Vac truck training courses, worth it or not?

Discussion in 'Canadian Truckers Forum' started by Oldpete2112, Apr 28, 2013.

  1. Oldpete2112

    Oldpete2112 Bobtail Member

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    Mar 31, 2013
    Victoria, BC
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    Hopeing to get a fly in, fly out camp job. Never really gave much concern to where, was joking with the wife that I should apply for a job I found in Algeria. She said it did not really matter, and maybe it does not.

    Was thinking Northern BC or Alberta but open to work just about anywhere, have passport in hand and can travel.

    Previously lived in Edmonton, and worked all the way up to Yellowknife. Have the family settled into Victoria now for the past 12 years, and wife's job is steady here so no plan to uproot them. Still have friends in Edmonton so have a place to base from, if required.

    All things considered, camp job is likely most suitable. Looking for 3 to 4 weeks in and 10 days to 2 weeks out. I know starting wage will not be extremely high, but with hard work, overtime and taking as many courses to advance that too may change in time.

    Hoping I am being realistic, and based on what I have researched don't seem to be too far off. I am working now, and making a living wage for out here, but hate the work and the environment. Want to get back to doing real work, something I enjoy, and making a good living from it. Want to have time off at home to enjoy with the kids, and perhaps some money to go do a few things. As it is now I am gone to work 10 to 11 hours a day, six days a week, so may as well get paid for it.

    Any ideas?
    OP
     
    Last edited: Apr 29, 2013
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  3. Oldpete2112

    Oldpete2112 Bobtail Member

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    Mar 31, 2013
    Victoria, BC
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    meh, done the tarp thing at that temp, would rather avoid that. But as you point out, frozen hose is not much better. Have hauled hot molasses before in frozen temps, yup time sensitive, but once the hoses hooked up and product running it got easier. Until the hoses melt into the snow. :biggrin_2556:

    That sounds like the way to go.

    so planning on getting current again with WHIMIS, TDG, and take H2S along with fall arrest and confined space, as well as ground disturbance. Then start sending out my résumé.

    Winch or bed truck would be good I guess, I know I will be chaining up sometimes. Was just looking to NOT be on the roads moving rigs across scales and stuff if it can be avoided.

    Thanks for all the feed back guys, that is exactly the sort of things I was hoping I could find out here on the forums from those who do it for a living.

    OP
     
  4. belowspeedlimit

    belowspeedlimit Medium Load Member

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    From what i know (which aint much) your probably not gonna get flights to the west coast. Worked with guys in Fort Mac living in BC who would pay their own flight to Edmonton or Calgary and fly on the companies nickel to site. Not ideal but it was their choice. Most oil companies pay for flights during construction (Kearl was when i was there in 2010) to anywhere. CNRL horizon did also, when production started that came to an end. This is all the info I have, hope it helps.
     
    Oldpete2112 Thanks this.
  5. Scania man

    Scania man Road Train Member

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    Saskatchewan
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    Save your money, there's nothing to operating a vac truck, most companies up here train you anyways, a little experience at them is all you need
     
  6. Oldpete2112

    Oldpete2112 Bobtail Member

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    Mar 31, 2013
    Victoria, BC
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    Good to know, thanks for the heads up. Will concentrate on getting a bunch of the oil field tickets then hit the pavement.

    op
     
  7. 49para

    49para Bobtail Member

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    Jul 15, 2012
    Victoria/Edmonton
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    WHIMS and TDG are company specific, so don't take them until the company puts you through.

    Get you first aid level 1, and H2S for sure.
     
    Scania man Thanks this.
  8. Oldpete2112

    Oldpete2112 Bobtail Member

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    Victoria, BC
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    that is what I thought as well.

    BUT, a potential employer that I spoke with this morning said I needed to have those two courses, along with H2S Alive before I applied. So if they are company specific why are those courses listed in most job listings?

    I know they are somewhat job specific, as I had taken them before at different jobs, but of course you can take them online now too.

    Just need to get my tickets done, looks like I have one standing offer already. But going to check around once I do have them to ensure I get a good offer.

    OP.
     
  9. BoomTruckin

    BoomTruckin Light Load Member

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    Devon, Alberta
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    Whmis is not job specific. TDG you can take the general training then if there is job specific training needed they will give it to you afterwards.
     
  10. Scania man

    Scania man Road Train Member

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    Tdg and whmis are usually provided by the company, why go pay for them ?
     
  11. Oldpete2112

    Oldpete2112 Bobtail Member

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    Mar 31, 2013
    Victoria, BC
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    Because they specify it on the job ad?

    Op
     
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