一步一步走进加拿大（新：亲人身后事办理 早知道会省钱）

[亮灯]

回复: 一步一步走进加拿大

重要的是这一步一步的过程，香香喷喷的回味上帝的恩典！

是的，路都是一步一步走过来的。

亮女厉害!祝贺！

谢谢！

非常好文，顶一下！

谢谢顶帖！

用你的经历帮助了这么多人，女儿能找到这么心仪的工作，是你们的福报，人生中的很多事情，冥冥中自有注定，为你们家高兴，女儿真好

人生中的很多事情，冥冥中自有注定。我也相信。亮女找工作之前，我们可没敢抱希望找到现在这样的工作。所以现在真的很心满意足。
“七分靠打拼，三分天注定”。努力+运气=满意的结果

 

[太阳花88]

回复: 一步一步走进加拿大

我觉得有灯姐这样的好妈妈做榜样，女儿肯定错不了。经常上来看灯姐的帖子，也学习灯姐对生活乐观向上的态度。天道酬勤，灯姐踏踏实实地走好每一步，祝灯姐一家越来越好 ！

 

[最爱铁观音]

回复: 一步一步走进加拿大

因为不能引用， 引用就发不出来帖子了！

综合灯姐写亮女的帖子， 非常中肯和客观， 这个和亮女本身的能力和勤奋是分不开的， 有今天这个满意的结果， 是亮女一步一步的努力， 就像灯姐说的：努力+运气！ 我祝福亮女有更美好的未来和心仪的白马王子， 呵呵！

 

[蒙奇奇]

回复: 无悔的选择

[FONT=宋体]伴随亮女走过这段人生路，我们很庆幸当初的移民选择。虽然大多数人都是为了孩子而移民，但移民后不应只为了孩子而生活，这样才不会迷失自己，才不会后悔当初的选择（在相当一部分家庭里，孩子很快适应了加国生活，大人却迷失了自我）。[/FONT]

[FONT=宋体]这些年，我们就没把生活的重心全部放在亮女那里，没有为了孩子而做出太多牺牲，而是过好自己的日子，找到适合自己的新的生活方式。移民五年，在一步一步走进加拿大的过程中，伴随着亮女工作问题的解决，我们全家人已经通过了迷茫寻路的艰难路段，开始一路走一路观风景了。我们无悔当初的选择。[/FONT]

亮女的事业开创之路又再一次让我们心血沸腾，这个真实的故事一定会在更多的移民（准移民）心中又一次亮起一盏灯。毫无疑问，在亮女的经历中有着她的智慧和胆识，也有她的努力和坚强。就像灯姐说这些年没有把生活的重心全部放在女儿那里，而是寻找自己的生活方式。而读过灯姐故事的人都知道灯姐，姐夫对于生活方式的理解和追求。从小生活在这个家庭中的亮女更是深深的领悟并继承了这种理解和追求，或者说这就是“态度”，对生活的态度，对工作的态度，乐观的态度，努力的态度，坚持的态度，拿得起放的下的态度……我们试图去展开解释这种优秀的态度，也许亮女从未像我们这样去想过，但是这种态度已经深深的记录在她的基因中。这让我们不禁去想为什么总是要在孩子的教育上那么的苦恼呢？谢谢亮女！

 

[幸儿他娘三人]

