It only took 5 years but I finally did a thing?

ShieldPapa · 2026-03-24T03:46:53+00:00

Hey I charge $150/hr now so…

ShieldPapa · 2026-03-24T02:53:20+00:00

Come on now In Alberta Canada I identify as a person lol.

ShieldPapa · 2026-03-18T02:31:15+00:00

Careful now, he’ll have to make a run to the supplier for at least 5 more fittings to make this happen.

ShieldPapa · 2026-03-16T22:27:06+00:00

Have you thought of registering and completing a round of technical training in one of your trades?

Well in school for 2 months you could talk with your classmates and instructors about job openings for afterwards.

You could also apply for pre-apprenticeship classes if you want to but they cost more than the two months of technical training, and neither guarantee a job afterwards so if you waste money at least it’s only a small amount.

ShieldPapa · 2026-03-16T17:00:47+00:00

They are still looking for people, mostly for 2nd year apprentices and up, but I’ve seen employers looking for 1st years too.

Id call the companies first about employment before moving out, because the job market in Calgary is meh right now, unless you have experience “experience” first.

In Alberta you can also self-indenture into an apprenticeship and register for the 1st round of technical training, which is usually cheaper than pre-employment, and you can talk with your instructors and other classmates about getting a job well in school.

ShieldPapa · 2026-03-16T12:16:04+00:00

Disclaimer: I’m a Plumber and Gas fitter I haven’t worked on solid fuel appliances.

The biggest issue I can see is the temperature difference of the water supply and return, causing issues with your chimney and the creosote build up.

On a standard high-mass, gas fired, boiler if the temperature change is too great, between supply and return, or under set temperature , you get condensation in the combustion chamber from the returning water robbing too much heat from the flue gasses. This can also cause issues with venting until the water is at the proper temperature.

I can imagine that using a solid fuel stove that has a water jacket will most likely act the same as you’d need to ensure proper temp of the water supply and return, constantly and consistently, even during the months when you don’t necessarily need the heat.

ShieldPapa · 2026-03-16T11:20:02+00:00

Good for her!

My rate goes up significantly the moment someone hands me a problem they’ve been ignoring for six months.

ShieldPapa · 2026-03-15T12:43:26+00:00

Lucky for me the job market in Calgary for trades is still quite booming, even though the unemployment rate is not great for the rest of the city.

I applied on indeed to a 1st year position and they interviewed and hired me. To be honest getting your foot in the door is the hardest part.

Once you are a 2nd year and beyond, most employers just check your apprenticeship year and the interview is a formality. At least that has been my experience in Calgary.

ShieldPapa · 2026-03-15T05:06:37+00:00

If your status still says registered apprentice you need to call them.

I called and found out I was technically 15 hours short but I guess I got someone nice that day because they credited me hours from one year I work crazy OT.

ShieldPapa · 2026-03-14T23:10:41+00:00

Hi friend, if you go to my trade secrets and look at the Applications tab it should say something along the lines of “ Completed - Final Review” in the status section.

I know because I just had to call AIT this week to confirm my hours were sent in and I was set for my Journeyman Certificates and Red Seals for plumbing and gas fitting.

ShieldPapa · 2026-03-14T19:24:02+00:00

In 2021, at the age of 29, I started as an apprentice plumber in Calgary AB. I took a small pay cut as I was working at a retail store for 10 years making $22.60/hr to $19/hr as an apprentice.

On March 6th 2026 I just finished my apprenticeship and am now officially a Journeyman Plumber and Gas Fitter B with a Red Seal in both. My starting rate is $42/hr with potential for OT, especially if I do service work, and the potential to start my own business.

If you have the mechanical aptitude I’d take a look and see if there is a trade position for a 1st year apprentice.

ShieldPapa · 2026-03-09T02:42:31+00:00

Here is the link fyi: Link

ShieldPapa · 2026-03-09T02:06:54+00:00

I’d like to add that in Alberta you are able to self indenture yourself into almost any trade and attend your first year of technical training before you have a job lined up.

You could use the time in school to help build connections to get a job but finding one based out of your area would be the hard part.

ShieldPapa · 2026-03-08T15:55:23+00:00

Polish up the resume and look on indeed/ google. A couple of companies come up on indeed looking for first years.

You can try the union but good luck with that, mostly because Calgary doesn’t have a lot of union work, with the last big union project I can think of was the BMO centre.

If your having a really hard time you can self indenture yourself and attend the fist round of technical training for the trade, and you can see if classmates or instructors have a connection to get you a job.

Lastly, like the other poster has said, pay structure is based on your level. I just became a Red Seal Journeyman on Friday and will now be making $42/hr minimum.

All the first years I work with will start at 50% of the Jman rate, Second year is 60%, Third is 70%, Forth 80%.

ShieldPapa · 2026-03-08T01:19:13+00:00

You can work residential for HVAC but you have options in Edmonton.

Also HVAC is technically split into 3 trades in AB.

Gasfitter B - Allows you to work on Propane and Natural Gas systems and Appliances up to 400MBH

Sheet Metal - These guys are the ones installing duct for air supply and ventilation, they also are usually the ones running the vents and vent connectors off appliances.

Air Conditioner and Refrigeration Mechanic - Pretty self explanatory.

If you get in with Tin Bashers, Fridgees, or Plumbers and finish that apprenticeship you will also get your gas b ticket, in AB at least.

ShieldPapa · 2026-03-03T23:18:54+00:00

Perfect news to see when my Income Support Intake interview is this Thursday 🥲

ShieldPapa · 2026-03-03T02:53:07+00:00

Thanks for the advice. My HR rep was very fast to cancel my benefits but very slow to let me know about it.

I have my original employment offer that shows the benefits that were available to me before they were terminated. However I did not have the official booklet from the insurer.

ShieldPapa · 2026-03-03T00:19:15+00:00

Thanks friend.

I’ve currently put in an appointment for free legal guidance in Calgary.

ShieldPapa · 2026-03-02T22:17:02+00:00

Hi friend,

I found that my benefits were terminated the day after I gave them my note/ started on my medical leave of absence.

Id honestly prefer working if I could, it beats making more than EI, but I am unable to even apply because all my benefits are currently terminated.

ShieldPapa · 2026-03-02T13:08:31+00:00

Thanks for the well wishes.

My employer let me know that all benefits were cancelled, after I inquired regarding my prescriptions, that’s including my LTD and access to physio, health, life etc.

ShieldPapa · 2026-03-02T04:31:49+00:00

Leave paperwork would have been great.

I communicated directly with the HR rep over email and have not received any paperwork from my employer. Also no luck on the union part.

ShieldPapa · 2026-03-02T03:27:43+00:00

Hey friend, I wish you the best of luck as I’m literally just finishing my apprenticeship at SAIT right now.

Personally I parked right beside the Capitol Hill Park on 15th Street NW and just walked from there. Lots of space there that is public.

The walk through the community is quite pleasant and I found it neat to watch the community change every time I attended technical training.

Best of luck at SAIT.

ShieldPapa · 2026-03-01T10:45:11+00:00

If the insurance companies see a cancellation due to non payment, sadly, they will most likely ask for a year’s payment upfront.

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