[sicophiliac]

This is a forum to discuss the potential economic benifits of the higher energy costs. Could we have a boom in wind power jobs ? Oil and gas drilling companies out there are hiring like mad in Wyoming from what I hear. With alot of jobs going under as the economy slows could the next and best secure jobs lie in the alternative energy field? Id especially like to hear from people working in these industries and if they could discuss job opportunies, requirements ect..

[Ironmike]

I quit my job as a manufacturing engineer and went back to work making oil field equipment as a machinist in January of 2003. The most money I ever made as an engineer was $70,000 with a bonus. In 2003 I made $80,000, in 2004 - $90,000, and this year will be $100,000. Conditions are much better as well. Show up when you feel like it, flexible schedule. Lots of overtime, but I spend 70% of my time on the internet reading while my machine does the work (CNC). The company I work at is running full out right now. Their business is doubling every 18 months. We are subbing out all the work we can. Right now we cannot find another machine shop in Houston that is not fully booked. I became aware of peak oil in 1998 so I was expecting this. The war with Iraq was the trigger for me. As oil and gas prices rise, they will be forced to go after smaller and smaller finds. This will require much more equipment.

[Ironmike]

I quit my job as a manufacturing engineer and went back to work making oil field equipment as a machinist in January of 2003. The most money I ever made as an engineer was $70,000 with a bonus. In 2003 I made $80,000, in 2004 - $90,000, and this year will be $100,000. Conditions are much better as well. Show up when you feel like it, flexible schedule. Lots of overtime, but I spend 70% of my time on the internet reading while my machine does the work (CNC). The company I work at is running full out right now. Their business is doubling every 18 months. We are subbing out all the work we can. Right now we cannot find another machine shop in Houston that is not fully booked. I became aware of peak oil in 1998 so I was expecting this. The war with Iraq was the trigger for me. As oil and gas prices rise, they will be forced to go after smaller and smaller finds. This will require much more equipment.

[sicophiliac]

What kind of educational requirements are needed to do something like that?

[Ironmike]

I dropped out of high school when I was 16. I think all that is really required is a mechanical aptitude and math skills. Companies will train people that can pass a physical and a drug test. I started back in 1981 during the same economic conditions as now, skyrocketting oil prices and a shortage of manpower. The more experience a person has, the better job they can get.

[falser]

Calgary is booming beyond belief due to the oil sands. They're hiring all the engineers, construction workers, welders, plumbers, mechanics, and electricians they can get their hands on. And it's only going to get bigger and bigger over the next 10 years. Any Canadians in these fields will probably be able to find work there and be very well off regardless of what effect PO has because Calgary will one day be the center of North America. I'm not even a blue collar worker (computer guy here), and I'm thinking of moving out there just to sighon off the booming economy.

[Eli]

I wonder if there will be hand bills again saying come to beautiful Calgary where jobs are plentiful.

Just like they had for California in the 1930s.

[sicophiliac]

Hey well I graduated high school and I do consider myself pretty good at math though science is my real strong point. Ive been seriously considering going into the energy field lately. I dont know about moving to Canada that might be too much of a change for me. Since I am in California its unlikely any oil drilling related jobs will really get going here... maybe I am wrong ? anybody know of any? Anyways I was thinking of maybe going into the wind industry and since its growing at 20% a year I think there would be plenty of job opportunies in opening up in the future.
My current job is pest control.. I spray houses for people on a regular basis.. its pretty much the definition of a non necessity expense. If money gets tight and the economy slows down as energy costs cut into consumer spending ill be the first one my customers will cut. Oddly enough were busy as hell right now though but I know it wont be like tihs for much longer.