Truck Driving in Fort McMurray Alberta?

Question

Hi, can anyone tell me what it is like to drive a truck in Fort McMurray, Alberta Canada? I live in eastern Canada, and I'm looking to train myself in heavy equipment operation. I just finished a 22 year career in the white collar industry. I'm 50 years old, and I guess you could call me retired now. However, already, I'm chomping at the bit to get working again. I've always had an interest to do this. Am I getting in over my head thinking I can learn this? I know all about the demand for workers in Alberta as I worked there for 30 years.

I was thinking I could take a heavy equipment course here in the Maritimes first. Will anyone hire without experience and just a basic course? Will anyone hire a 50 year old to do that? Are there employers that would fly me home every 2 weeks to see my wife? Are there employers who would give me accomodation? Thanks for your input folks, I appreciate it!

Answer 1

I am a trucker in Ontario.  I have been driving for over 6 1/2 years and made the move after 17 years in a totally different field.  It can be done.  You are not getting in over your head.  But it is a BIG change... and it is full of hassles.  

You can get your license anywhere, but the province you move to may want to retest you.  

Yes, companies do hire drivers right out of 'school'... but don't expect to get what you want right away.  They will have expectations, and will most certainly put you through their own training course.  The majority of drivers have to start out driving over-the-road.  If you are looking for a job in a very specific occupation, you may have much more trouble getting hired as a freshly licensed driver.  

Age is not an issue, but health is.

No employer is going to fly you home for visits with your family.  That will come out of your own pocket.  

While there is a job boom in Alberta at the moment, finding accomodations is difficult... and expensive.  A prospective employer may help you find accomodations, but they will not provide them.  

I do know someone who went to Alberta... and found that the grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence.  They ended up coming back to Ontario where things are more 'stable'.

Do your homework... and don't expect the moon.  Optimism is good... blind ambition is foolish.