AME Wages

[AMETonyD]

what would a "northern premium" be considered ?
even for apprentices ?

Around $800 to $1000/month to assist in housing or rental costs, or a crew house, depending on company, because you won't be able to live there on the wages mentioned.

Very true, I've heard of that ! Thank you for clarifying Ray.

In addition to knowing that helicopter maintenance salaries are higher than fixed wing;
another question, what about geographical locations in Canada: (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan. And the three territories; Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon.)

What are their salaries comparatively across the board for fixed wing or rotor, and Apprentice starting ?

[helicopterray]

I can't comment on the fixed wing side of things, my background is 25+ years in helicopters.

The Alberta/BC oil patch along with the Territories mining camps have the highest pay.

The parts of the country with the lowest housing costs will have the lowest pay.

[AMETonyD]

I can't comment on the fixed wing side of things, my background is 25+ years in helicopters.

The Alberta/BC oil patch along with the Territories mining camps have the highest pay.

The parts of the country with the lowest housing costs will have the lowest pay.

That is a fair way to look at it.
What makes me marketable is the fact that I am flexible in my travels. I'll move out anywhere to get the experience I need.
Many of my friends perform the maintenance but don't keep track of it towards their M-license application.
Though I am up against all of AMET graduates across Canada. So really how marketable do I become at the end of it all...

I find there are few to no opportunities in BC to apprentices, why is that ? Is it a bias towards non-BCIT graduates that don't get the jobs, or does the industry not care where you get your diploma? Or is it that there just isn't as many jobs out west as there used to be ?

[AMETonyD]

I can't comment on the fixed wing side of things, my background is 25+ years in helicopters.

The Alberta/BC oil patch along with the Territories mining camps have the highest pay.

The parts of the country with the lowest housing costs will have the lowest pay.

I know its probably another topic in itself, or perhaps for another thread, alone.
But I'm curious, how did you start your career out, (school, post-grad, entry-level and advice with mistakes to avoid for a young apprentice fresh out of school); like myself !

[helicopterray]

Or is it that there just isn't as many jobs out west as there used to be ?

Bingo.

I started out as a BCIT grad, got offered a job the day I left school. Willing to travel anywhere, any time, at the drop of a hat.
It helped that I was very mechanically inclined to begin with, and the senior guys I worked with saw this and helped me develop those skills further.
Now I get to pass that on.

[AMETonyD]

Now I get to pass that on.

How are you passing the skill onwards ? are you currently an instructor?

[helicopterray]

At the repair shop level, provide hands on supervision and guidance the way it was passed on to me.

[NeverBlue]

Was Westjet Encore there???

Hmmm...don't quite understand what you're getting at...that was supposed to be funny?...maybe you don't understand what AEA is.

It's mostly a GA/Corporate thing

Bombardier was there though.

Oh and Garmin took all their dealers out to dinner and a show...$200+ a pop...guess they're having a good year.

So go ahead motox, tell me what your problem is...something I said?

...or are you just trying to get one in like the playground bully when everyone else is throwing stones?

[motox415]

Apprently a few thought it was funny. And yes I know what AEA is. And what does Garmin have to do with the conversation? Did you get pictures of the meal. It seems your quite proud of it. And I do not have a problem but obviously I hit a nerve. Are you an aspiring Encore Employee?

[AMETonyD]

...back on topic, if anyone has any insight on the pay ranges for apprentices, across the board from each province and territory in canada; for fixed and/or rotor, would be greatly appreciated !

[motox415]

AMEtonyd: The company I work for is an Alberta based fixed wing Operator with M2 cat. aircraft. Apprentice wages start at $22.85 and are on a five year scale topping out at $29.38.

[AMETonyD]

AMEtonyd: The company I work for is an Alberta based fixed wing Operator with M2 cat. aircraft. Apprentice wages start at $22.85 and are on a five year scale topping out at $29.38.

woah thats a great starting, and for apprentices too, that's unheard of, least to my knowledge!
Too bad companies as such aren't hiring now.