回复: 无悔的选择

[FONT=宋体]有人说，到加拿大来洗盘子，当累脖工，移民图的究竟是啥？[/FONT]
[FONT=宋体]提出此疑问的人，看到的只是移民之初的寻找适应阶段。虽然很多移民登陆之初都有类似的经历，连博士教授也不例外，但这之后的发展结果却因人而异。[/FONT]
[FONT=宋体][/FONT]
[FONT=宋体]以我家为例。我是因为英文水平太差，完成最初的艰苦打拼后，没有继续进修提高的能力，只能找份适合自己体力的工作做。我很满意且享受我目前的生活，但以我[/FONT]50[FONT=宋体]后的年龄来看，我的经历不能算是移民中的典型。所以，一直跟着我的帖子看的同学，千万不要被我的经历束缚而放弃努力向上的理想。[/FONT]
[FONT=宋体][/FONT]
[FONT=宋体]亮女虽然随我们一起来到加拿大，但登陆时她已经是成人了，不是家长带来的孩子了，需要独立报税。LG单位里有的福利，我可以作为家属享受，亮女就享受不到。她应该属于年轻的移民（或留学后移民）这一类。[/FONT][FONT=宋体]亮女最初也在餐馆当过服务生，端过盘子，当过电话调研员。如果当时认为端盘子不值而后悔来加拿大，放弃努力，就不会有今天。和我相比，亮女有努力向上的空间。她的优势在于：年轻，英语基础好，有当地学历，一旦有了工作经验（哪怕时间很短的经验），就有抓住机遇的资本了。[/FONT]
[FONT=宋体][/FONT]
[FONT=宋体]现在亮女只是入门的工资，比我和[/FONT]LG[FONT=宋体]加一起的工资还多。[FONT=宋体]显而易见，移民到加国后，学好一门专业，进步的台阶会更高。[/FONT]真正来加拿大开创新生活的移民们，求学后再就业的路可能更宽广一些。当然，做任何工作都没有高低贵贱之分，这在加拿大完全可以行得通，但能移民的人都是学有所成的，要学有所用才能更好的体现人生的价值。所以，我讲述亮女的经历，可供较年轻的新移民参考借鉴。英语难学，不等于学不会；工作难找，不等于找不到；关键还在于个人的努力程度。谋事在人，成事在天，努力不一定就有结果，但努力了才不会后悔。[/FONT]

 

[幸儿他娘三人]

回复: 无悔的选择

真的非常高兴看到亮女能找到专业而且公司核心的工作。我相信机会永远垂青有准备的人。上帝是为我们准备了一切，但是上帝是为我们每个人量好了我们能承受的。
我们来了一年多的时间，我们2个也为是花一段时间还是短期的时间拿到一个证书徘徊了一段时间，最后决定还是花1年时间，老公去读书，我尽量工作来维持家庭开销。虽然老公到现在才学习了3个月的时间，但是能从中学到不少东西，尽管是原来的专业，非常值得。“谋事在人，成事在天，努力不一定就有结果，但努力了才不会后悔。”相信这句话。

 

[幸儿他娘三人]

回复: 一步一步走进加拿大

真的非常高兴看到亮女能找到专业而且公司核心的工作。我相信机会永远垂青有准备的人。上帝是为我们准备了一切，但是上帝是为我们每个人量好了我们能承受的。
我们来了一年多的时间，我们2个也为是花一段时间还是短期的时间拿到一个证书徘徊了一段时间，最后决定还是花1年时间，老公去读书，我尽量工作来维持家庭开销。虽然老公到现在才学习了3个月的时间，但是能从中学到不少东西，尽管是原来的专业，非常值得。“谋事在人，成事在天，努力不一定就有结果，但努力了才不会后悔。”相信这句话。

 

[幸儿他娘三人]

回复: 一步一步走进加拿大

非常抱歉，前面不知道怎么”引用“。后面又”引用“了2次。

 

[亮灯]

回复: 无悔的选择

我觉得有灯姐这样的好妈妈做榜样，女儿肯定错不了。经常上来看灯姐的帖子，也学习灯姐对生活乐观向上的态度。天道酬勤，灯姐踏踏实实地走好每一步，祝灯姐一家越来越好 ！

收到太阳花的祝福！希望同学们谁有了进步，也来分享，激励我们一下。

因为不能引用， 引用就发不出来帖子了！

综合灯姐写亮女的帖子， 非常中肯和客观， 这个和亮女本身的能力和勤奋是分不开的， 有今天这个满意的结果， 是亮女一步一步的努力， 就像灯姐说的：努力+运气！ 我祝福亮女有更美好的未来和心仪的白马王子， 呵呵！

