[Wireman93]

Hello!

This is my first post, and I have a question about a Canadian Electrician Working in the United States.

I currently live in Ontario. I am 20, and just about to turn 2nd term apprentice. My ticket I will be obtaining once finished is the 309A Construction & Maintenance ticket. I'm not sure what that is equivalent to in America.

My goal is to get licensed in Ontario. Probably live at home, and stash away all my money so I have a solid down payment for a house when I am able to move to America.

During my time working towards completing my apprenticeship, I am doing online college as well. Currently, I am enrolled in an Electrical Engineering Technician. I currently completed the first program, Electronics Technician and recovered my certificate with a 4.0 GPA. I am almost done with that program, Electromechanical Technician, and I am averaging 92% in that program. The next program in that course is PLCs.

After I finish and get my degree, I plan on taking a Management course online, so I can have a management degree.

My goal is to have my Electrical Engineering Degree, Management degree and my Construction & Maintenance Ticket all by the time I'm 24. My goal is to become a Site Foreman as soon as possible.

I have strived to become an electrician since I was in high school. I have made a lot of social sacrifices to obtain honour roll and stuff in high school. Because of the hard work, I was able to get hired onto the IBEW as the youngest apprentices in my local currently

My ultimate goal is to get a job in America, it has always been my dream to move to America. It doesn't matter where. Preferably somewhere I can meet a lot of people with a solid job outlook. But all in all it doesn't matter.

How hard is it to get into America as an electrician? What are the requirements or process?

Thanks for the help.

 

[chicken steve]

Welcome Wiredude

i appreciate your enthusiasm , but i gotta ask..why America?

Look, if you want to get outta dodge and make some serious $$$, there are avenues , as well as folks here that can explain it

~CS~

 

[drsparky]

I been on jobs with Canadians electricians working here, not a problem. The other way around, not so easy, it is very hard for Americans to work in Canada. They only want subjects of the Queen.

 

[triden]

You'll never get in on a work visa as an electrician. You may have a chance as an engineer. The best way is to either apply for a green card or get hired by an american employer.

Why America though? Come to the west coast...wages are much higher here!

 

[Wireman93]

Thanks for the responses.

trust me, I have thought about working out west. Primarily working on the oil fields. But it appears pretty isolated. The money seems great, but from the sounds of it, everything is so expensive there. The wage is in proportion to the cost of living. It's great that you make 150,000 dollars, but it's like Toronto, a basic house costs half a million.

Maybe I'm wrong about working out there. Maybe some of you would be kind enough to tell me what I could realistically expect moving out West and working on the oil fields.

I think America, because I'd want to live in a big city. I know that contradicts my thoughts about expensive cost of living, but at least it has stuff to do. A lot more stuff than living in the small towns out West I'd be isolated in working on an oil field.

A couple of the careers I've pondered is being an electrician for companies that build sky scrapers in say New York or casinos and hotels in Las Vegas. I love construction.

In my short time of working with the company I work for now, I have been part of a team that has built a hospital, department store and a large outlet centre.

To be honest, I don't know what the best route is. I like having everything planned out. I just know my current town has nothing to offer me but my family. But they always tell me to get the hell out of dodge and get a better life. This is why I came to this post, because I want to get opinions of the ones who have been in my shoes, and know what it's really like once you get that ticket.

I really appreciate the advice

 

[CanadianSparky]

I been on jobs with Canadians electricians working here, not a problem. The other way around, not so easy, it is very hard for Americans to work in Canada. They only want subjects of the Queen.

That's because we protect our own. It's actually really sad that you guys don't do the same. All this talk about buying American etc but you don't actually have laws to protect the American worker.

 

[Vintage Sounds]

Without getting too into it, you seem like an intelligent guy but I honestly think you're misguided and overthinking the process. Your enthusiasm and dedication are great but also clouding your judgement. Western Canada is where the future is. People like you are in demand. Most guys who work oil patch jobs, like me, don't live "out in the oil field", we live in Calgary or Edmonton and get flown in and out by our employers. Some do choose to live in Fort McMurray but that's not strictly required. For that matter lots of guys out there live on Vancouver Island or as far away as Newfoundland and still fly in and out.

I know how you feel, I grew up in and around Toronto. There's a reason I left a year ago. Cool city but the pay sucks and everything is overpriced.

Canada has a system which, if you take advantage of it, can turn you into a world-class electrician with the freedom to work on any job across the country minus Quebec, and subsidise your training. Why you would turn your back on that, because you want to have "stuff to do", I personally don't understand. People die trying to come to this country and you want to leave for, sorry to say, what seems like a superficial reason. What is your definition of having "stuff to do" ? Calgary can give you pretty much whatever you want.

