Indeed man and this is more and more looking like the sage thing to do.

RossTan Wrote:Do BOTH!!!!

(07-23-2013 06:19 PM)BigIrish Wrote:  Scotian you ever heard of the company " Atlas Oilfield" think their a construction firm

Never heard of them, do you have a link to their website?

(07-23-2013 07:35 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  Exactly my thoughts about working on a rig. Though it is quite tempting.
Are you guys watching this show called "Licence to Drill"? It's about a group of guys working on rigs all over Alberta. From the looks of it, the guys are pretty cool and chill with the newbies, which is quite the opposite of all the horror stories I heard when talking to guys when I was in Edmonton last fall.
So what's the scoop when it comes to working on a rig? How physically demanding is it? And how badly are the new guys treated on rig?

Irish, good to hear man! I'm following this very closely. I'm totally not sure what to do: one part of me wants to be on the first plane to Edmonton and work there for a while and another part of me wants to keep hustling at my online biz. Ah decisions decisions!

(07-22-2013 08:02 PM)Kdog Wrote:  I was talking to my friend about drilling and well service rigs and he was telling me its really not as big of a deal like it's made out to be once you get over the mental aspect of it. It is very tempting as you start out at 8-10k a month for a lease/floor hand, but I really don't think I am cut out for that insane labour.

I would like to know the answer to this as well. Also for anyone far from civilization do you have to worry about dangerous animals? Mountain lions bears wolves moose? I was supposed to be out there by August but I just got laid off and might have to wait a bit. Do you think 27 is too old for rig work? I've worked at a factory for the last 5 years and did roofing on the weekends but I imagine starting out fresh is a young mans game

Hey guys I went to Nisku today where basically lot of drilling companies have head offices. Went in person, passed out resumes, got one on the spot interview. Most of the companies told me that right now it is a slow season for drilling and it will start picking up in mid August - beginning of September. Lots of "Now Hiring" signs in almost all industrial companies in there, didn't have enough resumes to pass around!


Have any of you guys went to K Day festival yet? I heard it's a blast! I am planning to go tomorrow so whoever is down shoot me a pm

(07-24-2013 02:11 AM)MicTyson Wrote:  

(07-23-2013 07:35 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  Exactly my thoughts about working on a rig. Though it is quite tempting.
Are you guys watching this show called "Licence to Drill"? It's about a group of guys working on rigs all over Alberta. From the looks of it, the guys are pretty cool and chill with the newbies, which is quite the opposite of all the horror stories I heard when talking to guys when I was in Edmonton last fall.
So what's the scoop when it comes to working on a rig? How physically demanding is it? And how badly are the new guys treated on rig?

Irish, good to hear man! I'm following this very closely. I'm totally not sure what to do: one part of me wants to be on the first plane to Edmonton and work there for a while and another part of me wants to keep hustling at my online biz. Ah decisions decisions!

(07-22-2013 08:02 PM)Kdog Wrote:  I was talking to my friend about drilling and well service rigs and he was telling me its really not as big of a deal like it's made out to be once you get over the mental aspect of it. It is very tempting as you start out at 8-10k a month for a lease/floor hand, but I really don't think I am cut out for that insane labour.

I would like to know the answer to this as well. Also for anyone far from civilization do you have to worry about dangerous animals? Mountain lions bears wolves moose? I was supposed to be out there by August but I just got laid off and might have to wait a bit. Do you think 27 is too old for rig work? I've worked at a factory for the last 5 years and did roofing on the weekends but I imagine starting out fresh is a young mans game

27 isn't old at all, you're a young man and you're good to go, don't worry too much about wild animals, you'll likely see them but keep your distance and you'll be fine, basically, don't do what this idiot welder did:

(07-24-2013 02:26 AM)MiddleEastern Wrote:  Hey guys I went to Nisku today where basically lot of drilling companies have head offices. Went in person, passed out resumes, got one on the spot interview. Most of the companies told me that right now it is a slow season for drilling and it will start picking up in mid August - beginning of September. Lots of "Now Hiring" signs in almost all industrial companies in there, didn't have enough resumes to pass around!


