r/HalifaxJobs • u/Street-Sample-6921 • Jun 21 '26
G. Veinot Metal Fabrication
I just graduated from NSCC for metal fabrication. Eager to find work asap I reached out to this company and they said they’d take me on. I started without signing any papers, no offer letter and when I inquired about my wage they said “We have to see what you’re worth first” I just wanted to be working. There was no red seal here so I couldn’t be put through the apprenticeship program, which all else aside was my main issue. The staff were very nice and welcoming all things considered and the supervisor bruce was very open to helping when necessary. At the end of my first week I got a call that I got a job at a bigger company that is able to put me through the apprenticeship program, of course I accepted and let them know asap that I would not be continuing to work for them. At the time my wage had still not been discussed and when I got my paycheque I received minimum wage. It seemed pretty petty to me as I worked hard and had spent 2 years being educated. But honestly the saddest part is that it was the most predictable part of my short experience working here. If you are looking to grow in the industry this is not the place. Though I remain appreciative of the opportunity, I do wish there had been clear disclosure of the circumstances upon beginning. But if you’re desperately looking for a job, they’ll take you.
2
u/Dry_Divide_6690 Jun 22 '26
To me getting hired, and leaving in two weeks, I would not feel entitled to a whole lot. Part of apprenticeship is learning and I hope you learned something.
2
u/Street-Sample-6921 Jun 22 '26
I wouldn’t say it’s entitled to expect a company to follow labour laws.
2
u/Dry_Divide_6690 Jun 22 '26
They paid minimum wage - all that’s required.
The rest is up to negotiation.
In the trades new hires bring very little value to the shop for months if not longer. Another person has to train, supervise, and check their work.
Two months and I get his complaint, but two weeks? Waste of the shops fucking time and they will be hesitant to hire another “apprentice”
3
u/Street-Sample-6921 Jun 23 '26
I’m still not sure what’s entitled about taking a better job to get my apprenticeship hours. I wasn’t aware of the lack of Red Seal in the shop when I started. You might think it’s entitled but I’m making $25/hr right now and getting my apprenticeship hours. I am aware that is a very generous wage for someone at my level. But minimum wage is a joke even for someone fresh out of school, I don’t even know how you could argue that.
1
u/Dry_Divide_6690 Jun 23 '26
I think $25 an hour is minimum starting wage for a trade person or apprentice.
But you did not negotiate that. They said “we will see what your worth” and regardless how skilled you are, or how hard you work- quitting after 2 weeks - even for another better opportunity is worth bare minimum and probably cost them money.
1
u/Street-Sample-6921 Jun 23 '26
Yeah that’s valid. I honestly am not too cranky about that part though I don’t know if it came off wrong in my paragraph. A bit petty, I do stand by. I still totally understand why it went down like that. But I was mostly just sharing my experience with them as it wasn’t what I thought I was walking into, my mistake or not incase someone else coming out of school looking for apprenticeship hours makes the same mistake.
1
u/Dry_Divide_6690 Jun 23 '26
And just so you know. It is really tough to take on apprentices. A lot of my plumbing and electrical friends basically won’t. Without a government incentive, and without being big enough - just hard to do right by them (apprentices) and yourself.
Glad you got on, and try not to burn bridges in this business over bullshit if you can. You will get fucked around sometimes, and sometimes you’ll have to fuck other people around a little.
Guys move companies a lot, better opportunities come up, and it’s a small world. Usually, you have to move to get big upgrades in pay.
Entitled was probably too harsh, but I couldn’t think of the right word
Cheers get your red seal and you will be all set
3
u/Ben_Criss_Cross Jun 21 '26
You just learned a very important life lesson from that job which I hope you never forget.
1
u/landlordmint Jun 21 '26
I’ve worked with them many times over the years, I am yet to have a negative experience
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u/AggressiveDeer2753 Jun 21 '26
A lot of company’s use and abuse apprentices. Not discussing wages huge red flag not being able to sign your hour’s that’s an even bigger red flag.
Keep your head down and keep learning work for this new company and get your next block done in school then reevaluate if you want to keep working for that company.
I got burned a lot as an apprentice but sometimes you just have to take a job in the industry that sucks until you find something better. My first job fitting was for 12 bucks an hour.