Ninjas insulated are great, and have good dexterity. Anything below -20 to -35 becomes discomforting for the fingers regardless of gloves.

(12-01-2014 08:21 PM)DjembaDjemba Wrote:  Ninjas insulated are great, and have good dexterity. Anything below -20 to -35 becomes discomforting for the fingers regardless of gloves.

Those look decent, just checked out the brand's site, where do you buy them? I would prob rock a HH liner underneath for extra insulation on the coldest days.

(12-01-2014 10:58 PM)PALEO DUDE Wrote:  

(12-01-2014 08:21 PM)DjembaDjemba Wrote:  Ninjas insulated are great, and have good dexterity. Anything below -20 to -35 becomes discomforting for the fingers regardless of gloves.

Those look decent, just checked out the brand's site, where do you buy them? I would prob rock a HH liner underneath for extra insulation on the coldest days.

That's what I use. Except I replace the HH liners with the cheap Wal-mart liners. Probably better off going with the HH. I replace the Wal-mart liners a lot. Most Mark's carry Ninja's.

(10-15-2014 07:00 AM)harley Wrote:  hello everyone

i read the entire thread multiple times and i'm really serious about going to canada thanks to life-changing input from all of you, especially scotian and atlantic, all of you guys are an unbelievable wealth of information and i can't believe you're sharing it with ambitious red pillers just like that, really great to see men helping each other this way

my plan is to get the croatian working holiday visa, thoroughly prepare (in the last month or so i made 1/3 of those 5000$ i'll need for canada, i'm really inspired to be working for something that will actually pay off finally), minimize expenses, go to canada, pass the tickets and hit the pavement next year, probably mid august

i don't have a degree, was studying business but i dropped out for now because of the expenses and job opportunities i've had - also, i'm not optimistic about my financial opportunities after i get the degree

so anyway, i got some general questions regarding my situation:

1. in case i get the wh visa, everything is cool, but if i don't, what are my options? getting the work permit on a guarantee from the company is out of the question?

2. i got a class 3 license, does that help a lot or just a little bit?

3. does anyone here work in sweden? since moving there would be fairly easy i'd like to know is there a language barrier for working in the oil industry since i'm really good at english so it would help out if they use that over there - also, is the procedure for getting a basic job out there the same as in canada?

that's basically it for now, thanks again for all the great info, keep it coming

cheers!

anyone?

(12-02-2014 05:15 AM)harley Wrote:  

(10-15-2014 07:00 AM)harley Wrote:  hello everyone

i read the entire thread multiple times and i'm really serious about going to canada thanks to life-changing input from all of you, especially scotian and atlantic, all of you guys are an unbelievable wealth of information and i can't believe you're sharing it with ambitious red pillers just like that, really great to see men helping each other this way

my plan is to get the croatian working holiday visa, thoroughly prepare (in the last month or so i made 1/3 of those 5000$ i'll need for canada, i'm really inspired to be working for something that will actually pay off finally), minimize expenses, go to canada, pass the tickets and hit the pavement next year, probably mid august

i don't have a degree, was studying business but i dropped out for now because of the expenses and job opportunities i've had - also, i'm not optimistic about my financial opportunities after i get the degree

so anyway, i got some general questions regarding my situation:

1. in case i get the wh visa, everything is cool, but if i don't, what are my options? getting the work permit on a guarantee from the company is out of the question?

2. i got a class 3 license, does that help a lot or just a little bit?

3. does anyone here work in sweden? since moving there would be fairly easy i'd like to know is there a language barrier for working in the oil industry since i'm really good at english so it would help out if they use that over there - also, is the procedure for getting a basic job out there the same as in canada?

that's basically it for now, thanks again for all the great info, keep it coming

cheers!

anyone?

I'm not sure about getting a visa but with a Class 3 license with a clean driving record, you can get a job fairly easily. There are lots of Vacuum and Water truck jobs available.

The only way it could be easier for you to get a job in the oilfield would be with a Class 1 license or a trade ticket.

Are Red Wing boots and Wolverines the best?

Anyone got some good leads on a one bedroom apartment/bachelor pad close to either Whyte Ave, U of A or Jasper Ave?

Starting end of Jan with rent between $800-1200.

