(05-14-2014 08:40 AM)Cattle Rustler Wrote:  He's talking about the visa lottery the Canadian government uses to let immigrants from the EU come in.

Also, no. You can't come in with a tourist visa, apply for a job, and then try to get a work visa. It's been stated in the thread previously.

This is exactly what our family friend who's up here is trying to do. Iraq war vet who isn't getting shit for work in Arizona. When Canadian customs found out he was unemployed they went through his cell phone and laptop to find proof he was looking for work, they found the proof they wanted, and gave him a two week visa that will turn into an arrest warrant if he isn't gone by then. The intention of his visit was to find a company that would be willing to sponsor him. Since he has no in demand skills, it hasn't been easy. I'm wondering if he is better of applying at American companies that operate up here, like Halliburton.

(05-14-2014 09:38 AM)Laurifer Wrote:  

(05-14-2014 08:40 AM)Cattle Rustler Wrote:  He's talking about the visa lottery the Canadian government uses to let immigrants from the EU come in.

Also, no. You can't come in with a tourist visa, apply for a job, and then try to get a work visa. It's been stated in the thread previously.

This is exactly what our family friend who's up here is trying to do. Iraq war vet who isn't getting shit for work in Arizona. When Canadian customs found out he was unemployed they went through is cell phone and laptop to find proof he was looking for work, they found the proof they wanted, and gave him a two week visa that will turn into an arrest warrant if he isn't gone by then. The intention of his visit was to find a company that would be willing to sponsor him. Since he has no in demand skills, it hasn't been easy. I'm wondering if he is better of applying at American companies that operate up here, like Halliburton.

That's rather unfortunate. He should go to West Texas or North Dakota, the standards are higher in ND but the pay is greater. No company would sponsor someone on a tourist visa since Canadian Immigration will find out due to travel logs (Joe came in, then two weeks later BP files for his work visa, what a coincidence!).

Going abroad without a job or skills is a recipe for disaster. Even skilled guys in the US have trouble finding difficulty going to Canada.

(05-14-2014 09:47 AM)Cattle Rustler Wrote:  That's rather unfortunate. He should go to West Texas or North Dakota, the standards are higher in ND but the pay is greater. No company would sponsor someone on a tourist visa since Canadian Immigration will find out due to travel logs (Joe came in, then two weeks later BP files for his work visa, what a coincidence!).

Going abroad without a job or skills is a recipe for disaster. Even skilled guys in the US have trouble finding difficulty going to Canada.

True, he has the benefits of the GI bill so what he needs to do is pick up a trade in the states and take it from there. Pisses me off, here's a war vet that can't even get hired at an egg farm in Arizona and gets booted from Canada, mean while other companies here are bursting at the seams with foreign labor. Then again, it's not the company's obligation to hire since he isn't bringing a skill to the table.

My wife reminded me today, I'm getting too old to change careers more than once or twice more if I'm lucky. She's going to end up pregnant, probably as soon as we hit Canadian soil. So today I've spent all day looking over the different trades.

While I know this isn't REALLY Oil field related, do any of you guys know any Aircraft Mechanics? I've always been fascinated by airplanes and it seems that there are several 2 years diploma programs for the AME. That or I guess Heavy Equipment Mechanic but I'm certainly more interested in planes. The only other thing that I really like doing is working on forklifts, so I could definetely see myself repairing those long term, again, probably not oil related.

They must have helicopters out in the oil patch right? I don't really know if there are many jobs available for Aircraft mechanics in Canada, I figure they are all probably in the US. How difficult would it be to transition from Heavy Equipment to Aircraft, if that's even possible at all. I really don't know anything about these fields so my questions might sound a little stupid.

One thing that sort of sucks is that there are no trades related to Space Companies, that would be my first pick. I guess you have to be an Engineer to get into that.

(I'm Canadian BTW).

(05-14-2014 10:03 AM)BadWolf Wrote:  My wife reminded me today, I'm getting too old to change careers more than once or twice more if I'm lucky. She's going to end up pregnant, probably as soon as we hit Canadian soil. So today I've spent all day looking over the different trades.

