Fran S.

Fran, 45, moved to Fort McMurray from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan with hopes of getting her foot in the oil and gas industry.

She heard the Indigenous Haul Truck program being advertised, and spoke with the Employment & Training Team Lead at Athabasca Tribal Council. After talking with Fran and getting a good understanding of her interests and goals, the counsellor suggested the Indigenous Haul Truck program.

Fran began the program which included in-person instruction, online modules, and simulators. “Your time is divided between instructed courses and simulators,” Fran explains. “You can expect to be doing some reading through online courses and slides, as well at modular tests focusing on the various haul trucks. The other times, you will be up on a simulator focusing both on the Caterpillar trucks and the Kumatsu.”

Surprised to learn that the duties of the job have the potential to be dangerous, Fran was given the confidence for the job thanks to the skills, practices, and skill set to be able to avoid such incidents given through the program.

For Fran, the highlight of the program was actually getting on to the haul truck. “I had never been on such a gigantic vehicle,” she says.

Now that she has completed the Indigenous Haul Truck, Fran is operating Cat haul trucks, 797 B and Fs, as well as 785s at the CNRL Albian mine.

When asked what she would tell someone who is thinking about taking the Indigenous Haul Truck but is unsure, here’s what she says: “It was definitely a very drastic career change for me. I was in an office, Monday through Friday with a two-day weekend. However, it has been very rewarding for me since the change. I am home more often with my children and my family. The pay is definitely better. Some things to definitely consider would be if you are a single parent, a good family support system would be essential. Finding a good balance between work and family is essential, you would be missing certain holidays, birthdays etc. Summers are hot, winters are cold, and trucks break down. Summers are nice, you can watch the sunset and rise during night shifts. Winter shifts can be a challenge as there is not as much sun, however the Northern Lights can be beautiful. You would be working in a mine, out in the wilderness, among other things. There is a mine mentality. Lots to consider, and it’s not for the faint of heart but very rewarding. I am very happy with the career change.”

The Indigenous Haul Truck program is a partnership between Keyano College, Service Canada-Indigenous Skill Employment and Training (ISET), the Government of Alberta - Alberta Labour & Immigration, and Athabasca Tribal Council.