LG总结亮女来加拿大的“两难”问题（没有经验，找工作难，从小学到大学各时期的同学都在国内，找对象难），现在已经解决一半了，另一半应该也不是问题了。愿借铁观音吉言。

亮女的事业开创之路又再一次让我们心血沸腾，这个真实的故事一定会在更多的移民（准移民）心中又一次亮起一盏灯。毫无疑问，在亮女的经历中有着她的智慧和胆识，也有她的努力和坚强。就像灯姐说这些年没有把生活的重心全部放在女儿那里，而是寻找自己的生活方式。而读过灯姐故事的人都知道灯姐，姐夫对于生活方式的理解和追求。从小生活在这个家庭中的亮女更是深深的领悟并继承了这种理解和追求，或者说这就是“态度”，对生活的态度，对工作的态度，乐观的态度，努力的态度，坚持的态度，拿得起放的下的态度……我们试图去展开解释这种优秀的态度，也许亮女从未像我们这样去想过，但是这种态度已经深深的记录在她的基因中。这让我们不禁去想为什么总是要在孩子的教育上那么的苦恼呢？谢谢亮女！

谢谢蒙奇奇的总结，你读懂了我们对生活方式的理解和追求。
关于对孩子教育方面的苦恼，都是国内“不能输在起跑线上”的竞争逼出来的。这方面真能学到老外对孩子的教育方法和理念，就会减少许多烦恼了。不过这话说说容易，真正要放任孩子自由快乐成长时，许多家长又不放心了。我觉得每个孩子的自身条件和要求不同，家长只要不拔苗助长，顺其自然，别按着自己的理想去设计孩子的未来，而多顾及孩子的兴趣爱好，能成龙的成龙，能成马的成马，长大后，起码在加拿大社会自立生活不会有很大压力。

 

[亮灯]

回复: 一步一步走进加拿大

真的非常高兴看到亮女能找到专业而且公司核心的工作。我相信机会永远垂青有准备的人。上帝是为我们准备了一切，但是上帝是为我们每个人量好了我们能承受的。
我们来了一年多的时间，我们2个也为是花一段时间还是短期的时间拿到一个证书徘徊了一段时间，最后决定还是花1年时间，老公去读书，我尽量工作来维持家庭开销。虽然老公到现在才学习了3个月的时间，但是能从中学到不少东西，尽管是原来的专业，非常值得。“谋事在人，成事在天，努力不一定就有结果，但努力了才不会后悔。”相信这句话。

幸儿娘和其他登陆后没太发言的同学，我知道你们在默默地努力！支持你们一人工作一人学习的聪明选择。 这一段徘徊寻找选择的路最难走，咬牙坚持下去，路会越来越好走。

非常抱歉，前面不知道怎么”引用“。后面又”引用“了2次。

不用抱歉啊，算你发言三次。

 

[太阳花88]

回复: 一步一步走进加拿大

灯姐怎么还没休息,注意身体呀.

 

[fayelee]

回复: 我来说说加拿大的"热动工程师” power engineer

弱问：你们说的“飞进飞出人员”是什么呀。。
更弱问：如果在安省读PE，可不可以拿到证书去别的省工作呢？

 

[Duane]

回复: 我来说说加拿大的"热动工程师” power engineer

感谢老赶！

 

[星儿]

回复: 一步一步走进加拿大

给 幸儿他娘三人 一家加油！愿上帝赐福你们一家，努力了才不后悔

 

[蒙奇奇]

回复: 一步一步走进加拿大

观看圣诞老人游行归来！当圣诞老人坐着车微笑着向人群挥手时，我感到肩上扛的小朋友正按着比圣诞老人挥手慢两拍的节奏晃着头。我一看，她居然笑眯眯的睡着了！

 

[亮灯]

回复: 一步一步走进加拿大

灯姐怎么还没休息,注意身体呀.