[NeverBlue]

And what does Garmin have to do with the conversation?

Sorry TonyD, but I got to reply to that.

Garmin is doing really well...and much of their equipment is being purchased and installed by shops in Canada...which makes them/us a fair bit of coin...which allows them/us to hire and pay pretty well.

Technology is changing quickly and that usually means work for us in GA/Corporate for those that like new technologies and want it in their aircraft.

nice...are you 12?

just a suggestion TonyD...but I would go for GA or corporate which includes helicopters...there has always been money there in my experience.

[SeptRepair]

...back on topic, if anyone has any insight on the pay ranges for apprentices, across the board from each province and territory in canada; for fixed and/or rotor, would be greatly appreciated !

I know a young guy fresh out of BCIT who got hired last month in Smithers BC starting out at a whopping 16.00 /hr. I don't know if there are benefit packages, I just know the hourly rate. Working on fixed wing at a bigger known company.

[motox415]

Neverblue: So seeing Garmin is doing so well, please tell me what your shop's Apprentice wage scales are?

AMETonyD: Presently I have one Apprentice position opening. Please send me a PM with your C.V. if interested. Other positions will be coming available this fall at various bases. Unfortunately our aircraft are not Garmin equiped therefore as you can see our wages are below standard. On a side note I send AME's to Universal in Tucson for FMS training on a regular basis.

[NeverBlue]

Neverblue: So seeing Garmin is doing so well, please tell me what your shop's Apprentice wage scales are?

No

[Schimunga]

advice with mistakes to avoid for a young apprentice fresh out of school

My advice to you is to find who the bitter engineers are and AVOID them. All they do is bring you down. I know because I use to be one of them. Just look at some of the stuff I wrote on this thread a few years ago(what was I thinking?). Anyway, these guys will try and make you drink the Kool-Aid that aviation companies owe you something because you are an engineer. How do you find these guys? One sure sign of a bitter engineer is their yapping about how plumbers or HD mechanics have it better because they are paid more then an AME and AME's are always getting shafted. Some of these guys will even try to convince you that you save lives. Don't buy into it. What will get you ahead in this industry is hard work and a good attitude.

[AMETonyD]

Neverblue: So seeing Garmin is doing so well, please tell me what your shop's Apprentice wage scales are?

AMETonyD: Presently I have one Apprentice position opening. Please send me a PM with your C.V. if interested. Other positions will be coming available this fall at various bases. Unfortunately our aircraft are not Garmin equiped therefore as you can see our wages are below standard. On a side note I send AME's to Universal in Tucson for FMS training on a regular basis.

Sent out this afternoon, looking forward into hearing back from you in regards !

[AMETonyD]

advice with mistakes to avoid for a young apprentice fresh out of school

My advice to you is to find who the bitter engineers are and AVOID them. All they do is bring you down. I know because I use to be one of them. Just look at some of the stuff I wrote on this thread a few years ago(what was I thinking?). Anyway, these guys will try and make you drink the Kool-Aid that aviation companies owe you something because you are an engineer. How do you find these guys? One sure sign of a bitter engineer is their yapping about how plumbers or HD mechanics have it better because they are paid more then an AME and AME's are always getting shafted. Some of these guys will even try to convince you that you save lives. Don't buy into it. What will get you ahead in this industry is hard work and a good attitude.

Oh no believe me I've witnessed a few older AMEs who are in the after-hour type courses at my school say some negative things about the industry; more so trying to discourage our young minds in abandoning our trade. I just ignore their biases, as I personally made this academic move, and career choice not for the remuneration, but because of it being my calling, more so an obsession to aircraft; and a trade I someday would like to master!

[flatface]

Deleted

[Beefitarian]

I know because I use to be one of them.

Please tell me how you recovered from this condition.....I too am one of them. PM if that would be easier for you. My only path was to leave the trade. I no longer am subjected to the culture and dysfunctional way of life. I sure would like to know what the solution is other than exiting the trade.

