on 1 off. I'll have to wait and find out more after my piss test on Tuesday.

Thanks for the link! I'll take a look at that and Atlantic's post.

Ill write up a quick response if I get a chance later tonight.

Short version: your drilling company will tell you what you need to bring.

Yeah, just call your drilling company and ask them. There's a lot of differences between what companies provide.
Are you working on a drilling or a service rig? If it's a drilling rig work will stop in about a month, so you should probably look for work on service rigs.

Walked 12km through Edmonton today handing out resumes. Man I wish I had money for a car, the bus system really sucks.

(02-19-2014 05:30 PM)TravellingSoldier Wrote:  

(02-17-2014 11:11 PM)Atlantic Wrote:  Hey is anyone up here using online dating - POF, tinder, okcupid etc.

How are your results, which is working the best?

Tomorrow I'm supposed to go Salsa dancing with a Chilean HB 8.5+

Not many Chilean's in Edmonton so I gotta ask, is that chick named Valentina?!??

(02-19-2014 10:14 PM)Atlantic Wrote:  Ill write up a quick response if I get a chance later tonight.

Short version: your drilling company will tell you what you need to bring.

Ive had some technical issues tonight. Ill write tomorrow