Have any of you guys went to K Day festival yet? I heard it's a blast! I am planning to go tomorrow so whoever is down shoot me a pm

K days is alright, I went a couple of times, its basically a carnival and they sometimes have decent concerts but nothing to get too excited over.

To be honest the rigs arnt that bad and the pay makes up for it and then some. At the worst you don't like your first two week rotation but you still made 4-5k and can switch to something else. Forget the stories, forget what someone told you, just go out and work two weeks and figure it out yourself. Its not going to kill you and you'll have a cool story and made some coin.

(07-24-2013 03:17 PM)Irishman Wrote:  To be honest the rigs arnt that bad and the pay makes up for it and then some. At the worst you don't like your first two week rotation but you still made 4-5k and can switch to something else. Forget the stories, forget what someone told you, just go out and work two weeks and figure it out yourself. Its not going to kill you and you'll have a cool story and made some coin.

I guess if Scotian is the Oilsands authority then you are the rigs authority. I've been thinking more and more about applying to a rig and saw License to Drill today. Seems like the biggest problem is the isolation but that can be combated with a couple books a kettlebell and a laptop. When you're getting ready to start a rotation when do you usually head out to the camp or lodging you'll be staying at? 2-3 days before hand or sooner? And I know you work in below zero conditions but when you were a greenhand/deckhand did you ever have an issue of overheating in the coveralls?

H2S and CSTS done and dusted googled all the drilling companies in Nisku so gonna start cold calling from Tuesday morning , I think Scotian you said that Fridays and Mondays probly not the best time. If they want me to get more safety tickets and they'll give me a job then that's fine but i'll try my luck with what I've got so far cause im chompin at the bit to get out there , I might get lucky......

Too all who are planning on a drilling tour, if you are in a quick fix to start work before you land your drilling gig, apply at this company, Quality Move Management ( affiliated with Allied moving, they rent trucks from Allied) http://www.qmm.com/ Drop off a resume in person to their nearrest office in Calgary or Edmonton, (whichever place you choose to live) I recommend Edmonton, cause you take trips to Ft McMurray and Grande Prairie more often to do re-locations for clients.

They pay $18 an hour to start. LOTS of overtime. Busiest times are May through to November. You WILL be working weekends.

Here's why I recommend them. Their primary clients are OIL companies. Husky, Shell, Petro-Canada, Exxon Mobil, etc. The people you move are senior and executive employees! From engineers, to project managers, land-surveyors, consultants, to drill-bit sales representatives. You will meet a LOT of folks. Do your job when moving, yet don't be shy to inquire what the person does for Exxon, Husky, or whatever company they are working with that relocated them.

Trust me, YOU will be inspired at the houses you will visit. Moving with QMM will keep you going, cash-flow wise and PHYSICAL wise until you start your new career.

Edmonton location is ALWAYS in need of people May-November, Calgary too.

Anyone on whyte ave if so beer??

I know these questions were meant for Irishman, but figured I'd chime in as well.

(07-24-2013 08:38 PM)MicTyson Wrote:  Seems like the biggest problem is the isolation but that can be combated with a couple books a kettlebell and a laptop.

When you're out there working 12-15 hr days on the consecutive, it's really hard to work out or even read after work, especially when your body is beaten up from the job and trying to rest. On some days, you'd be lucky to get even 5 hours of sleep.

(07-24-2013 08:38 PM)MicTyson Wrote:  When you're getting ready to start a rotation when do you usually head out to the camp or lodging you'll be staying at? 2-3 days before hand or sooner?

From my own experience, they'll call you the day before. I've had a couple of instances where they called me 2 days ahead of time. You're on-call so you always have to be available.

(07-24-2013 08:38 PM)MicTyson Wrote:  And I know you work in below zero conditions but when you were a greenhand/deckhand did you ever have an issue of overheating in the coveralls?

Absolutely. But that's part of the job.

Anybody can work on the rig. Just check your ego at the door. Or if you're bringing it with you, you better be able to back it up against those rig pigs.

Thanks for the reply. I appreciate the info man. Have you moved up at all in your company? If so how long did it take? Also did you ask to be moved up or did the powers that be just move you to a more experienced position?