While I know this isn't REALLY Oil field related, do any of you guys know any Aircraft Mechanics? I've always been fascinated by airplanes and it seems that there are several 2 years diploma programs for the AME. That or I guess Heavy Equipment Mechanic but I'm certainly more interested in planes. The only other thing that I really like doing is working on forklifts, so I could definetely see myself repairing those long term, again, probably not oil related.

They must have helicopters out in the oil patch right? I don't really know if there are many jobs available for Aircraft mechanics in Canada, I figure they are all probably in the US. How difficult would it be to transition from Heavy Equipment to Aircraft, if that's even possible at all. I really don't know anything about these fields so my questions might sound a little stupid.

One thing that sort of sucks is that there are no trades related to Space Companies, that would be my first pick. I guess you have to be an Engineer to get into that.

(I'm Canadian BTW).

Heavy Equipment Mechanic is a great trade to get into. My brother is a mechanic at Trican Well Service working on fracking units, currently doing his third year apprenticeship training at NAIT. He gets a 2 dollar an hour raise for each year of apprenticeship and this year got a $10,000 boost to his yearly salary along with everyone else at his specific location. He makes his normal pay rate while he's going to school as well.

As far as aviation goes, I've been told helicopters are widely used in the Northern BC mining industry. In Alberta, there are routine flights flying workers up north as far as Fort Mac and beyond, so aviation is going strong in Alberta as far as I see it. There is huge potential as a heavy duty mechanic here, and I can't see why making a transition into an aircraft mechanic at some point in your career, provided you excel at your trade and make the right connections to those in aviation, wouldn't be possible.

The director of the Alberta Aviation Council is a close friend of our family. I can ask him about what companies to look at if one wants to work as an aviation mechanic and maybe I can point you in the right direction. Plus you can probably find a good amount of info with a google search.

Edit: Google search revealed a diploma in "Aircraft Maintenance Engineers(?) Technology" at SAIT in Calgary. I think your outlook for employment would still be immensely greater as a heavy duty mechanic.

There is more heavy machinery than aircraft in Alberta....thus more demand for heavy machinery mechs than aircraft mechs. Not to mention, aviation mech is a skill that is not needed everywhere so your options are limited if you decided to move elsewhere.

Well thanks very much Laurifer, I'll hook you up with some pvssy and a pizza in return, if you can make it to Guangzhou.

Cattle Rustler: Agreed, sort of a dilemma there because the aviation techs study for 2 years before they are let go into the field and my wife and I want to get started on a baby asap, I'm not young anymore and neither is she.... regardless, 2 years is a long time in school to NOT find a job. I've had that experience already in a different area.

The oil sands growth is a tightrope game for the government. They want to expand, but we're not America. If Canada opened the gates to all Americans, there'd be 10 million in the province of 3 million. If/When the boom settles, it'll be another Detroit/Dearborn.

I'm in support of the slightly tighter control of labour. Better in drops rather than a flood. It gives time people to settle, both Canadians and those willing to come.

Lots of foreigners here, but most are skilled. Canada doesn't have a shortage of skill-less labourers.

@DjembaDjemba I agree, however it will be a long time before we run out of oil here.

Concerning helicopters. A friend of a friend works as a helicopter pilot. He's only making 30k/year because so many people want to do it. Don't know what it's like for mechanics though.

(05-14-2014 09:21 PM)Tresdus Wrote:  @DjembaDjemba I agree, however it will be a long time before we run out of oil here.

Concerning helicopters. A friend of a friend works as a helicopter pilot. He's only making 30k/year because so many people want to do it. Don't know what it's like for mechanics though.

How does one survive in inflation crazy alberta on 30k a year?

(05-14-2014 09:21 PM)Tresdus Wrote:  @DjembaDjemba I agree, however it will be a long time before we run out of oil here.

Concerning helicopters. A friend of a friend works as a helicopter pilot. He's only making 30k/year because so many people want to do it. Don't know what it's like for mechanics though.

