(10-08-2013 08:28 AM)theking Wrote:  Hey guys, just want to give a shout out to scotian and everyone else that's been contributing to the thread. Made the move to edmonton several months ago and with the information contained here was able to gain a pre-apprenticeship in welding. Probably won't be back in edmonton for a while but I'll gladly buy you a beer scotian, amoung others.

Working up in fort mac at the moment making pretty good coin for a young guy. If anyone is interested in getting into welding in alberta, I'd recommend checking out the boilermakers 146 union as they have a pretty good apprenticeship program. One should be able to make at least $2500 a week doing as such as a starter (working 10's). One thing I hear a lot of tradesmen talking about is the gradual shift from 12 hour days to 10's. Seems like only a quarter of the jobs I see posted are for 12's...

Right on man glad to hear that you're doing well up in The Big Dirty, you're right that the Boiler Makers are a good union to get on with and as far as I can tell, they're fairly busy. I'm going on a BM job next week with a bunch of guys from local 555 out of Saskatchewan. You're right that there's been a move to 10s, which sucks big time, I'm on a job now getting 13s (12 plus an hour travel back to hotel everyday) but the Sask jobs I've been doing lately are 10s. That extra 2 hours of double time is huge, its basically an extra grand per week, I guess the companies are cutting costs and figure that they get just as much done in 10. As always, jobs will start as 10s but when it comes to crunch time, especially on shut downs, they'll get the guys to work OT.

While reading this excellent thread by Irishman about MWD jobs, there were mentions of this guy, pants who looked for and found a job in Norway. Maybe this could help you Jourgensen! Try to get in touch with Pants!

http://www.rooshvforum.com/thread-22459.html

Look in the bottom of page 1 and page 2 for posts about Norway. But read also what Irishman has written as it could be helpful to you.

Best of luck man!

(10-07-2013 07:47 AM)Jourgensen Wrote:  How heigh are those offshore platforms? At what heights let say rostabout works, how close is he to that damn fence?

Just plowed through the entire thread over the past day and a bit. I've finally decided to make the move out to Alberta. Gonna throat fuck the sands until it coughs up my $$$

That being said. My general plan is to move out there ASAP and get my ass into gear getting the necessary certs and either some grunt work or a helper in my desired job (more technical side of things). Courses for said job come up in december-feb.

I would like to research/plan this for a few more weeks then get my ass out after that. Mid-End of November. However, as you guys have said a bunch of times in this thread things generally shut down in December and "the refineries/plant site in northern Alberta (Edmonton, Fort Mac, etc) but it slows down a bit December to March. The winter months are busy on the drilling side, then they slow down in the spring during break up time."

Whats the job market like right now? I have to move by Jan 1 at the latest so I might as well move now, in November would there be an abundance of jobs? I have a lot of cash saved up so I could just work part time in Edmonton until work picks up again, but my costs coming into town would be high (I'm from Vancouver, the warmest thing I own is a hoodie!)

Again with the startup costs. Irishman mentions that having a truck is a huge bonus. I have a shitty old minivan. A) would that suffice B) would it be better to get a shitty truck out here in BC (so I can bring some of my stuff) or C) get a truck in alberta.

I know in my area you can get a brand ass new big-dick truck for $18k or some newer models for a steal (a buddy at work got a big-dick truck for $6000 when the guy was asking 18k) Skimming craigslist in Edmonton trucks are going for ~5000 for a piece.) what about SUVs they're also dirt cheap out here.

Ive read mention of fly in/out jobs. My uncle does that. Lives in vancouver and flies up every once and while for work. Would that be something I could achieve within a few years hard work?

What does a good resume look like. Other than certs and fudging a few things I've read in the thread that you should keep it simple instead of listing everything you did at a company. Would it be good to emphasize squatting heavy and busting my ass in a demolition job over the lab work I'm doing now?

if you get a vehicle, get it in Alberta, you'll save a ton of trouble. The thing is the Truck is a deity here so it may not be very cheap. Not sure.

Check out auctions, I made a killing there getting my car

for the resume, keep it simple and emphasize strength and so on. I list Computer Science in my resume and more often than not I get the 'wtf' treatment. I have to explain that I wanna work outside etc and not sit at a desk compiling DLL's etc.

