Quote:
Originally Posted by Delthefunky
I don't want to derail this thread, but I think that this is a good place to ask my question.
I am looking for some advice on becoming an operator at a production facility. My work history has been mostly on the labor side, in seismic exploration, production drilling, and most recently well servicing. In 2013 I decided to pursue some education and eventually settled on a math degree which I am currently working on at Athabasca University. I am about two years away from completing it, and I am also working full time right now as a professional driver.
I've taken a few chemistry and physics courses as well, and I really enjoy it. A friend of mine was telling me about what operators do and it really captured my interest, mainly because it's a good mix of my work history but also more technical and overall more interesting and gives me a better chance to apply some of my new-found knowledge!
My question is, how does someone get into it? Is now just a bad time? I've seen a few postings on some larger companies websites such as cenovus, but most require a few years of experience. I also realize that a power engineering certificate is often required, but not always. My friend was telling me that companies will often train operators themselves, so that is what I am trying to find. What is a good way to search for openings and obtain some good contacts?
Anyways, any advice is appreciated, thanks!
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What's your motivation for getting into O&G? (Location? Pay? Type of Work?) The reason I ask is that both mining and pulp/paper mill operators have very similar day to day work tasks while requiring far less technical qualifications at an entry level. If you are open to FIFO out of the northern diamond mines or moving to a smaller mining town in BC or Ontario, these could be viable options for you in this field.