谢谢提醒。今天早点睡。

观看圣诞老人游行归来！当圣诞老人坐着车微笑着向人群挥手时，我感到肩上扛的小朋友正按着比圣诞老人挥手慢两拍的节奏晃着头。我一看，她居然笑眯眯的睡着了！

你家小朋友好可爱哦，估计在睡梦里也看见圣诞老人了。
今晚我们去看素里的“圣诞老人灯饰巡游”了，也有几十辆车的规模，尽管下着小雨，观众还不少。尤其有很多孩子，大家都在周末出来沾沾圣诞的气氛，同时延续着每年一次的圣诞文化。
看照片

 

[卞和石]

回复: 一步一步走进加拿大

我的外孙女今年能过一个地道的圣诞节！为她高兴。不知道我女儿他们住的地方有这种游行没有，没听见说起，估计忙着去参加派对没顾得上去看吧。

 

[星儿]

回复: 一步一步走进加拿大

那圣诞老人车和pei一样哟，只是在最后出场

 

[亮灯]

回复: 一步一步走进加拿大

我的外孙女今年能过一个地道的圣诞节！为她高兴。不知道我女儿他们住的地方有这种游行没有，没听见说起，估计忙着去参加派对没顾得上去看吧。

温哥华的圣诞大游行昨天（周日）刚进行。我发了“大温一周好去处”，你女儿应该知道。估计是活动太多没安排过来吧。
游行每年一次，还有机会。

那圣诞老人车和pei一样哟，只是在最后出场

圣诞老人坐的雪撬车都是最后出场滴。精典。

 

[老赶]

回复: 我来说说加拿大的"热动工程师” power engineer

安省发电公司（ＯＰＧ）正在招核电站运行培训生，１２月９日截止。安省的网友可以注意一下：

Nuclear Operators in Training-1200639
Description

GENERATE A FUTURE OF POSSIBILITIES


As one of North America's leading electricity producers, Ontario Power Generation offers challenging opportunities and career diversity in a work environment where safety is a fundamental value - and where you can realize your personal and professional goals.

JOB TITLE:Nuclear Operator in Training
LOCATION:Bowmanville
STATUS: Full-time
EDUCATION LEVEL: Minimum Grade 12 diploma from an Ontario Secondary school that includes Grade 12 University preparation courses in math and physics and/or chemistry.
SHIFT(S): Rotating
TRAVEL: Minimal
DEADLINE TO APPLY:December 9, 2012

Job Overview:

We are seeking energetic women and men to join our Operations team as Nuclear Operators in Training, with openings at the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station, 70 km east of Toronto, along Lake Ontario in Bowmanville, Ontario.

Specifically, you will:
- perform field operations and activities in accordance with approved procedures, under the supervision of a Supervising Nuclear Operator;Field operations include: involvement with commissioning, start-up, running and shutdown of various nuclear station systems;
- working safely with various types of equipment; and
- collecting and interpreting data.

Qualifications

To meet the challenges of this dynamic opportunity, you must:
- successfully pass all formal examinations during the initial training period including Radiation Protection;
- be prepared to work a rotating 12-hour shift;
- meet at least one of the following education requirements:
- Grade 12 Diploma from an Ontario Secondary School that includes Grade 12-U (university) preparation courses in mathematics and Grade 12(U) physics or chemistry;
- Ontario Academic Course (OAC) credits in mathematics and physics or chemistry;
- Ontario Secondary School diploma plus a three-year College Technologist diploma in a relevant discipline, or a college technician diploma in Power Engineering or Stationary Engineering; or the equivalent;
- Ontario Secondary School diploma plus a four year Engineering degree in a relevant discipline.
- possess good communication skills (both verbal and written), consistent with Grade 12 English requirements to qualify;
- have a valid Class G Ontario driver's license (or able to obtain one before the start of employment);
- have flexibility to work shifts including weekend and holidays;
- if applicable, have Canadian equivalency of foreign education; and
- be eligible to work in Canada.

