[westcan]

Recently got laid off from a large job in town, seeing as I have a little girl now it's time to go up north and make some money.... Some questions for you Albertans. What wage should a 3rd year guy expect in camp? Contractors to look for? Stay away from? Any advice is greatly appreciated
Thanks

 

[FrunkSlammer]

Sorry to hear buddy.. can't really help ya on the questions, but that's definitely the place to go make some coin.

What company were you working for? I worked for Chambers Electrical a few years ago and they laid me off like 2 weeks before Christmas. I'm still pretty fukin bitter about that one.

 

[westcan]

Thanks frunk, laid me off on the 20th, knew it was coming, job was gearing down. Could find work here but have some financial goals for 2014 that can't be met working in the lower mainland

 

[Dawizman]

A third year should expect at least $33 an hour up north, plus sub. I've heard good things about Tarpon, Pronghorn and Studon. I've heard mixed opinions about Pyramid and Techmation.

As for other tips... invest in some warm FR clothes. The weather is the ****s this year up here, but work doesn't stop just because it's cold.

There is a lot of work to be had all over right now, start handing out your resume, and it shouldn't be hard to land a job quick.

 

[westcan]

A third year should expect at least $33 an hour up north, plus sub. I've heard good things about Tarpon, Pronghorn and Studon. I've heard mixed opinions about Pyramid and Techmation.

As for other tips... invest in some warm FR clothes. The weather is the ****s this year up here, but work doesn't stop just because it's cold.

There is a lot of work to be had all over right now, start handing out your resume, and it shouldn't be hard to land a job quick.

I'll be sending resumes out on the 2nd to those contractors you mentioned, plus Callisto, flint, and a few others. What are FR clothes?

 

[Dawizman]

FR = fire resistant

If you're going to be doing any field work (where the money is) you're going to need FR clothing in most cases. Some companies might provide winter gear, but most will only provide coveralls, hat, and glasses. You can dress warm under your coveralls, but proper outerwear goes a long way. We have seen temperatures below -20 for the majority of November and December, and many days below -30 (before windchill). Fort Mac is even further north than where I am, and colder yet.

 

[westcan]

FR = fire resistant

If you're going to be doing any field work (where the money is) you're going to need FR clothing in most cases. Some companies might provide winter gear, but most will only provide coveralls, hat, and glasses. You can dress warm under your coveralls, but proper outerwear goes a long way. We have seen temperatures below -20 for the majority of November and December, and many days below -30 (before windchill). Fort Mac is even further north than where I am, and colder yet.

Thanks bro, no idea exactly what I'll need up there but I'll figure it out. Marks WW is my best bet I'm guessing

 

[Dawizman]

No problem. Marks is where I shop for work clothing. I'm not sure if they have the same stuff in your area, but you can get it up here for sure. Good luck to you. If you're any good in the field, you can make a very good living up here. Most of the guys I work with are making $130k+ per year as fairly new journeyman. Dual ticket guys are writing their own paycheck.

 

[westcan]

Sick! My tires are pumped now, I'll update as stuff happens

 

[99cents]

Just buy an overly big pair of FR coveralls, big enough to fit lots of warm clothes underneath. It will help a lot of you get some safety training. You can take CSTS on-line. H2S Alive is good to have. It's a classroom course but you can get it on short notice. Same with First Aid and Fall Arrest.

 

[glen1971]

It sucks gettin laid off this time of year... Quite a few projects have wound down til around the 6th.. If you get your resume in, and don't mind workin on the road, you shouldn't have an issue getting hired on with a decent company..

For gear, get some decent boots.. My personal preference would be Baffin or Dakota. I think the ones I got are around $220 at Mark's. They are rated to -100 and your feet will thank you.. They are a bit bigger, but you need to dress for the elements... Assuming you've worked outside in the winter before you should have the basics - Helly Hansen long johns, gloves, etc. Don't buy hoodies, as more and more companies are not allowing them on sites.. Buy an FR lid liner, neck warmer and parka (with stripes). I had a pair of bibs for years that I never wore, cuz they were too hot..

Stay clear of the electric devices that keep you warm - electric boots, socks, jacket, glves, etc.. They are not rated for explosive environments.. One guy at work found that out after he bought them.

Each company has some pros and some cons with working there. Some heresay and some you'll have to find out for yourself.. The pay is usually close, but do some asking and make sure you know the "whole deal" before you commit to one.. Lots of guys have been jumpin ship for a buck an hour.. There's lots of work up there and each one has their share..

Dress in layers.. Good luck! I think it was -43 this morning with the wind in Fort Mac today..

 

[daveEM]

Don't buy hoodies, as more and more companies are not allowing them on sites..

Dress in layers.. Good luck! I think it was -43 this morning with the wind in Fort Mac today..

Interesting about hoodies.

Yeah the temp is close. -39 I think. Then add in the low wind this morning.

Actually quite a hell hole that place. Summer the flies eat the crap out of you.

 

[michigan sparky]

No problem. Marks is where I shop for work clothing. I'm not sure if they have the same stuff in your area, but you can get it up here for sure. Good luck to you. If you're any good in the field, you can make a very good living up here. Most of the guys I work with are making $130k+ per year as fairly new journeyman. Dual ticket guys are writing their own paycheck.

Dual ticket? Please explain.

 

[Dawizman]

Dual ticket? Please explain.

Electrical + Another trade. Most common is instrumentation, but there are other combinations that can be very valuable to a company or facility.

 

[michigan sparky]

Wondering if there is an advantage for a dual citizenship US/Canada JW to find work up there.

 

[Dawizman]

Wondering if there is an advantage for a dual citizenship US/Canada JW to find work up there.

On the construction side of things many projects bring guys in from out of town / province to do the work. The plant I work at has construction working a 9on / 5off shift, and over half the guys are from out of town, some travelling from as far as Newfoundland. There is a growing trend of bringing in tfo's as well (temporary foreign workers). I work with a few guys from Ireland and New Zealand.

 

[Vintage Sounds]

Mark's work wearhouse is a little weak sometimes depending on location and now they have all that casual fuzzy sweater crap in there. I like Work Authority and of you work for a company that's part of the Merit benefits system, you can get 15% off there.

 

[westcan]

Thanks guys, all good advice, keep it coming .i was hoping whoever hires me would pay for the safety training but I guess it would be better to get it first, or maybe they'll tell me what they require so I can get it before I head up there. Did CSTS last year for another company but never got a cert. so I'll have to track that down. Start w fall pro, first aid, and h2s alive?

 

[FrunkSlammer]

If you did your training at BCIT, pretty sure they do CSTS in second or third year. Not sure if other schools do it as well.

 

[Ink&Brass]

Start w fall pro, first aid, and h2s alive?

I'd start with CSTS, FA, and H2S. Those three are the absolute minimum for any industrial work up north. Many companies will pay for courses beyond those three.



I'm awfully tempted to go up north as well. I could make the equivalent of 3rd year resi wages as a first year up north.