I'm looking for something that is nice to live in, social and good for bringing girls back to. Close to some coffee shops/gym would be nice.

Feel free to PM me if you prefer. Thanks

Anybody know what's the hot spots to have fun around Edmonton? I've just recently made the move to permanently leave the Atlantic and brought my wheels up this round. I moved right near Jasper Ave!

(12-02-2014 07:45 AM)Brian Shima Wrote:  Are Red Wing boots and Wolverines the best?

Don't, they cost too much and look to nice, your a newer guy your boots are supposed to get dirty and broken. Save those boots for when your a foreman.

Jack what are the most comfortable and durable? I did find this but am not sure how accurate it is http://www.topworkboots.com/

Hey all, long time reader first time poster.

Im looking for advice on best options available to me for work in the oil sands. Please read my post before telling me to read the thread. I have read the thread but information that was relevant 6 months ago may not be relevant right now.

I have a university degree (finance), and a class 3 license w/ air-brake (not much experience driving class 3 though). I have some experience working in skilled labour type positions and safety sensitive positions, but I would be considered entry level still. I have worked outside in all weather conditions and long hours so that isn't new to me, although I know oil field jobs will be a whole new beast.

I am looking for a position(s) that will allow me to make good money (reason for heading to the oil field), BUT will also develop transferable skills that I can bring back home (Calgary) eventually when I get tired of out of town work. Thus I am not particularly interested in working as a roughneck or similar type jobs, although I would be open to it if I was given fair opportunity to progress into trade/apprentice type jobs within a period of time. - I am not interested in having 2-3+ years experience at a roughneck/labourer on my resume because if I decide to leave the oil field that pretty much puts me back to entry level for city jobs.

That being said, I am interested in apprentice positions (Instrumentation, Electrician and Power Line Technician are my top 3). I am not for or against driving a class 3 vehicle, although I am not sure what types of jobs there are for that type of work, other than Vac Trucks (Anyone care to elaborate on that particular job?). I excel at positions that require a moderate degree of mechanical aptitude but also require brains as I think I have a good mix of both.

So I am looking for ideas on jobs that I should be looking for based on what I have shared with you guys. Any ideas on good paying class 3 jobs?

Ill add: I don't mind relocating, although I would like to work a shift schedule ideally so I can come home periodically and see my dog and friends and what not.

Thanks, and a shout out to Scotian and all the contributors to the thread. Great info.

(12-03-2014 05:46 AM)Brian Shima Wrote:  Jack what are the most comfortable and durable? I did find this but am not sure how accurate it is http://www.topworkboots.com/

it's up to you really if you want you can buy the red wings. They're actually nice but all work boots eventually get destroyed especially if your doing a physically demanding job. Main thing is are they suitable for the weather, wear heavy winter insulated or rubber boots for the winter. For the rest you can use normal boots.


If your willing to spend $ get the red wings, it's 330$. I just feel bad ruining such nice boots working in mud and oil.

(12-03-2014 09:05 PM)JD61 Wrote:  Hey all, long time reader first time poster.

Im looking for advice on best options available to me for work in the oil sands. Please read my post before telling me to read the thread. I have read the thread but information that was relevant 6 months ago may not be relevant right now.

I have a university degree (finance), and a class 3 license w/ air-brake (not much experience driving class 3 though). I have some experience working in skilled labour type positions and safety sensitive positions, but I would be considered entry level still. I have worked outside in all weather conditions and long hours so that isn't new to me, although I know oil field jobs will be a whole new beast.

I am looking for a position(s) that will allow me to make good money (reason for heading to the oil field), BUT will also develop transferable skills that I can bring back home (Calgary) eventually when I get tired of out of town work. Thus I am not particularly interested in working as a roughneck or similar type jobs, although I would be open to it if I was given fair opportunity to progress into trade/apprentice type jobs within a period of time. - I am not interested in having 2-3+ years experience at a roughneck/labourer on my resume because if I decide to leave the oil field that pretty much puts me back to entry level for city jobs.

That being said, I am interested in apprentice positions (Instrumentation, Electrician and Power Line Technician are my top 3). I am not for or against driving a class 3 vehicle, although I am not sure what types of jobs there are for that type of work, other than Vac Trucks (Anyone care to elaborate on that particular job?). I excel at positions that require a moderate degree of mechanical aptitude but also require brains as I think I have a good mix of both.