I'm just guessing here based partially on experiences I've had in another trade.

There must be some shops that are populated by happy AMEs. Just like grouchy, being satisfied can be contagious also. It's definitely easier to see the things that seem bad, sometimes it's really tough to become satisfied at a healthy place after being brought down at a dysfunctional one.

[DonutHole]

I can't comment on the fixed wing side of things, my background is 25+ years in helicopters.

The Alberta/BC oil patch along with the Territories mining camps have the highest pay.

The parts of the country with the lowest housing costs will have the lowest pay.

That is a fair way to look at it.
What makes me marketable is the fact that I am flexible in my travels. I'll move out anywhere to get the experience I need.
Many of my friends perform the maintenance but don't keep track of it towards their M-license application.
Though I am up against all of AMET graduates across Canada. So really how marketable do I become at the end of it all...

I find there are few to no opportunities in BC to apprentices, why is that ? Is it a bias towards non-BCIT graduates that don't get the jobs, or does the industry not care where you get your diploma? Or is it that there just isn't as many jobs out west as there used to be ?

Of my class 13 people, all 13 of us got jobs right out of school. A few have been laid off but they were quickly rehired in the industry. Of those thirteen 11 got jobs in BC, five in the OK, six scattered around the province from golden to wherever.

I do believe where you get your training will to a certain extent dictate where you get a job. Northern Lights grads tend to be headhunted and most end up in the helicopter industry, though some end up in the fixed wing sector.

Through my experience, it seems as if the BCIT program is the least sought after.

Apprentice wages have varied, about 18 dollars seems to be the average but there are some making 22 and up and some making 16, but most of these jobs have tons of overtime opportunities.

[NeverBlue]

There must be some shops that are populated by happy AMEs. Just like grouchy, being satisfied can be contagious also.

Definately Beef.

Flatface: I was one of those who looked only at the "doom and gloom" of the industry at one time. I was told by a good friend and mentor I was hanging around the wrong people. He took me aside one day and told me straight up "either change your attitute or get out!"

I would go for coffee everyday and bitch with the others about everything aviation. Management, companies, salaries etc. I didn't believe in my abilities and thought I was stuck. Basically I was afraid to make a change...a coward.

I took his advice...kinda...I quit and changed my attitude. I found another job, proved to myself that I had ability and surrounded myself with the right people. When I found myself slipping into the same routine I quit again, but this time I had the courage to do so...I have never looked back since.

I've worked a few different ones since but never burned a bridge and I always try to show respect and be as positive as I can.

When I go back and visit the old place I see the same people, as bitter as ever, going nowhere...and I thank my lucky stars that's not me.

You had the courage to make a change as well Flatface. It doesn't matter that you left the industry...at least you did something about it. I'm sure you would have the courage to come back if you really wanted to...and with a better attitude I'm sure.

I consider myself a "glass half full" guy...a lot of people don't want to hear it and will tell me so on this site...but who cares?

You just have to "keep on keep'n on"

You sound like you've got the right attitude TonyD...just make sure you show respect as well

Good Luck

[AMETonyD]

disregard

[AMETonyD]

There must be some shops that are populated by happy AMEs. Just like grouchy, being satisfied can be contagious also.

You sound like you've got the right attitude TonyD...just make sure you show respect as well

Good Luck

Thanks, I know converting from academic life to professional is going to be a shock, but everyone had to have done it before me, and it seems they are doing fine. Just the other day I ran into an old colleague of mine on the ramp. He seemed to be in high spirits, so I'm really looking forward into taking a positive leap forward myself.

What I've learned is that it doesn't matter where you go in life, there will always be people who dislike you, and for no apparent reason at all. You just need to brush their negativity off of you, and focus on #1. Because either they're bitter about something that's going on in their lives and they don't know how and who to talk about it with. So they just project; or they're jealous of some facet of your life, so they feel better bout themselves if they put you down. I see this every day!

Took me a while to adjust to these people in all aspects of my life. It's tough! but like anything, do-able