You're already an IBEW member, so why don't you think about taking a call or two in the oil patch for Local 424? At least try it out before you decide to jump ship.

 

[Wireman93]

Vintage Sound,

I agree I am not completely educated on the opportunities of the oil field. That is the reason why I came to this forum, to seek help and advice from experienced people.

I didn't realize that you had that freedom of living where you wanted, and the employer flies you into the job for your shift. I was aware that occurred but I didn't realize that it was routine for all the employees. I thought it was a special privilege.

As well, I didn't know that I had that opportunity to transfer locals to out west. That is extremely attractive as well.

The oil fields are definitely looking more attractive thanks to your guidance. If I could ask for some more answers.

Can you get into the oil fields with a Construction & Maintenance ticket? Or is it in a different aspect of electrical?

Also, what would the likelihood be of being able to transfer as an apprentice? The union here , as you might know has a whole bunch of 'mandatory union classes ' I have to complete to obtain my ticket. Because of schooling and stuff, my five year apprenticeship has been reduced to 4 years.

Would my credits transfer over if I moved out west? Also do I have to do union courses out west too? I would imagine that it would all be the same.

Thank you for your help. I'm glad to see you agree with me that Ontario isn't a place for trades. It's not hard to see why they're in such demand.

 

[EB Electric]

I think you need to do a lot more homework looking into the the oil fields out west. There is a ton of work out there, and they are always looking for the trades. Talk to your union steward, they know the system, you are not the first to have this question.

How are you going to be a licensed journeyman and have 2 degrees by 24 :001_huh: ? No offence or anything, everyone can have goals, but if you are just becoming a 2nd term apprentice now, you have 3 years ahead of you before you will have enough hours to qualify to write the final test. Which are you after, an engineering degree or technician diploma? I am in school in Ontario now for electrical engineering technologist, and you simply cannot graduate an electrical engineering technician or technologist program with an electrical engineering degree. Something does not add up to me....:001_huh:

Thank you for your help. I'm glad to see you agree with me that Ontario isn't a place for trades. It's not hard to see why they're in such demand.

I don't mean to bust your balls, but I couldn't resist after reading this.. Ontario isn't a place for trades... I am sick of hearing this from people. Ontario has trades! Are there as many opportunities as the booming oil field?, no, are they lined up to recruit you like out west?, no, but it doesn't mean you can't get a decent job here if you do a little looking and put in the effort. You are in the IBEW, one of, if not, the best unions an electrician in Ontario can be in! But if you are ready to jump ship go for it

 

[Wireman93]

EB Electric,

You're right, I think they're diplomas. They're both online. One is through George Brown College for my electrical engineering technologist. I started the program online during my fifth year of high school. I had my first year done by the time I was out of high school completely. Because of my high marks, most of my modules cross over to my second program so where it takes most people to do the second program in a year, I will only be a couple months getting the courses I need. After that, I will complete my PLC program, and then I need compulsory Maths and English credits to obtain my diploma. All of which I hope plan to obtain by the time I'm 21. I just turned 20.

Online college, because it's all at your own pace with this program, is a lot faster than going to school. Plus cheaper. I can do it during summer, after work, and even after my co-op like I did during fifth year. To say I'm working hard at this is an understatement.

After that, I can take a management program online as well with the same school. Two years, I will be 23/24. The ability to accomplish these goals is achievable through online college. I work nine hour days, come home and work on my school. On weekends, my time is dedicated to my school.

As for your comment about Ontario, there are many things I disagree with when it comes to the Ontario government. Sure, there are jobs, but he Ontario government is in your pocket for everything. This place is the closest place to a socialist government without it being called as such. To make it even worse, the high cost of living isn't justified by the simplicity of obtaining a solid trade job. Yet with the demand of trades, the Ontario tax us with a stupid college of trades crap that makes the trades even less attractive than it already is. Why would I stay here when there are so many better options.

That's the beauty of working in the IBEW, even though I am normally not a union person. I have that freedom to call up locals and have help getting transferred. Whether it be in the states or other parts of Canada. I never neglected Canada as being a place of employment. I only want to get out of Ontario. If America isn't the best choice, then I'm going to choose it. From the sounds of it, the oil fields are the way to go. I have nothing tying me down here in Ontario, so it would be the perfect opportunity to find something better than here.

 

[jza]

I wouldn't waste my time or money taking community college courses online, but that's your call.