So I am looking for ideas on jobs that I should be looking for based on what I have shared with you guys. Any ideas on good paying class 3 jobs?

Ill add: I don't mind relocating, although I would like to work a shift schedule ideally so I can come home periodically and see my dog and friends and what not.

Thanks, and a shout out to Scotian and all the contributors to the thread. Great info.

Class 3 is mostly Water Trucks and HydroVac Trucks. Just google oilfield or Class 3 on Kijiji for Alberta. It's decent pay you're looking at 70 hours a week in the patch which is the most you can do while driving with a log book.

If you want to get into trades there are few routes. Take a pre-apprenticeship course at SAIT or NAIT. Apply to the unions. Or get on with one of the big construction companies as a labourer and move up when you can.

Jack I understand. I think I might just go to a boot store, ask around and get the mist comfortable pair that I can afford.

Red Wings are a foreman boots. Pointless to spend that and ruin them. Go get some Dunlop's or dakotas. I have the Dakota Viper boots they are good not too heavy. Buy Bama socks with wool socks underneath you'll be fine. It isn't a fashion show. I bought some Red Wings in Texas cause they were cheap down there and my company gave me boot allowance. They are now the heaviest pair of casual boots I wear as I refused to watch the leather continue scuffing on the toe. Live and learn.

I'm not in Canada so maybe I should get red wings since everythings cheaper than down south

There is nothing worse than sharing a hotel suite with a retarded, obnoxious, reckless, alcoholic native roommate that ignorantly smokes like a chimney inside a non-smoking hotel on a 24/7 rotation.
My roommate just passed out, snoring like a chainsaw on his bed with his pants half way down, bare ass showing and head laying on the floor with his thumb in his mouth, while the music on his ipod is blaring on full blast; FML. I wouldn't be surprised if this idiot lit himself and the hotel on fire.
Tip: Earplugs are essential in times like these as well as the ability to sleep with one eye open.

Scotian was absolutely right when he said all you need is half a brain to succeed out here. I would say with half a brain, zero skills and a vehicle it's hard not to get a decent job out here even when the local economy is as unusually stagnant as it currently is for this time of year.

I'm looking to move onto pipeline work as a labourer, any helpful tips on what to expect, where to look and how to prepare would be appreciated.

(12-05-2014 02:53 AM)PALEO DUDE Wrote:  There is nothing worse than sharing a hotel suite with a retarded, obnoxious, reckless, alcoholic native roommate that ignorantly smokes like a chimney inside a non-smoking hotel on a 24/7 rotation.
My roommate just passed out, snoring like a chainsaw on his bed with his pants half way down, bare ass showing and head laying on the floor with his thumb in his mouth, while the music on his ipod is blaring on full blast; FML. I wouldn't be surprised if this idiot lit himself and the hotel on fire.
Tip: Earplugs are essential in times like these as well as the ability to sleep with one eye open.

Scotian was absolutely right when he said all you need is half a brain to succeed out here. I would say with half a brain, zero skills and a vehicle it's hard not to get a decent job out here even when the local economy is as unusually stagnant as it currently is for this time of year.

I'm looking to move onto pipeline work as a labourer, any helpful tips on what to expect, where to look and how to prepare would be appreciated.

Are you working seismic?

As far as pipeline, you could probably get a job tomorrow if you were willing to move to Grand Prairie. I don't know much about but have seen several companies advertising in Grand Prairie for Pipeline Labourers. Here is the last one I saw.

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-construction-trad...1034326649

Just wanted to give a quick update on my move over here.

Got my apartment in my desired locale, and it has been great so far. Just finished up my online safety stuff after doing in-class ones last week.

Next step is getting a decent SUV, was looking to get a Patriot or something similar. I debated just getting the first 4x4 beater I could grab on kijiji, but it makes more sense to get a vehicle I can have for at least five years.

I met the wife of a tool push (service rigs) last night at a bar. She asked if I had a class 1 and I don't, so I'll probably make headway on that. I figure with the oil prices the way they are companies will be more selective about who they hire with no experience. All the same, I'm not worried about driving down to Nisku when I get the car and getting a couple job offers as a leasehand.

There are so many "Now Hiring" signs around, granted they are for restaurants and stores, but still, if you need quick work, it's here.