I'm flying into Edmonton tomorrow, Tuesday afternoon, I will likely have a couple of drinks on Whyte ave later in the night, I'm flying back to Saskatchewan on Thursday afternoon. I"m going to work all of August and in September I'm planning on moving back to Edmonton, I'll keep you guys posted.

What do you guys suggest wearing to interviews/informal meetings with people at these companies? Not sure what level of niceness to dress because I haven't had too many blue collar job interviews.
Even though I have read this thread twice I can't remember if this was discussed.
Excuse my hamster over thinking this.

(07-29-2013 03:56 PM)Kdog Wrote:  What do you guys suggest wearing to interviews/informal meetings with people at these companies? Not sure what level of niceness to dress because I haven't had too many blue collar job interviews.
Even though I have read this thread twice I can't remember if this was discussed.
Excuse my hamster over thinking this.

I don't remember seeing anything about dress code for interviews here either. It seems that you can get hired by just making friends in a bar but for an actual interview I would suggest wearing something nice. This obviously isn't wall street so maybe a 3 piece suit would be overdressing but receptionists are the gatekeepers and might not take you seriously if you look like a bum

(07-29-2013 03:56 PM)Kdog Wrote:  What do you guys suggest wearing to interviews/informal meetings with people at these companies? Not sure what level of niceness to dress because I haven't had too many blue collar job interviews.
Even though I have read this thread twice I can't remember if this was discussed.
Excuse my hamster over thinking this.

Hey man, here's what scotian told me when I was looking for a job and had a few interviews lined up. And it's 100% spot on..

"During the interview, I wouldn't talk to much about your education and any desires you may have to move into management (whether you plan on it or not). I'd pretty much just say that you hate working in offices staring at a computer screen and that you're looking to work with your hands, outdoors in a challenging new environment. Also stress the fact that you're willing to do anything, can work long hours, can work out of town, don't have wife and kids, etc.

Also remember that you'll be interviewed mostly by blue collar red neck guys so don't go to the interview wearing GQ clothes like a pink dress shirt, haha. A dress shirt with nice jeans and dress shoes should be fine, don't worry about wearing a tie."

Anyways good luck and keep us posted.

(07-28-2013 03:27 PM)MicTyson Wrote:  Thanks for the reply. I appreciate the info man. Have you moved up at all in your company? If so how long did it take? Also did you ask to be moved up or did the powers that be just move you to a more experienced position?

I have not moved up in the company, simply for the reason that I didn't spend enough time on the rig to do so. Usually takes about a year to go from floorhand to derrickhand (on a service rig, that is), and if you're really lucky, another 4-5 years to move up to driller. I was already performing derrickhand duties since I had my OSSA Fall Protection ticket, but wasn't getting paid at that rate, so I seldom did it.

One of the derrickhand's I spoke with was supposed to be moved up to driller a couple of years ago, but his rig already had enough drillers and he didn't want to switch to another rig, so he gave up that position and is simply waiting until the position is available to occupy it. It sucks for him because he can already perform driller duties and should get driller wages. I honestly think it's because he's Native and that's the basis they won't give it to him, hahahaha

Anyway, the only way to move up in this industry is putting the time in. No shortcuts (unless you have connections, obviously). The average time it takes to move up to driller, from all the drillers I spoke to, is 5 years. The Native guy is 7 years in the industry and is still derrickhand. So in other words, although there is an average timeline, it is also circumstantial.

(07-29-2013 03:56 PM)Kdog Wrote:  What do you guys suggest wearing to interviews/informal meetings with people at these companies? Not sure what level of niceness to dress because I haven't had too many blue collar job interviews.
Even though I have read this thread twice I can't remember if this was discussed.
Excuse my hamster over thinking this.

First impressions mean absolutely everything.. Every interview I've been to here, I wore dark grey dress pants, a white dress shirt, and black dress shoes, because that was all that I brought. If I brought a suit, I would have worn that. Better to overdress than to underdress, IMO.