If you are interested in a career as a Nuclear Operator, please download the "Nuclear Operator Realistic Job Preview" available at www.mypowercareer.com before you submit an online application.


The Nuclear Operator Realistic Job Preview will not only give you a detailed preview of what to expect as a Nuclear Operator, but it will also outline the selection process and the positive and negative aspects of the job. These guides are essential reading for anyone considering a position as a Nuclear Operator.

This is the ONLY posting in the year for a Nuclear Operator In-Training. The selection process includes testing and an interview in order to be a successful applicant, you will also be required to provide proof of high school and/or college transcripts. If you have a copy of your transcripts, please attach it to this application, otherwise please ensure that you have this available upon request. There will be multiple start dates throughout 2013.

OPG sincerely thank all those who apply, however, only those candidates selected for testing will be contacted. OPG supports the principles and practices of diversity.
Job: Trainee-Plant Operations
Primary Location: South and Central-Darlington (Bowmanville)
Schedule: Full-time
Job Level: Individual Contributor
Education Level: Associate's Degree/College Diploma (±13 years)
Job Type: Standard
Shift: Rotating
Employee Status: Regular
Travel: Yes, 10% of the time
Job Posting: 2012/11/16
Unposting Date: 2012/12/09

OPG 还发了一个详细的招聘、培训及工作要求、工作环境和待遇的介绍，信息量非常大：


WORKING AT ONTARIO POWER GENERATION AS A NUCLEAR OPERATOR(NO)
a realistic job pre view
mypowercareer.com
BECOMING A NUCLEAR OPERATOR
Dear Applicant,
Thank you for your interest in applying to the Nuclear Operator (NO) position. It is important for us at Ontario Power Generation (OPG) to provide you with a complete description of what you can realistically expect to experience as a NO. This document will provide you with a detailed and realistic preview of the job, i.e., will provide a Realistic Job Preview (RJP).
The role of the NO carries with it unique rewards and challenges. In this document you will find up-to-date NO job information that pertains to all aspects of the job, including information about the both the positive and the negative aspects. Our goals in providing you with this RJP are as follows:
Achieving a better fit between the applicant and the job – You can review information in this document to determine whether you are willing and/or able to cope with the job’s demands, and whether you will find this job satisfying. We hope that the information in this document will help you make an informed decision about whether this job is right for you.
Having applicants hold more realistic expectations of the job – Our hope is that this information will help you form accurate expectations as to what this job will involve, and that such understanding will foster a mutually-satisfying working relationship between you and OPG.
We emphasize the need for you to read this document carefully and to consider the entire scope of the NO job before applying.
CONTENTS OF THE REALISTIC JOB PREVIEW
All information contained in this document is based on a detailed analysis of the job and has been collected directly from individuals who are currently working as NOs. This RJP includes the following:
1. OVERVIEW OF THE HIRING PROCESS – describes the eligibility criteria and the selection process.
2. LIFE AS A NEW NUCLEAR OPERATOR – describes information important to being a new NO (e.g., job streams, training, and probationary period).
3. OVERVIEW OF THE NUCLEAR OPERATOR JOB – provides a description of the job duties, level of responsibility and the amount of work.
4. TRAINING REQUIREMENTS AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES – provides an overview of the on-going certification requirements, and professional growth and advancement opportunities available within OPG.
5. PAY, BENEFITS AND REWARDS – describes how and when pay increments and promotions are decided, and the quality of the pay and benefits.
6. SUPERVISION – provides a description of the type and amount of supervision that can be expected on the job.
7. WORKING CONDITIONS – describes the physical conditions within which a NO must work.
8. REWARDS AND CHALLENGES OF BEING A NUCLEAR OPERATOR – describes the positive and negative aspects of the job (based on the opinions of current NOs).
9. CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS – provides a list of the skills you need or criteria you have to meet to be successful and satisfied as a NO.
10. OPG CONTACT INFORMATION
1. OVERVIEW OF THE HIRING PROCESS
“What can I expect when applying for the job?”
STEP 1: When a vacancy is advertised, all applicants must load their profile onto the OPG recruitment website and submit an application online.
