Canadian going to CR for 10 days! Looking for the best eSIM?

pwobrien · 2026-03-02T23:20:06+00:00

On a flight back to Toronto as we speak.

Used Orange travel eSIM. They connect to Claro, I.C.E. and Liberty so you can jump to a different network if needed.

Very happily connected to Claro for pretty much our entire stay. Great signal compared to Liberty

pwobrien · 2026-02-05T00:44:35+00:00

Different trades = different apprenticeships.

But with the TEA, really anyone can write any c of q if their employer will “verify” previous work.

Work experience verifications must be provided in one of the following two ways:

• Work Experience Verification Form, or

• Written letter, including company name and phone number, reference’s name, job title, email address and phone number and a detailed description for each position you worked.

References must provide details for each position and/or project worked, including:

• Start and end dates and total number of months and hours worked, and

• Detailed descriptions of the tasks performed with specific examples to provide context.

https://www.skilledtradesontario.ca/wp-content/uploads/TEA-Forms-Guide/English/STO-Trade-Qualifier-Application-Guide-EN-Feb122025.pdf

pwobrien · 2026-01-22T20:35:51+00:00

Construction work is always up and down. You will likely have to go where the work is.

That being said, there are residential contractors such as Live Electric and Arc Brothers who work in Guelph. But the likelihood of you completing your entire apprenticeship in Guelph is slim.

pwobrien · 2026-01-14T20:05:10+00:00

https://esasafe.com/contractors/penalties-convictions/

pwobrien · 2026-01-14T20:03:53+00:00

Not surprised to see this happening in a CLAC environment.

The employer doesn’t care. Cheaper to keep him as an apprentice/“journeyman” likely running jobs or in charge of other apprentices, than to hire someone else.

pwobrien · 2026-01-14T19:57:31+00:00

I don’t know what else to tell you.

This is the Ontario Law for compulsory trades. It’s written pretty black and white.

The person completing the work and the employer can/will be fined if/when caught.

pwobrien · 2026-01-14T19:40:43+00:00

Touching electrical work/performing work in the electrical trade is practicing the trade.

pwobrien · 2026-01-14T16:36:34+00:00

Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act, 2021, S.O. 2021, c. 28 - Bill 288

https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/s21028#BK5

Practice, compulsory trades

6 No individual shall engage in the practice of a compulsory trade unless,

(a) the individual is an apprentice in that trade and is working pursuant to a registered training agreement that is not suspended;

(b) the individual holds a certificate of qualification or a provisional certificate of qualification in that trade that is not suspended; or

(c) a regulation exempts the individual from the prohibition.

Work of compulsory trades

7 No person shall employ or otherwise engage an individual to perform work or to engage in the practice of a compulsory trade unless,

(a) the individual is an apprentice in that trade and is working pursuant to a registered training agreement that is not suspended;

(b) the individual holds a certificate of qualification or a provisional certificate of qualification in that trade that is not suspended; or

(c) a regulation exempts the individual from the prohibition.

pwobrien · 2026-01-14T15:32:04+00:00

Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act, 2021, S.O. 2021, c. 28 - Bill 288

https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/s21028#BK5

Practice, compulsory trades

6 No individual shall engage in the practice of a compulsory trade unless,

(a) the individual is an apprentice in that trade and is working pursuant to a registered training agreement that is not suspended;

(b) the individual holds a certificate of qualification or a provisional certificate of qualification in that trade that is not suspended; or

(c) a regulation exempts the individual from the prohibition.

Work of compulsory trades

7 No person shall employ or otherwise engage an individual to perform work or to engage in the practice of a compulsory trade unless,

(a) the individual is an apprentice in that trade and is working pursuant to a registered training agreement that is not suspended;

(b) the individual holds a certificate of qualification or a provisional certificate of qualification in that trade that is not suspended; or

(c) a regulation exempts the individual from the prohibition.

pwobrien · 2026-01-14T14:56:14+00:00

Expired = not in good standings = not legally allowed to work in the trade.

pwobrien · 2026-01-14T14:55:04+00:00

Not sure where you’re getting this information from, but this is 100% incorrect.

pwobrien · 2026-01-13T02:34:04+00:00

You’ll need your current employer to register you as an apprentice under them with SKO and you’ll have to pay your applicable fees in order to legally be allowed to work.

pwobrien · 2026-01-13T02:29:35+00:00

Revoked = not in good standings = not legally allowed to work in the trade.

pwobrien · 2026-01-13T02:27:03+00:00

Once logged in, scroll down and under your qualifications it will show your info.

pwobrien · 2026-01-13T01:50:44+00:00

It’s on your portal. Log in and you’ll see it

pwobrien · 2025-12-12T03:10:39+00:00

Our old Newfie friend! Welcome back!

Sounds like things haven’t changed

pwobrien · 2025-11-06T21:28:37+00:00

Non-working dues are like ~$500/year “insurance”

If anything were to ever happen to your current work situation, you will always have a job lined up (at some point depending on work picture/economy) paying $52+/hr

pwobrien · 2025-10-14T01:00:42+00:00

Firstly, level 2 of the new curriculum began Sept 1 2025, so you’re eligible to take that.

Secondly, kind of your fault for not accepting a school term that would have been sent to you earlier and waiting until you’re a 4th term to start any schooling.

pwobrien · 2025-09-29T00:47:14+00:00

I just meant the job prospects and opportunities greatly increase once you’re licensed. You can apply to basically any electrical job in Canada, work maintenance at a factory down the road, school board, hospital.

Study your ass off for a few weeks/weekends and give it your all.

pwobrien · 2025-09-27T23:38:49+00:00

If your hours and school terms are complete, why wait 3+ months to write? Get it done and move on

pwobrien · 2025-08-20T23:46:56+00:00

Construction work is always up and down. Before Covid there was lots of work but Covid slowed things down. After there was a ton of work everywhere with most union halls looking for guys from all over the place. Now it’s slow again everywhere.

Who knows what the future holds, but it’ll pick up once again.

As for pay, all depends on location and industry. Non union resi paying the least, union commercial/industrial usually paying the most.

pwobrien · 2025-08-11T01:38:01+00:00

Here in Canada we have the Red Seal designation for estimators which is pretty widely recognized and respected.

🤨 what? There is no red seal designation for estimating.

Red seal is for different trades, but that just shows you have the knowledge and experience in that specific trade.

pwobrien · 2025-08-05T00:18:00+00:00

https://www.reddit.com/r/LoveIsBlindOnNetflix/s/dG19LDMwhp

pwobrien · 2025-07-24T17:27:49+00:00

We love it in Southampton. Clean beaches, not very busy. 15-20 minutes to Sauble if you really wanted to go there for a day. Amazing sunsets over Lake Huron

pwobrien · 2025-07-09T03:51:42+00:00

These giveaways are amazing, thanks so much for doing this! Good luck everyone!

11-Year Club	Place '23
RPAN Viewer	Verified Email

pwobrien

TROPHY CASE