(07-29-2013 09:31 PM)Albertron Wrote:  

(07-28-2013 03:27 PM)MicTyson Wrote:  Thanks for the reply. I appreciate the info man. Have you moved up at all in your company? If so how long did it take? Also did you ask to be moved up or did the powers that be just move you to a more experienced position?

I have not moved up in the company, simply for the reason that I didn't spend enough time on the rig to do so. Usually takes about a year to go from floorhand to derrickhand (on a service rig, that is), and if you're really lucky, another 4-5 years to move up to driller. I was already performing derrickhand duties since I had my OSSA Fall Protection ticket, but wasn't getting paid at that rate, so I seldom did it.

One of the derrickhand's I spoke with was supposed to be moved up to driller a couple of years ago, but his rig already had enough drillers and he didn't want to switch to another rig, so he gave up that position and is simply waiting until the position is available to occupy it. It sucks for him because he can already perform driller duties and should get driller wages. I honestly think it's because he's Native and that's the basis they won't give it to him, hahahaha

Anyway, the only way to move up in this industry is putting the time in. No shortcuts (unless you have connections, obviously). The average time it takes to move up to driller, from all the drillers I spoke to, is 5 years. The Native guy is 7 years in the industry and is still derrickhand. So in other words, although there is an average timeline, it is also circumstantial.

(07-29-2013 03:56 PM)Kdog Wrote:  What do you guys suggest wearing to interviews/informal meetings with people at these companies? Not sure what level of niceness to dress because I haven't had too many blue collar job interviews.
Even though I have read this thread twice I can't remember if this was discussed.
Excuse my hamster over thinking this.

First impressions mean absolutely everything.. Every interview I've been to here, I wore dark grey dress pants, a white dress shirt, and black dress shoes, because that was all that I brought. If I brought a suit, I would have worn that. Better to overdress than to underdress, IMO.

It definitely sounds like a "white is right" kind of sentiment in the industry. It also sounds like work on the rigs is kind of inconsistent or is that only in the summer? And a year to move up doesn't seem too bad based on the pay but do you have to ask to advance or do they just come up to you one day and say " hey you, your a derrickhand now" ?

(07-29-2013 10:37 PM)MicTyson Wrote:  

(07-29-2013 09:31 PM)Albertron Wrote:  

(07-28-2013 03:27 PM)MicTyson Wrote:  Thanks for the reply. I appreciate the info man. Have you moved up at all in your company? If so how long did it take? Also did you ask to be moved up or did the powers that be just move you to a more experienced position?

I have not moved up in the company, simply for the reason that I didn't spend enough time on the rig to do so. Usually takes about a year to go from floorhand to derrickhand (on a service rig, that is), and if you're really lucky, another 4-5 years to move up to driller. I was already performing derrickhand duties since I had my OSSA Fall Protection ticket, but wasn't getting paid at that rate, so I seldom did it.

One of the derrickhand's I spoke with was supposed to be moved up to driller a couple of years ago, but his rig already had enough drillers and he didn't want to switch to another rig, so he gave up that position and is simply waiting until the position is available to occupy it. It sucks for him because he can already perform driller duties and should get driller wages. I honestly think it's because he's Native and that's the basis they won't give it to him, hahahaha

Anyway, the only way to move up in this industry is putting the time in. No shortcuts (unless you have connections, obviously). The average time it takes to move up to driller, from all the drillers I spoke to, is 5 years. The Native guy is 7 years in the industry and is still derrickhand. So in other words, although there is an average timeline, it is also circumstantial.

(07-29-2013 03:56 PM)Kdog Wrote:  What do you guys suggest wearing to interviews/informal meetings with people at these companies? Not sure what level of niceness to dress because I haven't had too many blue collar job interviews.
Even though I have read this thread twice I can't remember if this was discussed.
Excuse my hamster over thinking this.

First impressions mean absolutely everything.. Every interview I've been to here, I wore dark grey dress pants, a white dress shirt, and black dress shoes, because that was all that I brought. If I brought a suit, I would have worn that. Better to overdress than to underdress, IMO.

It definitely sounds like a "white is right" kind of sentiment in the industry. It also sounds like work on the rigs is kind of inconsistent or is that only in the summer? And a year to move up doesn't seem too bad based on the pay but do you have to ask to advance or do they just come up to you one day and say " hey you, your a derrickhand now" ?