STEP 2: All applicants will be reviewed to determine if they meet the base criteria.
To be considered, you’ll need one of the following:
A Grade 12 diploma from an Ontario Secondary School that includes Grade 12-U
(university preparation) mathematics, physics or chemistry, and English, or Ontario Academic Course (OAC) credits in mathematics, physics or chemistry, and English as a minimum.
An Ontario Secondary School (or equivalent) diploma plus completion of a College Technician or Technologist diploma in a related program is preferred. e.g., Power Engineering, Marine Engineering, etc.
Applicants must be eligible to work in Canada.
STEP 3: Testing
Qualified applicants will be invited to a testing session (2-3.5 hours long), where they will write a series of paper and pencil tests assessing areas such as critical reasoning, English skills, mechanical aptitude, and safety consciousness.
Should you wish to practice some ability tests, please visit the SHL website at: http://www.shldirect.com/practice_tests.html
Candidates need to pass these tests in accordance with the minimum criteria required for the job.
STEP 4: Interview – Those candidates who are successful at the testing phase will be invited to attend a structured, behaviour- and technical-based interview.
The interview will consist of a series of job-related, structured questions. With structured questions, all candidates are asked the same questions and evaluated against the same job-related criteria as the other candidates.
The questions are behaviour-based, i.e., candidates are asked to provide examples of how they have dealt with various job-related or life scenarios in the past to demonstrate that they have the relevant experience and display the appropriate behaviors.
The questions that are technical-based explore the candidates’ knowledge of science fundamentals and real world applications.
The interview will be approximately 2 hours in length.
STEP 5: Short-listed candidates will be notified of any further selection requirements.
Such requirements include:
Security checks: Applicants cannot have any convictions under the Criminal Code.
Reference checks: Applicants’ references will be checked.
STEP 6: Medical requirements
Applicants must complete a medical information questionnaire and have an examination completed by a personal physician.
2. LIFE AS A NEW NUCLEAR OPERATOR
“What happens when I first start working at OPG?”
The following is a brief overview of the various specializations within the NO job family, of the orientation/ training process, and of the probationary period.
2.1 NUCLEAR OPERATOR SPECIALIZATION STREAMS
There are several specializations within the NO job family, called “streams”. The Pickering facilities (Pickering A and B) have three streams (see Table 1). The Darlington facility has four streams (see Table 1). Each new NO is assigned to one of these streams after being hired.
*Note: Common Services and Unit 0 are similar jobs; any operators working at or transferring to the Nuclear Waste Management facility at Pickering or Darlington would conduct other specialty job duties.
Upon being selected into the NO job, new NOs can express a preference for the stream for which they would like to be certified. Preferences will be taken into consideration when management makes their decisions. However, please note that assignment to the new NO’s preferred stream cannot be guaranteed. In this document you will read a description of those aspects of the job that are common across all streams. When there are important differences between streams, those differences are bolded to bring them to your attention.
You can use the information about the different streams to help you identify your preferred stream.
2.2 ORIENTATION/TRAINING
Upon being selected by OPG, candidates begin general, followed by stream-specific, NO orientation and training. Successful training performance requires the ability to be selfdirected in one’s training, to learn within short-time frames, and to absorb and relate classroom information to its practical application in the station.
2.2.1 TRAINING FORMAT AND CONTENT
Nuclear Operators are required to complete extensive classroom and some computer-based training. Training focuses on both the aspects of the job that are common across all NO streams, and those that are specific to a particular stream. Periods of classroom courses are balanced with on-shift training. During on-shift training the trainee will work under the guidance of an experienced operator.
2.2.2 TRAINING LENGTH
NOs typically take about 8-12 months to complete common training. Depending on the stream assignment, it takes a further 6-12 month period to become qualified in the assigned stream. Combined, full training can take up to two years to complete.