Western Cancer I would say get a car/truck/suv so you can bring your shit with you. I'm going to be bringing a TV, Playstation a box of games a couple boxes of books, my Thai gloves, and maybe my Thai bag. If you get there and can't find anything you'll go out of your mind with boredom

WC,
Def get your car here. You may also save on the taxes as they are lower than in BC.
Keep the resume simple. List only the name of the place, your job title and the period. Nothing else. Ideally, your entire resume should fit on a single page.

Once you get going, Id say within a few months you should be getting a camp job. You might even luck out and get a camp gig who knows but the only way to know is to get here and hit the pavements.

Yesterday the weather was nice. Today its already cold and windy. The kind of weather you'd get late Dec or early Jan in Toronto. Damn!!!

Thanks for the replies guys!!!

The car isn't technically mine, its my parents, I'd have to try and convince them to let me have it, but they would also probably help me out buying a different one. I'm thinking SUV since they're practically giving them away here in BC. I assume 4x4 is a big plus. Is there any specific reason for trucks? I browsed a few jobs and they said "must have 4x4 truck" Beater mid90s trucks go for 2k and same SUVs are 1-1.5k

Yeah I'd be planning on bringing all my stuff from uni, which isn't all that much. Bunch of books, I'll get a new laptop, playstation, lifting stuff etc and worse case scenario you can always crash in your car if I somehow blow all my savings in 2 mnths.

Also someone mentioned Telus has the best range in N. Alberta? I'm on telus right now, but no data. I think I'll add some data on to my plan so I can upgrade to the newest phone before my contract runs out in a few mnths. Do you guys ever have any cell phone issues up there?

I'll grill my uncle for info and contacts this weekend which should be a big plus.

Now to walk the fine line between overplanning things and winging it!

Posted to my FB friends earlier today...

"Well for them that don't know I set off for Alberta today to take a job with ClearStream Energy in Fort McMurray. Right now I'm supposed to be at 35000 ft and about an hour into my journey. The ugly reality is the Air Canada bastards wouldn't let me get on the flight as I was 3 minutes past their cutoff time of 45 mins before take off to check in. Soooo I have to wait another 6 hours here in Pearson airport until I can board the next flight out at 8.55 pm ET....oh, and it cost me an extra $84.85 for the privilege as I had to 'change flights'...and to add insult to serious injury the fooking beer is $9.71 a pint. Ask me if I'm happy...no, go on....ask me..."

That said, I'm on my way...only 4 and a half hours to go before I get on the jet ;-)

For real, those mofos didn't let you board for being 3 minutes late?
AC is really starting to losing it! Pretty soon, everyone will start to boycott them and they'll need this time not even the Pope or the Queen of England would be able to save their sorry ass from going down for good!

(10-09-2013 04:33 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  For real, those mofos didn't let you board for being 3 minutes late?
AC is really starting to losing it! Pretty soon, everyone will start to boycott them and they'll need this time not even the Pope or the Queen of England would be able to save their sorry ass from going down for good!

All true man...AC can fuck off in the future...I paid a retarded amount ($600 from Toronto) for a one way ticket as it was because I had to be in Fort Mac by today at the latest as I have to do two certs before Monday (Fall Protect tomorrow & HS2 on Friday). Had I traveled on Thursday or Friday I woulda paid $150 less (but couldn't because I had to do the training courses). West Jet all the way next time.

(10-08-2013 02:56 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  While reading this excellent thread by Irishman about MWD jobs, there were mentions of this guy, pants who looked for and found a job in Norway. Maybe this could help you Jourgensen! Try to get in touch with Pants!

http://www.rooshvforum.com/thread-22459.html

Look in the bottom of page 1 and page 2 for posts about Norway. But read also what Irishman has written as it could be helpful to you.

Best of luck man!

Thanks man. I've sent a pm to Pants so we'll see if he's still around. This damn height is really a make or break for me.

good luck

http://alberta.kijiji.ca/c-jobs-general-...Z531846882

(10-09-2013 03:47 PM)Swearbox Wrote:  Posted to my FB friends earlier today...

"Well for them that don't know I set off for Alberta today to take a job with ClearStream Energy in Fort McMurray. Right now I'm supposed to be at 35000 ft and about an hour into my journey. The ugly reality is the Air Canada bastards wouldn't let me get on the flight as I was 3 minutes past their cutoff time of 45 mins before take off to check in. Soooo I have to wait another 6 hours here in Pearson airport until I can board the next flight out at 8.55 pm ET....oh, and it cost me an extra $84.85 for the privilege as I had to 'change flights'...and to add insult to serious injury the fooking beer is $9.71 a pint. Ask me if I'm happy...no, go on....ask me..."