I don`t think its as bad as many would think, I work with tons of foreigners, at the job I`m on now there`s about 15 of us on day shift and three are Chinese, one Nigerian and one Turk, all recent immigrants and we all get along fine, except the Chinese guys don`t speak English very well. Its too busy for employers to be discriminating, they`re hiring anyone with a pulse now and I`ve said it before, this is Canada in 2013, no one has to put up with racist bullshit at work, although having a thick skin and being able to take a joke will go a long way.

You`d be surprised, don`t let the fear of working around a bunch of red necks stop you from moving out to Alberta, I met up with the RVF oil sands crew, there was about 6 or 7 of us out that night and Irishman and I were the only white guys, they all got jobs and are working steady.

Damn, I also met up with Ferro in Calgary and he`s also doing well, I think everyone who moved out has found work and is doing well in the oil biz, right on.

I'm definitely not worried about rednecks, I'm just not used to it. I wish I could be out there right now but the I've just been laid off since the auto industry in Ontario sucks. I actually met a girl who's willing to let me stay with her for next to nothing until I find work but I need get a new used car since mine barely starts without blowing up.

The amount of jobs available in Edmonton alone is uplifting. Here in Niagara Falls some of the ads I see for $15/HR jobs want you to have a bachelors degree and a few years of experience. I'm thinking of just hitchhiking out west

(07-29-2013 10:37 PM)MicTyson Wrote:  It definitely sounds like a "white is right" kind of sentiment in the industry. It also sounds like work on the rigs is kind of inconsistent or is that only in the summer? And a year to move up doesn't seem too bad based on the pay but do you have to ask to advance or do they just come up to you one day and say " hey you, your a derrickhand now" ?

Like scotian said earlier, there are plenty of different ethnicities around here. But the majority is obviously white. Having tough skin is a job requirement as well, but it's really not that bad.

As for consistency of work, there is shut-down during the spring season. Reason being the soil becomes too soft due to the weather change, resulting in the roads being less sturdy to hold heavy loads. When I asked my crew about this, they said that during this time, you can be off work from anywhere between 2 weeks to 2 months. All depends on the season and how it affects the work to be done.

Just like anything in life, if you don't ask for it, don't expect to get it. If you don't voice your intentions, don't expect them to know it.

(07-30-2013 12:15 AM)MicTyson Wrote:  I'm definitely not worried about rednecks, I'm just not used to it. I wish I could be out there right now but the I've just been laid off since the auto industry in Ontario sucks. I actually met a girl who's willing to let me stay with her for next to nothing until I find work but I need get a new used car since mine barely starts without blowing up.

The amount of jobs available in Edmonton alone is uplifting. Here in Niagara Falls some of the ads I see for $15/HR jobs want you to have a bachelors degree and a few years of experience. I'm thinking of just hitchhiking out west

Make the move. There's plenty of pussy here, and even more money to be made. The best move I've made in my life so far. Big ups to scotian for that one. You can't fail if you have the work ethic, and follow the blueprint outlined in this thread. Read the success stories from our fellow RVF oil sands crew. The common denominator is this thread.

Deleted.

Deleted: My computers acting strange

I just did up a two page update and it got deleted while copying and pasting aggghhhh!


Anyway to summarize: as of yesterday I am back drilling!

The four month plus wait is over and as of right now I am two days in to a hopefully three week long drill.

I hustled hard to keep busy the last few months but I am glad to be leaving the multiple jobs behind and getting out of town for a bit. Ironically going back to the rig is actually a break for me and a chance to recover from the 80+ hr weeks I have been doing every week since April. The only thing I will miss is the little harem of girls I put together the last few weeks that will probably fall apart now that I am out of town.

For people looking into the drilling this is the time of year to be making the move to Edmonton. The rig companies will start hiring more heavily over the next 2-3 months coming up to the winter season.

