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working in the Alberta oil industry
- Thread starter dj umlaut
- Start date
Flashy_McFlash
Well-Known TRIBEr
My friend used to do it and absolutely hated it. They did pay him mad coin and gave him a pickup truck though. If you're willing to give up a year of social interaction for financial reward, then go for it. Personally I'd do a few stints at Biovale first, but that's just me.
whatever the work, you'll have to go through a training program first, as oilpatch jobs range from the technical to the dangerous. They pay you a lot, but to use your example, Ft. McMurray also has one of the highest costs of living in the country, and it sucks there. The Alberta phonebook is filled with service companies, so maybe give one a call. Or choose from the list of public service companies, where remuneration can also be in the form of participation. The shifts are hellish, by the way, 15-20 on, 7 off, that sort of thing.
good luck !
good luck !
my uncle just went over there from Timmins, no formal edjumacation only labour and management work in the forests and mines. he got training and a job pretty much right away. not sure the details but it seems like a good bet if you're willing to sacrifice your time at home for long stints.
shylock_one
TRIBE Member
As most people have stated, getting a trade is the way to go - but if you're willing to work in the service industry then by all means go ahead. If you did decide to go, I would highly doubt that you would not be able to get a job in the first week or two.
As far as living conditions are concerned, it's not necessary to live in Fort Mac. I know of quite a few people that live in Edmonton, but that travel by bus on a weekly basis. During their time in Fort Mac, they're usually sharing an apartment with the night crew i.e. day crew sleeps in the same apartment as the night crew.
Personally having worked in Northern B.C. for the past few years, I would never go to Fort Mac.
As far as living conditions are concerned, it's not necessary to live in Fort Mac. I know of quite a few people that live in Edmonton, but that travel by bus on a weekly basis. During their time in Fort Mac, they're usually sharing an apartment with the night crew i.e. day crew sleeps in the same apartment as the night crew.
Personally having worked in Northern B.C. for the past few years, I would never go to Fort Mac.
CIRCE (Sir C)
TRIBE Member
...and don't forget the -40 winter.
I lived and worked in Ft. McMurraqy for 2 years...great $$$ for even basic labouring jobs but the community is really transitional and isolated - I worked as the Executive Director of the detox and it's the only place in Canada (that I'm aware of) where (injection) cocaine is the drug of choice after alcohol
If you're somewhat educated and motivated, it can provide opportunities that you simply won't get in other communities.
I lived and worked in Ft. McMurraqy for 2 years...great $$$ for even basic labouring jobs but the community is really transitional and isolated - I worked as the Executive Director of the detox and it's the only place in Canada (that I'm aware of) where (injection) cocaine is the drug of choice after alcohol
If you're somewhat educated and motivated, it can provide opportunities that you simply won't get in other communities.CIRCE (Sir C) said:...and don't forget the -40 winter.
I lived and worked in Ft. McMurraqy for 2 years...great $$$ for even basic labouring jobs but the community is really transitional and isolated - I worked as the Executive Director of the detox and it's the only place in Canada (that I'm aware of) where (injection) cocaine is the drug of choice after alcohol
That's the kind of thing I'm wondering. Is it possible to live in that town and work with guys who aren't drunk or on coke on their days off? I worked in High Level and it seemed pretty hard to find people you'd want to hang out with. If you go out there and take a job, is it hard to switch into a better job if one comes along? How much would education (university) count for, if anything? If you didn't have a skilled trade but you were smart and had some education, could you climb into management? Do oil companies sponsor MBAs?
Thanks for the info and advice, everyone.
A good friend of mine is out in Alberta working for Talisman. Doing his co-op with pay. All I know is he's miserable out there socially and sick of watching reruns of Shawshank Redemption on Spike.
He was supposed to work to september but opted to cut his term short to the end of April.
Give me some specific questions and I'll be sure to pass them on to him to answer....he's got nothing better to do.
He was supposed to work to september but opted to cut his term short to the end of April.
Give me some specific questions and I'll be sure to pass them on to him to answer....he's got nothing better to do.
shylock_one
TRIBE Member
dj umlaut said:
If you're more interested in the business and marketing side of things, it may be a better possibility to look for opportunities in Calgary where all of the hq are based out of. From what I've seen, many of the office people have next to little actual plant experience but have more involvement with the buying/selling of oil and gas.
There is no question that the work is there (in both Fort Mac and Calgary) and will continue to be there for quite some time, but whether you're willing to give up your current lifestyle and adapt to life there is another question entirely.
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Bass-Invader
TRIBE Member
girls from alberta seem to have big breast. so go there.
poker face
TRIBE Member
Welders and Pipefitters are in high demand there. They have camps where you can stay. The only thing you have to watch out for is spending your money on Booze, Gambling, and Whores. My Union is always dispaching people out there. Go out in the summer though because I hear it is fucking freezing there. Also You can bring in a shit load of cash in a short period of time.