Alberta Oilfields Labour Shortage Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC)

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Alberta Oil Field Labour Shortage
Courtesy of HRDC's Alberta Region LMI Team
October 28, 1997

The Petroleum Services Association of Canada and the Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors called for a rise in drilling activity this winter and into 1998. Drilling and oilfield service companies are already reporting staff shortages, prior to these latest forecasts.

Drilling and oilfield service jobs are field-related positions found in Northeast BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan. Some examples are roughnecks, drillhands and labourers.

Most work is in remote areas and often under poor weather conditions. Winter drilling can require working in 40 below weather. While on the job, workers live in either local motels or work camps provided by employers. Long hours are the norm.

Employers will hire workers without experience, however, mechanically inclined candidates with outdoor work experience are preferred. Safety training courses, ability to operate heavy equipment and related oil industry training courses are beneficial. A clean driver's license is a must. For information on industry training, contact the Petroleum Industry Training Service (403) 250-9606 in Calgary or in Nisku, Alberta (near Edmonton) (403) 955-7770. Their internet location is http://www.pits.ca. (NOTE: External links will work only if you have an active connection to the Internet)

Starting wages are $14 to $17/hour and can rise to $25/hour for experienced workers. With overtime it is possible to earn up to $40,000-$50,000 per year.

Employers prefer in-person interviews at the job site or at field offices. For a list of potential employers use yellow page directories. Most companies are listed under drilling contractors or oil field services. Employer lists are also on the internet sites for the Petroleum Services Association of Canada http://www.psac.ca and the Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors http://www.caodc.ca. (NOTE: External links will work only if you have an active connection to the Internet)

Rental vacancy rates are low throughout Alberta. Persons who are considering moving to Alberta to look for work should arrange accommodations prior to moving.