Pack the bags, read the thread, fly out here and get a construction/landscaping job of kijiji (took me 20 minutes and pays 20 dollars an hour), get your tickets and hand out resumes in Nisku/Leduc. Might take a month or two to get on the rigs but you will still be clearing a 1000+ a week and enjoying the last of summer weather on Whyte Ave. Come winter you will be rig ready and off to a great start.

(07-24-2013 08:38 PM)MicTyson Wrote:  Seems like the biggest problem is the isolation but that can be combated with a couple books a kettlebell and a laptop. When you're getting ready to start a rotation when do you usually head out to the camp or lodging you'll be staying at? 2-3 days before hand or sooner? And I know you work in below zero conditions but when you were a greenhand/deckhand did you ever have an issue of overheating in the coveralls?

Alberon already covered this and has been dropping a lot of good data lately on the rigs too. As a leasehand you will have very little spare time which isnt necessarily a bad thing. Time will go fast and your rotation will be over before you know it.

You usually head out the day before of the day of your first shift (depends on the distance). As an MWD I usually drive out and arrive on site to start my shift. This usually means 4 hours packing the truck and gear, followed by a 4-8 hour drive and then straight into a 12-14 hour shift. The first day is always the hardest for me buy its also the day I make the most (85c a km for a 600km drive plus my day rates!).

During the winter months the change in temperature from working outside in -35 to fixing something underneath a heater +25 within the space of a minute can take a little getting used to. You learn fast though the little tricks to dressing smart and looking after yourself. As Alberton and myself have posted- its not as bad as it sounds and if you have the right attitude you will be more then okay.

I found after a while that you actually start to enjoy the challenge and learn to laugh at the hardship of the job. I remember once getting a bottle of water from the doghouse and being annoyed that it was so warm to drink then trying to drink it 15 minutes later after its been in my back pocket outside and its frozen I find it such crazy work conditions sometimes I dont even bothered to get annoyed. Of course there are days where I don`t feel so funny about it too.

(07-29-2013 10:59 PM)scotian Wrote:  You`d be surprised, don`t let the fear of working around a bunch of red necks stop you from moving out to Alberta, I met up with the RVF oil sands crew, there was about 6 or 7 of us out that night and Irishman and I were the only white guys, they all got jobs and are working steady.

Exactly. The rigs guys are only going to have more fun if you get annoyed about something. Whether its your big nose, foreign accent or way you walk they will quickly give you a stupid nickname based on something and start shouting abuse at you. Its all part of the rigs and everyone goes through it. They are just having a laugh and trying to weed out the pussys. Make jokes back and work hard and you`ll be sweet. I love the Irish jokes I get because I don`t care less and some of the stuff they come up with is actually pretty funny. I don`t get it much anymore cause an MWD is more official but as a leasehand you will be the target of quite a lot of jokes haha. One guy brought a fruit drink to work 2 years ago and has been called `smoothie' ever since.

As for race being an issue for getting hired I don`t see much discrimination. I work with Nigerians, Indians, English, Philippians etc all the time. The only problems I have seen are were foreign guys kept acting like they were in their home country- blaring Indian music videos in the shack and burning strange Incense. Of course this is going to piss some redneck rig hand off!

Anyone thinking of making the move this winter with drilling in mind post up your game plan and I will try help you out. Again- a lot of it has been covered already so read the thread first

Well a big thank you to both of you guys is in order as well as everyone on here who contributes and asks questions. Irishman why did you have such a long shutdown? Is it possible for you to jump company to company like everyone else in Alberta seems to do? I would very much like to start on a rig this winter and I guess my game plan is as follows, I'm going to drive to Edmonton hopefully Septemberish, I have a place to live and I know a girl who works for a safety training company so I'll see if I can throw some charm and penis her way for a discount. Other than that I don't have a family of my own so I'll be good to work any length of rotation or shift needed and would want to get started right away ( not moving to Edmonton for the sights and sounds). I figure I can print up 50 or so resumes and hit up the drilling head offices.

Being an insider do you know of any companies to avoid? I don't care about embarrassing nicknames since I have a few already I mean safety wise. I'm also guessing from you saying a 4-8 hour drive you're not always going to the same rig. Does that change rotation to rotation or is it based off of where you're needed as a measurement guy?