An Oilsand job In Alberta offers opportunity for many people at many different levels. If you are interested in working in the oilsands industry here is a realistic look at what to expect.
Salary and Education
The salary is the main attraction for most people as they are in the $90,000 to $120,000 range. This is a huge salary considering people do not require more than a Grade 12 education. There is a need for good reading comprehension skills in order to be able to follow work procedures as well as health and safety rules. However that is not to say you will not encounter workers who have taken college courses especially to upgrade themselves to drive industrial vehicles or operate industry machinery. Trades people who have undergone apprenticeship programs are also attracted to the industry.
Job Roles and Work Day
There are various careers in the oil sands industry most revolving around skilled workers such as truck drivers, electricians and those trained in the operation of heavy equipment. It is a high demand job both mentally and physically often involving long hours. You might work odd shifts such as 12 hour days for two weeks but then have a two week break. This can lead to intense exhaustion followed by boredom. Many people with families do not like the fact work is in remote areas. However single people often like this about the job. There can be higher risk for accidents than many other industries. However there are intense courses and workplace safety policies in place to protect workers from injury. The pay off is the high pay and a camp like living style that becomes more comfortable with many sites offering state of the art facilities for entertainment, sports areas for down time and even gourmet meals.
Projected Job Growth
In 2011 Alberta employed 20,000 workers in the oilsands industry. By 2021 it is projected that the industry will grow to more than 35,000. This will include jobs in the industry that are both directly employed by companies producing on the fields and those who are involved in other related activities. The industry will also continue to offer growth in other areas including retail, construction, manufacturing and hospitality. In the next decade the oilsands industry can have both direct and indirect impact in creating more than half a million jobs.
An oilsands job in Alberta can offer ample opportunity if you have the skills and mindset to meet the challenges involved.
If you are looking for oilsands jobs in Alberta,Tradescraft can help you find the positions to suit your skills. Visit for a complete list of current job openings.