Foreman positions are given out to whomever is closest with the boss, or the best man willing to take on the position. Having a management diploma won't do much to help your cause.

 

[Wireman93]

Thanks for your post , jza

Unfortunately I disagree. My involvement in my course is the reason why I got in the company I did. I never applied to the union. I applied to the company. I didn't even know what the IBEW fully was when I applied. I didn't know the company was unionized. They were impressed with the dedication in my college program, and they got me signed into the union. I skipped a two year wait in my local because of the company my union steward said.

I know the management diploma or whatever won't get me a management position. Fully aware of that. But say they come down to the wire to hire someone, and I am in the running for the position. If me and my fellow competitor for that position are neck and neck for quality of work, are they going to choose the one with or without the management knowledge. More than likely, I'd win. Unless they are close to the employer. Then I wouldn't have a chance either way.

It helps the cause most definitely. Especially when I'm 24 and have these under my belt. Where most will only have their ticket. I'm steps ahead of the pack.

 

[jza]

It helps the cause most definitely. Especially when I'm 24 and have these under my belt. Where most will only have their ticket. I'm steps ahead of the pack.

It's a college diploma, not a doctorate from a prestigious university.

Take it from me, I'm 23 and already living your dream.

 

[Wireman93]

I'm not in business my friend. I'm in the electrical field . They wouldn't choose me for the management diploma alone. I don't get how you don't see this...

If I'm in the running for foreman, obviously I'm good at my job. Any management knowledge would give them confidence in me. Especially when a majority of the foremen don't have any schooling. It would make managing a job easier for me and it looks better. I'm not relying on that diploma to get me a foreman job. Never said that... It just it a piece in the entire package.

 

[Wireman93]

How can you be ahead of me when you're 3 years older than me? Good one man. Maybe think before you post something stupid. Haha

 

[jza]

How can you be ahead of me when you're 3 years older than me? Good one man. Maybe think before you post something stupid. Haha

Never said I was ahead, just said I already had what you wanted. I don't it because there is nothing to see, I'm a foreman at a large firm and I can tell you, nobody gives a **** about college diplomas.

You're clearly set in your ways, enjoy your diplomas from a **** college.

 

[Wireman93]

I would hope you have at least something at that age bud. When I reach your age, I'll be finishing my final year. With diplomas to boot. All you have is a ticket. Love that you're boasting having what I'm after when you've been given a three year head start.

Love when egotistic people boast to a person looking for a little advice. You're real helpful haha

Cheers,

 

[jza]

I would hope you have at least something at that age bud. When I reach your age, I'll be finishing my final year. With diplomas to boot. All you have is a ticket. Love that you're boasting having what I'm after when you've been given a three year head start.

Love when egotistic people boast to a person looking for a little advice. You're real helpful haha

Cheers,

That's exciting! Diplomas from George Brown College. I heard they have a 99.9% acceptance rate to their bull**** "management" program lmao :thumbup:

 

[Wireman93]

I don't understand what you're trying to prove? You're wrong. Plain and simple. My experience and the success I have BECAUSE of my progress on my diploma proves you wrong . Maybe where you work it doesn't matter because their so desperate for foremen.. So they hire any 23 year old to fill that position. I don't know your situation.

I know if I stay where I work, I would be a foreman by the time I'm 23. I'm only almost 2nd term, and my success with my diploma and the knowledge I learned and transferred over to my experience on the field has impressed all my foreman.

You have no special feature. I don't know what you have to drag about. It's nothing bud.

It's kind of humorous that you are making fun of me (or trying to) yet you completely miss my point. Thanks for the laughs.

Thanks for your help, or whatever you're trying to do... But it's not needed so please save both our time.

 

[jza]

I don't understand what you're trying to prove? You're wrong. Plain and simple. My experience and the success I have BECAUSE of my progress on my diploma proves you wrong . Maybe where you work it doesn't matter because their so desperate for foremen.. So they hire any 23 year old to fill that position. I don't know your situation.

I know if I stay where I work, I would be a foreman by the time I'm 23. I'm only almost 2nd term, and my success with my diploma and the knowledge I learned and transferred over to my experience on the field has impressed all my foreman.

You have no special feature. I don't know what you have to drag about. It's nothing bud.

It's kind of humorous that you are making fun of me (or trying to) yet you completely miss my point. Thanks for the laughs.

Thanks for your help, or whatever you're trying to do... But it's not needed so please save both our time.

They're not desperate for foreman by any means. I've been working there since I was a 2nd year, worked my way up and proved myself.

I have nothing special? If only you knew... and if you think a diploma is something special in this industry, you're dead wrong.