Hope you guys are all doing good out here in balmy Edmonton. I'm still settling in, work is busy as fuck. Big Country - don't discount the many service sides to the oilfield in your job search. Turnover is high and work is steady. It might not pay as much as rig work but it's still up there. Anyone thats out this weekend, I'll be on whyte ave so give me a shout.

(12-05-2014 02:53 AM)PALEO DUDE Wrote:  There is nothing worse than sharing a hotel suite with a retarded, obnoxious, reckless, alcoholic native roommate that ignorantly smokes like a chimney inside a non-smoking hotel on a 24/7 rotation.
My roommate just passed out, snoring like a chainsaw on his bed with his pants half way down, bare ass showing and head laying on the floor with his thumb in his mouth, while the music on his ipod is blaring on full blast; FML. I wouldn't be surprised if this idiot lit himself and the hotel on fire.
Tip: Earplugs are essential in times like these as well as the ability to sleep with one eye open.

Scotian was absolutely right when he said all you need is half a brain to succeed out here. I would say with half a brain, zero skills and a vehicle it's hard not to get a decent job out here even when the local economy is as unusually stagnant as it currently is for this time of year.

I'm looking to move onto pipeline work as a labourer, any helpful tips on what to expect, where to look and how to prepare would be appreciated.

You are actually sharing a hotel room with someone? What shit is that. I'm only a trainee and when we went to a shutdown I got my own room with 4 beds in it all to myself.

Hi there. Long time lurker. Finally signed up months ago and a special thanks to scotian for creating it.

If anyone working in the oil sands can help me out, I'm all ears. I don't have anything that would help me land a trades job, but I do have work experience (worked retail for several years). I've already been in university and am trying to pay off my debt. That's why I'm a bit hesistant to want to go back to school. That's not to say that I will NEVER go back, just a bit hesitant.

So it's supposed to be easy to get a job and even get trained for it, but on paper it doesn't seem that way. Trust me, I do look at the listings. I swear every one requires 2+ years of oil experience, safety certs, driver's license, etc. If I get some more help, I'll apply to a new job once a day.

(12-06-2014 01:03 PM)needhelp Wrote:  Hi there. Long time lurker. Finally signed up months ago and a special thanks to scotian for creating it.

If anyone working in the oil sands can help me out, I'm all ears. I don't have anything that would help me land a trades job, but I do have work experience (worked retail for several years). I've already been in university and am trying to pay off my debt. That's why I'm a bit hesistant to want to go back to school. That's not to say that I will NEVER go back, just a bit hesitant.

So it's supposed to be easy to get a job and even get trained for it, but on paper it doesn't seem that way. Trust me, I do look at the listings. I swear every one requires 2+ years of oil experience, safety certs, driver's license, etc. If I get some more help, I'll apply to a new job once a day.

You obviously haven't read the thread. There's reports from 20+ guys that came out here with no experience and landed a good job.

We have enough unskilled people in Canada looking for work, if you actually read the thread, you would know that's its nearly impossible to get up here for you. Basically your only hope is the SWAP program that we've mentioned on here numerous times, you probably know about that already since you've read the thread, right?

(12-06-2014 01:03 PM)needhelp Wrote:  Hi there. Long time lurker. Finally signed up months ago and a special thanks to scotian for creating it.

If anyone working in the oil sands can help me out, I'm all ears. I don't have anything that would help me land a trades job, but I do have work experience (worked retail for several years). I've already been in university and am trying to pay off my debt. That's why I'm a bit hesistant to want to go back to school. That's not to say that I will NEVER go back, just a bit hesitant.

So it's supposed to be easy to get a job and even get trained for it, but on paper it doesn't seem that way. Trust me, I do look at the listings. I swear every one requires 2+ years of oil experience, safety certs, driver's license, etc. If I get some more help, I'll apply to a new job once a day.

If you dont read the full thread then quite simply dont even think of coming out here.

If you are too lazy to read 140+ pages of firsthand info that same laziness will mean you will ultimately out here. You will be the guy posting about how hard it is and how it isnt working out.

If you dont read the full thread and take detailed notes you are just wasting your own time and also the time of people on here. You get paid more per hour out here, you still have to fucking work though.

It really is that simple.