Hey all, ontario recent AZ here.....sad but i have to leave ontario for work.

If you can get in the oil patch , go for it!! Long hours but money is great , i came to Ab 3 years ago form BC . I used to work in the sawmills making 55-60k a year thinking i was doing good .I never thought i would ever be behind the wheel of a rig nor did i have any want for it. but i got to see the cash and had a free opportunity for a free license so i jumped on it .

First year in AB made 90k with my starting wage , second 110k and in the first 6 months this year I was at 60k. But the big bad recession bit me in the ### and i got handed a layoff slip . But im supposed to go back at the end of Sept so worked out good for me got the summer off and going back to work.

I almost tried the long haul thing but they have to work twice as much for half the pay so i waited for my job instead.(meaning alot of days all i do is sit on location incase i am needed or when im needed )

 

Sucks to hear about this and I hope it all works out for you in the end. I have another three weeks before the end of my AZ course and then I'll be knocking on doors myself.

 

Hey Fellas don't get discouraged hunting for a gig. Stay positive and you'll project that energy to a hiring manager. Use the popular buzz words in your resume and cover letters if your applying on line and if you think your resume needs polishing get some expert advise on the right way to format it or it'll end up at the bottom of the pile.
Get your FAST card and passport to make you more marketable.From my experience showing up at the company you want to work for as the start their business day has landed me two AZ driving jobs since I graduated truck training school in August 2011. Now I'm driving Tankers for a Ottawa company which was my primary goal to begin with and by the way my instructors told me I wouldn't be qualified to drive for 2-3 years.
Good luck and Good Hunting! And don't listen to the chattering monkeys out there,chase your dreams.

 

Hello All, I'm registered to take my AZ course starting April 9th and I'm really looking forward to getting into the industry. The recruiter there told me i can get a job out west instantly after grad and i can expect a salary between $90,000 and $120,000..My question to you guys out there is whats the REAL TRUTH. is it as good as this recruiter is preaching?

 

Low Fat.....Presently I live outside of Ottawa and was wondering what its like where your working?

 

The trucking school recruiter told you this? They just want to put you in the course and will feed you anything to sign up. I made 26 grand in roughly 5 months. Pretty good money to me and that was working mostly 6 days a week and taking about a week of time off the entire time I was in alberta. You can't count on year round work either......

 

what you said is more realistic, and i knew to take her comment with a grain of salt. whats it like on B.C mountain roads in winter? what about ice rain...do you get as much there as we do in On?

 

Those jobs exist but not instant. Some companies have year round work and if you keep your hours up (not a guaranteed salary) you will make that cash. Lots are busy in the winter but not so much in the summer.

Also keep in mind cost of living. If applying watch for where they are and if housing is provided. lots of great salaries in fort mac (least desirable place to work/live) but you don't make much after your rent is paid.

 

we have 2 guys straight out of trucking school making six figures and housing paid (gotta buy food) year round scheduled work, extra days if you want over the base six figures