Alberta job market 2

[JoeLam]

I saw a lot of messages regarding Alberta. Is it really true where people can get an engineering related job with no engineering experience very easy?

The engineering job market in Ontario is very tight, so far only 1 of my friends got an engineering job on his own, while others are either through connections (such as parents, friends…) and the rest like me are unemployed.

I graduated about 6 months ago and been looking for job since then and had about 5 interviews.

My grades are Ok, IMO….. NO F,
GPA 3.19/4.33 or around 3.5/4.33 for the last two years, I just don’t have the experiences.

For those who live in Alberta, or moved to Alberta, Can you please share your experience to us?

 

[Ashereng]

I saw a lot of messages regarding Alberta. Is it really true where people can get an engineering related job with no engineering experience very easy?

It depends - on what you mean by "very easy", and what you consider to be "engineering related job".

Let's put it another way. If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. But, you won't know until you try.

The job market in Alberta is very hot. That is true. It is also true that we are very short in some very specific fields. Someone with no experience and no applicable skills will have a harder time than someone with experience in the specific field that is in demand.

So, why not try and see for yourself?

"Do not worry about your problems with mathematics, I assure you mine are far greater."
Albert Einstein
Have you read FAQ731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?

 

[JoeLam]

thank you Ashereng...

I have sent several resume to companies located in Alberta, so far no response. Maybe because they prefer to hire local people…

Would it be better to secure a job before moving to Alberta, what is your advice?

I would love to move there and look for job while I am there, but I don’t want to move there and not be able to get a job with in 1 month, because I will run out of money.

 

[Ashereng]

I would suggest that you also try the "head hunters", or placement agencies. They are placing a lot of people right now.

I don't think hiring local is a alternative right now - all the locals are already hired. Companies are currently actively recruiting in every other major center, including TO - not sure where you are in Ontario. Maybe try some of the recuiters in TO that are hiring for Alberta?

By the way, Alberta is a large place. Are you looking to work in Calgary, or is location flexible? That will also make a difference.

Are you an engineer or tech? That may make a difference too.

Whether you move here befor securing a job, that is up to you. People do it both ways, it depends on their particular circumstances. Like you say, there is no guarantee of a job if you do move here, hot market or not.

"Do not worry about your problems with mathematics, I assure you mine are far greater."
Albert Einstein
Have you read FAQ731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?

 

[macmet]

What cities are you looking at in ontario? GTA?

 

[Ashereng]

macmet, if your question is asked of me, the answer is yes. Sorry, I am using the abbreviation of TO for Toronto, Ontario, rather than GTA for Greater Toronto Area.

Companies have had hiring "drives" in GTA, and every other major center, from Vancouver to St. John's. Many conmpanies are now also hiring outside of the country.

Recently, I have seen influx from South America (Argentina or Chile?), China, India, and others.

"Do not worry about your problems with mathematics, I assure you mine are far greater."
Albert Einstein
Have you read FAQ731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?

 

[macmet]

Actually, I was asking the original poster. I did not notice you asking him as well where he was located.

 

[JoeLam]

Hi, All
Thank you very much for trying to help me out

Here are answers to several questions.

Ashereng---> Mechanical Engineer, graduated from Ryerson University

macmet---> Currently I am looking for jobs in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton...GTA

For Alberta ... any city is ok for me as long as I get a job.

Would you happen to know the salary for mechanical engineer - entry level?

In ontario, it is around $43000 to $50000


I will try to look for job agency soon....

 

[zdas04]

One thing that I'm seeing in every hot Oil & Gas market is when someone from "back east" comes in with the attitude that they "are settling for Oil & Gas and plan to get on with their lives in a few years" they will not succeed. I tell folks to buy an Oil & Gas Primer (Gulf Press and SPE both have one), join SPE (only about 30% of the membership is Petroleum Engineers and only 70% are any kind of engineer or GeoTech Professional), present the appearance that the industry contains your dream job.

If you are just willing to "settle" for Oil & Gas, the industry might not be willing to settle for you. If you emmerse youself in the industry and can show someone that you know the difference between a pump jack and a Kelly Bushing then the industry is starving for you.

David

 

[Ashereng]

I would guess for a Mech Eng, recent grad, in Calgary $50- $60,000.

If you want to work up in Ft. McMurray, probablay add 20% to the range?

Maybe the other Alberta based guys have better numbers?



"Do not worry about your problems with mathematics, I assure you mine are far greater."
Albert Einstein
Have you read FAQ731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?

 

[macmet]

In the GTA, I would say starting salary should be $55K.

That's absolute minimum, I have a bunch of friends who recently started work in the Toronto area and most of them are closer to $60K. Of course cost of living is so much more there than anywhere else in Ontario (except maybe Ottawa??) in the end you don't come out ahead financially.

 

[moltenmetal]

Toronto is currently super-saturated with engineers. More foreign-trained engineers settle in Toronto every year than we graduate at the bachelor's level in all of Canada. Combine that with the concentration of engineering universities in the surrounding area and you've got big problems for new grads looking for jobs in Toronto- especially those with no co-op experience. And it's not likely to change any time soon!

In a tight labour market, all the entry-level jobs will be taken by the Waterloo kids who have 2 years of work experience under their belts by the time they graduate. People like you stay out on the street or take jobs outside engineering.

Get out of Toronto. If you haven't found a job after 6 months, chances are you won't find one in the next 6. If you're out for a year, chances are you will find entry into the profession very difficult.

Do some study and find out if you're interested in the petroleum industry. If so, follow the others' advice and learn something about it- don't expect your employer to teach you everything! Then, I strongly recommend that you get off your @ss, get on a plane, go up to Ft. McMurray and start knocking on some doors! If you run out of money, take a job outside of engineering while you continue to look- there are apparently plenty to choose from.

Another recommendation: take your time and write carefully, even in informal settings like this! Writing takes practice, and poorly-written cover letters and resumes will not get your foot in the door. A resume and cover letter should represent your very best effort. Read them backwards if you have to, and check twice for both spelling and grammar. Poor spelling and grammar belies a lack of attention to detail which may extend to your technical work too.

 

[owg]

Check out the company website careers sections. For example here is a job from the Suncor careers section.
Requisition # : 3994
Position Name : EIT Mechanical Engineer
Organization : Oil Sands

Job Posting Department : Reliability Engineering Department
City : Fort McMurray

Province : Alberta

Number of Positions : 3
Job Description : Description of Accountability

The Upgraders Mechanical Reliability Group is looking for an engineer-in-training to join their team. The incumbent will be accountable for providing technical advice and coordination of safety, environmental, reliability and production related projects & maintenance. Under the supervision of professional engineers, training will be given on processes related to the heavy oil upgrader. The Engineer in Training will report to Static/Equipment Reliability Staff Engineers. The individual will be required to develop scopes of work, troubleshoot equipment breakdowns, and participate in Preventative and Predictive Maintenance program development. Specific training will be given which will enhance the skills required to define systems, develop solutions, analyze alternatives and assess improvements to the Upgrading refinery operation.





HAZOP at

http://www.curryhydrocarbons.ca

 

[Ashereng]

owg, know how much they are paying?

"Do not worry about your problems with mathematics, I assure you mine are far greater."
Albert Einstein
Have you read FAQ731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?

 

[owg]

Ashereng - I have no information on salaries.

HAZOP at

http://www.curryhydrocarbons.ca