That seems a little off.

Granted pilots don't make much when they first start out(first year or two) because they are helping more than flying.

However pilots make $40-50+ an hour. It wouldn't take too many hours to make $30,000.

(05-14-2014 08:40 AM)Cattle Rustler Wrote:  He's talking about the visa lottery the Canadian government uses to let immigrants from the EU come in.

There is no visa lottery for Europeans... You can apply for 1 year (2 years for Irish) working permit and as the amounts are limited, it works on a first-come, first-served basis. Then it's up to you if you prove yourself and find a sponsor or apply for a visa through self-nominee provincial program (e.g. you need only 6 months of working experience in Yukon in order to apply for local permanent residency and you don't really have to work there after you got this Canadian green card).

What I find pretty sad about Canadian immigration policy is that graduates can get their family up here easily. So shitload of Africans and South Asians do it. Whole village/tribe/family saves up money so one of them can get a Canadian degree and then, they all move in too via family sponsorship. (I guess I would probably do the same if I was from there though.)

All I got to say to the lurkers and all the new guys to this forum is that there is work in Alberta. My testing gig ended in Saskatchewan so I started looking for work in Alberta again cause Sask blows. Got on with another oil services company--no interview, no pre-screen phone hoopla, just e-mailed a resume and a drivers abstract (no DUIs or major collisions). All I got was, "so your medical and drug testing is all good Temm how soon can you get out here"? My response, "I can be in Edmonton before lunchtime tomorrow". Their response was more or less , "Good, we'll take care of the rest". So I'm back in northern Alberta this time around with a 20 on and 10 off schedule in a camp.

If you're anxious to get out here, save a little money like Scotian mentions, come out and stay at the edmonton hostel, and get first aid, h2s, pst/csts. Also, stress on your resume that you don't mind working outside 10 to 14 hours a day in all kinds of weather across western Canada--what can also help is if you're somewhat mechanically inclined. If you can do that, you're already saving these companies the hassle of getting you booked for all those courses and can get to work right away--additionally, if you have a full class 5 with your own wheels and PPE (hard hat, steel toe boots), it helps.

For my American brethren, all I can say is good luck to you. There's a lot of work in North Dakota. If you can get on with a company there or in Texas, etc. that may open up opportunities in Canada or you can do like I did and marry a fine Canadian lass ha ha. From what I've heard, there is a testing company with an office in Minot, ND, which is really close to Estevan, SK--it's called FMC. And they have guys that work in Canada and the US. One of the testing supervisors I worked with last month said he made more money in the US than he did in Canada.

So that's it in a nutshell. I encourage the new guys to READ this thread in its entirety--it's not long. Pay special attention to how the guys on this forum did things and formulate your own plan and put it into motion.

Hows it going out there boys? Have the spring shutdowns started to boom yet? Some vets give me some updates VP, Zeeman etc whats going on?

Temm what will you be driving with your class 5? I already have a now useless AZ (class 5)/CDL aswell but I absolutely hate OTR jobs, tried running team with a guy for a couple months and just couldn't stand it, he would drive with his feet during some hauls... I mean really retarded stuff. Are there local gigs with DZ trucks or equipment? I'm not really into parking or shunting trailers but I love driving straights, buses or really heavy equipment. Is it tough to get on driving excavators or bobcats? The courses for those are all 10g's everywhere or booked solid in the community colleges near my house in Ontario and nearly a year in length (probably most of it spent writing notes).

If anyone is interested, I did my trucking course with these guys in Hamilton
http://www.danbro-training.com/

They are a really great outfit with alot of experience and a good team of instructors. Ran me about $5000 for the entire course and managed an absolute ton of drive time in 4 different rigs and 1 straight. I know they are good because I did a cheaper course in Toronto and it was absolutely terrible.

