Alberta oilfield driving jobs

you mean job security. and i'll keep that in mind!

 

Here's a question to anybody still reading/posting. Do mechanics make good money in the sands? Comparable to drivers? I'm getting tired of driving out of Ontario, was thinking moving to the shop an easy transition. See lots of ads for heavy equipment mechanics in Alberta, are they more valuable than Truck mechanics? I would think mechanics should never get laid off. Could be wrong though

 

Ask @NorthernMechanic

 

How long have you been a mechanic and what experience do you have working on what ?

 

Heavy duty seems to be the prefered trade since the bulk of the work up here is off highway stuff. Layoffs do happen though. Usually its the complainers, the lazy ones and the pot-stirrers that get the walking papers. Might be hard to find a place to stay though. We have a bit of a housing shortage right now because of the fire. I don't really want to bring up the pay on an open forum but I will say you likely won't be disappointed in it. You can PM me if you want to know more about wrenching in Fort Mac.

 

Experience? Ford pickups, small engines. No hours toward a ticket, but getting real sick of driving. And New York City. Figured I'd start on a ticket here in Ontario, maybe oil would look better by the time I've got a ticket. There's a lot more trucking companies here than heavy equipment, but that may be the way to go.
But ok. Will PM more questions your way! Thanks for helping!

 

theres more drivers available than mechanics.

 

One thing that Ontario does with their trade certification that I don't agree with is they'll charge you a yearly fee to renew it, which is BS IMO. An Alberta Journeyman Certification is good for life, no annual fees or any crap like that.

 

How does that work with the RED seal program ?
Can someone just get an red seal from another province and bypass the renewal.
I am guessing you got you Journeyman Certification in B.C. ?? If so does BC separate the certificates like Alberta IE heavy duty tech off road, heavy duty tech truck & transport ??

 

I did my 8 month pre-apprenticeship course in BC but moved out to Alberta after I finished it due to not being able to find work. AB gives you 4 tickets. 2 Red Seal and 2 non-Red Seal tickets.

I do know of a couple guys from Ontario who took 3rd year in AB to upgrade their Ontario Heavy Truck and Coach license, which gave them an Alberta Off Road Red Seal. AB is kind of weird in regards to their apprenticeship program. 3 years gets you either Off or On road but 4 will get you both. I have been told that other provinces don't recognize 3 year qualifications but I can't confirm that one.