That said, I'm on my way...only 4 and a half hours to go before I get on the jet ;-)

Jesus man if you can't be on time for your flight think twice bout what you going doing. There are good reasons for strict airport policies, 9/11 may ring a bell, we usually have to be 2 hrs early. Best of luck anyway and get good batteries for your alarm clock

(10-09-2013 10:07 PM)PanzerTape Wrote:  good luck

http://alberta.kijiji.ca/c-jobs-general-...Z531846882

The site linked in that ad looks pretty sketchy. Wants me to go to another site, fill out some things etc before you can see job postings...

Hi Guys,newbie to the site here! Big Up's to scotian for starting this thread and many thanks to all the other regulars (u know who u are!) for continuing & adding to the mine(sic) of information needed for getting your arse over there. Irishman, not heard from you in a while, hope uve not burnt your Irish ass off again!!

Anyhowz, my problem is understanding what visa/work permit I need. I'm a skilled tradesman looking to make the move, having checked out the cic & Alberta immigration pages I'm still confused. Do I need to have an offer of employment from an employer in Alberta? or should I apply for AINP program or do I try the skilled workers route. Would be helpful if anyone knew the best, quickest and most successful route for someone my age with a shitload of experience to apply.

Thanks in advance, and with just a touch of luck, may see y'all soon(ish)

(10-10-2013 10:49 AM)WesternCancer Wrote:  

(10-09-2013 10:07 PM)PanzerTape Wrote:  good luck

http://alberta.kijiji.ca/c-jobs-general-...Z531846882

The site linked in that ad looks pretty sketchy. Wants me to go to another site, fill out some things etc before you can see job postings...

Kijiji is sketchy, one minute you're being offered an awesome job the next it's off to the rape farm lol. Try indeed, any good oil and gas job or trades job I've found has been on there. You can make an account and upload your resume to "quick apply" to jobs. It's how I got my current job in Ontario. Good luck

(10-10-2013 02:47 AM)Irishi Wrote:  

(10-09-2013 03:47 PM)Swearbox Wrote:  Posted to my FB friends earlier today...

"Well for them that don't know I set off for Alberta today to take a job with ClearStream Energy in Fort McMurray. Right now I'm supposed to be at 35000 ft and about an hour into my journey. The ugly reality is the Air Canada bastards wouldn't let me get on the flight as I was 3 minutes past their cutoff time of 45 mins before take off to check in. Soooo I have to wait another 6 hours here in Pearson airport until I can board the next flight out at 8.55 pm ET....oh, and it cost me an extra $84.85 for the privilege as I had to 'change flights'...and to add insult to serious injury the fooking beer is $9.71 a pint. Ask me if I'm happy...no, go on....ask me..."

That said, I'm on my way...only 4 and a half hours to go before I get on the jet ;-)

Jesus man if you can't be on time for your flight think twice bout what you going doing. There are good reasons for strict airport policies, 9/11 may ring a bell, we usually have to be 2 hrs early. Best of luck anyway and get good batteries for your alarm clock

That's a fair comment Irishi and I have no real excuses to offer save for the fact that I've never flown on a domestic flight within Canada before. Lesson has been learned and I made it out to Fort Mac albeit a little later than planned. I have a few things to sort out here before actually going to work next week and there's a story attached to that too which I'll save for a separate post.

SB

Here's another update intended to inform and inspire anyone who is thinking about making the move.

I finally arrived at Fort McMurray around 11pm local time two days ago. There was a bit of spotty rain and it was a few degrees colder than Ontario but nothing to piss and moan about. My mate picked me up from the airport and we headed off to his apartment and proceeded to shoot the shit til around 2.45am (we're both ex forces, not seen each other for 25 years but picked up as if it were only yesterday). I managed about 4 hours sleep then my mate dropped me off at HSE Integrated for a full day Fall Protect course...course finished early and I got my first ticket :-)

Today I was supposed to be at HSE again for my H2S course however thanks to a local taxi drivers strike (my mate started dayshift today so wasn't able to give me a ride) the taxi I booked last night to take me to HSE didn't show up and none of the cab companies I contacted in the phone book were working either. The pisser is I actually called the taxi company to confirm the booking at 7.15 am this morning and the guy said no probs the driver would be there. After waiting til just past 7.30 I rang back only to be told that he couldn't get the driver on the phone as his phone had been switched off so assume he wasn't coming...'fucking great', says me and rang off to start looking for an alternative.

