Q: What are the prospects for Health,Safety& Environment (HSE)Jobs in Calgary, Canada. How can one have training/certification in this proffession and what is the cost and period of the training. Any response will be appreciated. Also information on Environmentalists?....What's the remuneration like for Safety and Environmentalists in Calgary
A: I am a ticketed (certified) Construction Safety Officer. The BEST place to get your certificate is through the "Alberta Construction Safety Association". They have offices in Edmonton, and Calgary as well. You have to take approx. 12-15 courses (can't remember exactly how many) but the majority of these courses are only one day long - you can even take some of them on weekends. There are a couple that are 2 days long. I did my courses in less than 2 months - depending on which days they offer these courses. Now.... are you employed in construction? Are you in a union? They require that you have worked 3 years in construction to get your ticket - I know a girl that worked as an occupational therapist (physical) and that qualified her, so as long as you've been "connected" somehow to construction you would qualify. You don't have to "swing a hammer" in order to qualify. Can you get a letter from a construction company stating you've done some type of construction related work? If so, then you're set. Next.....the cost of these courses. If you are a member of a union, they will pay for some of the courses. If not, no big deal. They're not too much. Some of the courses are cheap - 60-80 bucks each. Some are more, maybe up to 150 each, but well worth it. About the pay, you ask? All depends whether or not you work union. I've heard that some non-union companies are paying VERY low wages (20-25 p/hr). Most union companies will start you "somewhere" around $35.00 - $40.00 per hour, plus 10% holiday pay of your gross paycheck every week, PLUS living-out allowance (usually $135.00 to $185.00 per day - TAX FREE). Most construction sites (here in Alberta - yes, I've worked at many of them) work 10 or 12 hours per day. If you choose to work for a union company, the first 40 hours are straight time ($35.00 p/hr and up) - Monday thru Thurs. 10 hours a day. If you work 12 hours a day, the last 2 hours are double-time; $70.00 + per hour, plus 10% holiday pay, plus your living-out allowance for that day.Friday is time-and-a- half , and if you work 12 hours, the last 2 hours are double time. Saturday, and Sunday is ALL double-time, + holiday pay+ living-out allowance. Union also will pay all your dental, medical prescriptions, pension. courses, as well as many other benefits. If you choose to work non-union, you will only get time-and-a half for all your overtime. You will only be paid 4% for holiday pay, and only some companies will give you benefits (minimal compared to union companies). I have seen several CSO paychecks clearing over $3500.00 + per week. Some......much more (union). Good luck, and if you need any additional info, just leave another question, and I'll be happy to answer it if I can.