BTW another good MANLY trade that is absolutely CHOCK FULL of opportunity is long haul trucking. I know for a fact Challenger, Pro North, Schneiders and Walmart have really nice clean trucks and kickass terminals. They are ALWAYS looking for drivers and you are basically guarnteed a job if you have a FAST CARD. They pay fairly decent and its rarely a boring job. You do about 13 hours a day and get to see all North America has to offer (and a bit of Mexico) and stay in the truck for a week or two at a time, its not as bad as it sounds, you get your own bunk, TV and net connection. There seems to be unlimited overtime. This is really a job for single guys who like being on their own or with a buddy. It's not my thing but I can definetely see why guys enjoy it. It's an industry almost entirely male dominated. The truck stops are all fairly comfortable and clean and you can see alot of stuff geared to guys and families. I had one trainer who was just awesome, we talked about everything from Star Wars to M.U.S.C.L.E.s. He was a hell of a guy but I think his FRENCH wife was screwing around on him, too bad. Most truckers I've met are really down to earth, hard working folks, you get the occassional retard but for the most part they are really stand up guys.

Hi everyone,

Well got my visa in April and have booked my ticket and have my travel insurance sorted,will be landing in Edmonton end of June,will be staying in a mate's house for a week or two until I get on my feet, plans is to get my SIN number and get my H2S, csts, and first aid straight away,get my licence converted and hopefully get a truck.

Just going to get a construction labouring position for my first job and get my resume in order and head out to Nisku and start applying for MWD positions.I understand it's the quiet season but have seen a few DD companies hiring already so hopefully I might pick something up before the Autumn.Money is going to be tight but I should be alright if I get a job to tie me over,also where is the best/cheapest place to buy ppe gear,and the cheapest deals on safety courses?

Cheers

Buzzy

(05-17-2014 07:58 AM)Buzzyfurbox Wrote:  Hi everyone,

Well got my visa in April and have booked my ticket and have my travel insurance sorted,will be landing in Edmonton end of June,will be staying in a mate's house for a week or two until I get on my feet, plans is to get my SIN number and get my H2S, csts, and first aid straight away,get my licence converted and hopefully get a truck.

Just going to get a construction labouring position for my first job and get my resume in order and head out to Nisku and start applying for MWD positions.I understand it's the quiet season but have seen a few DD companies hiring already so hopefully I might pick something up before the Autumn.Money is going to be tight but I should be alright if I get a job to tie me over,also where is the best/cheapest place to buy ppe gear,and the cheapest deals on safety courses?

Cheers

Buzzy

Congrats man, I'll be heading out in August. From what I've gathered Enform.ca is your best bet regarding your tickets. Seems to be close to the cheapest prices. You can also consider going to Bissel employment services, where you can get three tickets free (H2S, First Aid, CSTS). http://bissellcentre.org/programs/employment-services/ Thanks to Habsguy for this info, pretty helpful if money is tight.

Marks.com is the best for equipment. Others have mentioned name dropping a bigger company and you may get a discount. Suncor for example.

Anyone want to gave us a new review of Edmonton . Been banging a girl from Calgary and she just laughed at me , when I told her I might relocate there ...

(05-14-2014 09:21 PM)Tresdus Wrote:  @DjembaDjemba I agree, however it will be a long time before we run out of oil here.

If you think it's about how much oil alberta has your out of your mind, if WCS goes down to 40-50$ all those big expansion projects and all that overtime is going to drop off a cliff.

@Badwolf
This is about Oil & Gas, if you want to do aerospace go to montreal and go work for pratt & whitney for 50-60k/yr as a mechanic and learn some french.

As for edmonton, the south side of the city is nice, the north side is like detroit. Housing really reflects this, as you can actually get a house for under 250k in the north, but you might have brown/asian/somali gangbangers in your neighborhood.

Calgary>Edmonton 100%

(05-17-2014 06:15 PM)NeVerGymLess Wrote:  Anyone want to gave us a new review of Edmonton . Been banging a girl from Calgary and she just laughed at me , when I told her I might relocate there ...