Long story short I didn't manage to find a way to make the course on time so I called HSE to let them know I would be a no show. I arranged to go onto the cancellation waiting list for tomorrow's course but I'm 4th in line to get into that (in short zero chances). They did give me an alternative though - they (HSE) are running an H2S course up at Keyano college next tuesday so I bit the bullet and booked myself on it and paid for the course over the phone to guarantee a seat. I found a bus that goes close by so that will be my way of getting there on Tuesday. I called my HR girl to give her the details and she's fine with it...instead of starting work on Monday 14th Oct it'll now be Weds 16th Oct.

Now, there has been some good news and this part would fall under the 'inform and inspire' bit that I mentioned at the top of the post. Following the completion of my Fall Protect course I called my HR girl to bring her up to speed with developments - I'd landed in Fort Mac and I had my first ticket done and was going to be doing my second today and that my CSTS was already completed etc etc and right there out of the blue she made arrangements to see about indenturing me without having to do 3 months as a grunt doing labouring. I heard her having a convo with whoever else was in her office and after a short while she returned to the phone and said that's what they were going to do. She emailed me an Apprenticeship Application & Contract to sponsor me as an apprentice Instrumentation Tech and told me to fill it out and take it to the AIT office here in Fort Mac to get registered.

The only potential stopper would be the fact that as a Brit I don't have a Grade 12 high school transcript as my secondary schooling was completed back in 1976 in the UK. I spoke with AIT and they said no big deal...the way around this little problemette was that I would have to sit an entrance exam in lieu of not having Grade 12 papers. THEY DO NOT ACCEPT TRANSCRIPTS FROM OUTSIDE OF CANADA, YOU WILL HAVE TO SIT AN EXAM IF YOU WANT TO REGISTER FOR AN APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM AND YOU DID YOUR SCHOOLING OUTSIDE CANADA.

As for the exam, it's free (something FREE...finally) and they allow 3 hrs to complete it...multiple choice and there's a free study guide to get your juices flowing prior to taking the exam. You need to have completed and passed the exam before they will allow you to register for the college portion of the apprenticeship. So I have at least 3 months to get that done (probationary period with the company) but I'll be done way before that.

One final bit of good news that the HR girl communicated to me went something like this...

Me: "Blah blah blah...taxi driver strike...fucked for todays course...etc etc...so there you go...I can't get my H2S course done til Tuesday next week."

HR: "No probs, we'll just start you on Wednesday, no worries. Oh, I think I have something that might put a smile on your face though..."

Me: "Lay it on me."

HR: "Well, as you're going to be starting as a 1st yr apprentice instead of a grunt the signing on bonus just went from $5k to $10k."



Guys....like I said in earlier posts IT CAN BE DONE, even from out of province (but admittedly it's not the norm given some of the conversations I've had since I arrived here). Take charge of the situation, demonstrate that you can get things done that are asked of you as it makes it way easier for those who hire you to do their jobs. Keep them informed and you will get noticed in a good way. It won't all be plain sailing so you have to be prepared for any minor challenges that may get in your way but if you can overcome them you'll be really glad you made the effort. I hope someone found something useful in this post...it's just my way of giving to the forum that provided me with so many of the answers I was seeking.

SB

(10-11-2013 11:49 AM)Swearbox Wrote:  Here's another update intended to inform and inspire anyone who is thinking about making the move.

SB

Very cool man. So are you on a rotation or what? I may have to give them a call.

(10-11-2013 01:44 PM)Temm Wrote:  

(10-11-2013 11:49 AM)Swearbox Wrote:  Here's another update intended to inform and inspire anyone who is thinking about making the move.

SB

Very cool man. So are you on a rotation or what? I may have to give them a call.

Hi Temm,

The script calls for an initial 10 days on 10 hr shifts 7-5.30 then 6 off THEN it goes to 8 on 6 off, same hours with lots of OT opportunity (but that was when i was supposed to start off doing grunt work). I'm not sure how starting as an apprentice will go as far as OT goes.

SB

Fantastic stuff SB!!! Very happy for you mate! You made it happen despite the odds!!! Guys take note and be inspirend by SB's achievement!!!

Updates on my end:
Been going to a few places, dropping resumes, talking to managers and Im getting the same answer everywhere: 'we're interested in hiring you but check next week to see where we may have openings.'

Its frustrating but I know I need to be patient! Its a matter of a few more days before I get that first position in the field I'm interested!

Swearbox,

Good to hear things are going well. It's funny that you mentioned that you were more nervous making the move to Alberta than you were being deployed overseas into a war zone. But I'm thinking that you were more prepared and had some expectations as to what you were getting into overseas, whereas here the only expectations you have of the Alberta experience are the experiences expressed in this forum. Evidently, unfamiliarity will make anyone nervous, no matter what type of situation it is.

But seeing as you've had experience in a testosterone filled, fuck-you-type environment from being in the forces, I don't foresee you having any issues here. Strong work ethic, positive work attitude, good camaraderie and a clear awareness of what kind of man you are go a long way in this industry. The owners of the company I work with absolutely love me because I do my best to display the above traits, and when I got my first level ticket in my field, my VP was so happy he gave me a hug. A fucking bear hug. My dad doesn't even hug me.

Anyway, you probably won't be getting any bear hugs anytime soon, but it takes balls to come out here and take a life-changing chance. You took the chance, and now you're reaping the rewards. Nothing but admiration for guys like you, and love reading these success stories.

(10-11-2013 03:58 PM)Swearbox Wrote:  

(10-11-2013 01:44 PM)Temm Wrote:  

(10-11-2013 11:49 AM)Swearbox Wrote:  Here's another update intended to inform and inspire anyone who is thinking about making the move.

SB

Very cool man. So are you on a rotation or what? I may have to give them a call.

Hi Temm,

The script calls for an initial 10 days on 10 hr shifts 7-5.30 then 6 off THEN it goes to 8 on 6 off, same hours with lots of OT opportunity (but that was when i was supposed to start off doing grunt work). I'm not sure how starting as an apprentice will go as far as OT goes.

SB

That's great. You're going to have to keep us posted on the actual work. I'm curious about what the day in the life of an instrumentation apprentice looks like.

(10-11-2013 05:49 PM)Temm Wrote:  

(10-11-2013 03:58 PM)Swearbox Wrote:  

(10-11-2013 01:44 PM)Temm Wrote:  

(10-11-2013 11:49 AM)Swearbox Wrote:  Here's another update intended to inform and inspire anyone who is thinking about making the move.

SB

Very cool man. So are you on a rotation or what? I may have to give them a call.

Hi Temm,

The script calls for an initial 10 days on 10 hr shifts 7-5.30 then 6 off THEN it goes to 8 on 6 off, same hours with lots of OT opportunity (but that was when i was supposed to start off doing grunt work). I'm not sure how starting as an apprentice will go as far as OT goes.

SB

That's great. You're going to have to keep us posted on the actual work. I'm curious about what the day in the life of an instrumentation apprentice looks like.

No probs...will do :-)

(10-10-2013 02:47 AM)Irishi Wrote:  Jesus man if you can't be on time for your flight think twice bout what you going doing. There are good reasons for strict airport policies, 9/11 may ring a bell, we usually have to be 2 hrs early. Best of luck anyway and get good batteries for your alarm clock

I agree he should have been on time, but I don't see what 9-11 has to do with anything? There has always been a cutoff for flights, getting baggage on planes, preparing customer manifests, calculating actual weight and balance etc takes time. I also can't even imagine how a short checkin time would make things less secure? I mean you already know who was going to fly before hand, how would him physically checking in and presenting his passport change anything? Its not like he would bypass security.

I just don't get why people always resort to 9-11 arguments/security. As if that settles it. It's up there with 'think of the children'. The argumentative equivalent of rock in rock-paper-scissors. Nothing beats it.

Then we have the situation we have now with there 'anything for security' types happy to spend all sorts of money and time accomplishing nothing. I'd happily fly with zero security period. Basically then it would be as dangerous as every other activity in life where someone with a concealed bomb could kill you if they were crazy enough to want to. (ie: everywhere but secure area of airport + theme parks + sports stadiums)