Never ask a Calgarian what they think of Edmonton if you want an honest opinion because they'll all trash it and vice versa, Edmonton isn't too bad but its not the best city I've ever lived in. If you're from a big city like Van, T.O or Mtl you'll be bored to tears and if you're from a nice city like Halifax, Ottawa, Quebec or Victoria, you'll think its an industrial dump. Here's what the late novelist Mordechai Richler had to say about Etown back in the 80s, I think its still a good description of the city:

If Canada were not a country, however fragmented, but instead a house, Vancouver would be the solarium-cum-playroom, an afterthought of affluence; Toronto, the counting room, where money makes for the most glee; Montreal, the salon; and Edmonton, the boiler room.

Edmontonians are rather sensitive about people bad talking their city, Richler received death threats after writing that!

@Jack_of_all_trades

Where are these neighborhoods you speak of? I've spent quite a bit of time on the north side (and south) and the only issues I've ever had have been with white crack heads / meth addicts or homeless natives...Don't know if anyone else can confirm but that's been my experience so far in Edmonton. From what I recall there's one specific area to avoid on te north side...can't remember exactly (might be 118th and something?)

There are some solid deals downtown on condos. For the same price as a 1 bdrm on the south you can find yourself a loft style apt. With a killer view of the river valley. Downtown is coming around too, lots of spots opening up. Whether it be bars, clubs or restaurants. Hotter girls at these spots as well and a better range. 18 year olds to milfs.

yea I kind of exaggerated about the gangbanger part, but there's some really run down neighborhoods in the inner city past china town in the north side with crack heads, etc. like you mentioned. My roommate who lived in edmonton his whole life actually told me the millwoods is pretty ghetto but I haven't seen much.

107 ave is probably the worst street in Etown from about 95 street all the west to the cemetery on 117 street, you'll see a lot of homeless people, drug addicts, hookers, etc. North of there up to the Yellow Head trail is basically shitty, its definitely working class and there's a lot of low income housing, this includes 118 avenue as well from about 97 street east all the way down to 34 street in an area called Abbotsfield. I used to live on 112 and 40 street and there's public housing and riff raff all over the place, basically anywhere north of Grant macEwan college down town is shitty, but south near Jasper and the River Valley is fine.

The south side is probably the best area to live in and that's why I always encouraged people to move around Whyte Ave and the university, there used to be a bit off riff raff down by the Macs store on 99th street but its been cleaned up, I don't usually see many crack heads around there anymore. There's some cheap apartments down by 99 and Whyte up to the Mill Creek bridge, after that its Bonnie Doon (where my condo is) and that area is fine. Mill Woods is really the only shitty area in the south and it isn't all that bad, there's some public housing but the only thing a guy would worry about is getting jumped by bored teenagers while walking home at night. In the west end, Stony Plain road is shitty too but they've been cleaning it up over the past few years.

Edmonton is fucking huge area wise and there's basically no reason why a guy with a decent job and a car would ever have to live in the above areas, back in 06' when I first moved out the place was a bit nuts with all of the people moving out en masse, there were a lot more crack heads and hookers on the streets but things seem to have changed a bit and Etown is a lot calmer now, I'd still rather live in Calgary though!

Thanks for clarifying.

There's a lot of race issues on this board, at the very least I think it should be kept out of the oil sands thread.

Again, hate to pick on you, but Millwoods is a predominantley minority community. In the same vein as your brown/Asians/Somali comment, Minority does not equal gang banger culture. It's a place where many new immigrants or new workers go to settle because it's established with restaurants and facilities (places of worship, etc) that you wouldn't necessarily find in other parts of town.
It's a fine neighborhood, granted, the way the city planned it is atrocious. I can't find my way around there to save my life.

Anyway, apologies for nitpicking in advance.

(05-18-2014 01:37 PM)?Kick Wrote:  It's a fine neighborhood, granted, the way the city planned it is atrocious. I can't find my way around there to save my life.

What? Edmonton is the easiest city I've ever lived in to find myself around. I can pretty much go anywhere in the city without a GPS. I really enjoy that.