2.2.3 TESTING
Trainees are tested at every phase of the training program and at the end of the training period. Classroom knowledge is tested using exams.
Applied knowledge is tested using Job Performance Measures (e.g., demonstrating proficiency in the field environment).
A NO is considered to be “stream qualified” upon successful completion of comprehensive examinations, a series of Job Performance Measures and a competency assessment by their field supervisor.
2.3 PROBATIONARY PERIOD
The first three months of training are considered to be a “probationary period” for the NO.
However, the probationary period may be extended to six months, if required. Mandatory union coverage and access to OPG benefits are provided during this period. Pension plan enrolment begins upon completion of the probationary period. The Trainee should look upon their whole training period as a probationary period because they will be evaluated every step of the way and beyond.
3. OVERVIEW OF THE JOB
“What is the job?”
Below is a broad description of the duties and other characteristics (e.g., work schedule, work load) of a NO’s job. This overview is not meant to be exhaustive in its description; rather, the duties and characteristics described provide a summary of some of the key aspects of the NO job.
3.1 JOB DUTIES
Below are some of the duties carried out by NO’s.
3.1.1 SURVEILLANCE
A significant portion of a NO’s duties involve performing rounds of their designated area within the plant to check the status of equipment and systems (e.g., pumps, fans, motors, gauges). This type of task requires NOs to detect and assess problems, and provide detailed information to assist Maintenance in repairing equipment (e.g., monitor system pressure, temperatures, water levels, check for leaks and check for the integrity of the equipment).
While these tasks can be repetitive, they are important and require a specific skill set.
Effective monitoring requires a high degree of precision, attention to detail and comfort with mechanical and electrical devices. Upon detecting a problem, a NO notifies his or her supervisor and documents the deficiency based on standard operating procedures.
3.1.2 HOUSEKEEPING AND DOCUMENTATION
Several hours in the day might be required to complete routine maintenance of equipment e.g., cleaning equipment, topping up oil levels tidying of assigned work area. Records of these duties are generated by activities such as initiating Work Requests and Material Requests, keeping Logs, and documenting corrections. Computer proficiency is required to complete the majority of these documentation tasks.
3.1.3 PROACTIVE AND REACTIVE SAFETY CONSCIOUSNESS
Operators are required to adhere to safety procedures at all times to proactively prevent workplace accidents, and protect both their own safety and the safety of others. Situations may arise where a problem, though not serious, would require immediate action to isolate and contain the problem. Corrective actions required are typically quite simple, such as mopping a minor leak or isolating the faulty equipment. Effective corrective action requires familiarity with, and strict application of, the required safety procedures. Protective equipment and clothing are worn at all times to minimize the chances of exposure to hazardous materials (e.g., chemical or minimizing any radiation exposure).
3.1.4 TESTING AND SAMPLING
Frequently, NOs will be responsible for assisting with and testing the functionality of equipment.
Example: Testing may involve local or remote manipulation of equipment like valves and the start-up/shut down of fans and pumps to simulate certain operating conditions or duty rotation of equipment. If deficiencies are identified, “Work Requests” need to be filed so Maintenance can repair the equipment.
Example: Operators and chemical laboratory staff are involved in drawing samples.
In some cases, after chemical technicians have conducted appropriate analyses, NOs may be required to initiate corrective action, such as adding chemicals to maintain system specifications.
3.1.5 PHYSICALLY INTENSIVE DUTIES
There are a number of physical tasks that are common to all NO streams. Other physical tasks are stream-specific. For instance, the primary responsibility of the Fuel Handlers is to receive and load fuel into the new fuel loading mechanism. Remote operation of tools is used to move and store fuel that has been used in the reactor. This duty is unique to this stream of work. Although Fuel Handlers have direct contact with new fuel, risk from hazardous exposure is minimized because operators wear appropriate protection and are kept away from areas where elevated hazardous conditions exist.
Tritium Removal Facility Operators are frequently required to move heavy drums with a drum cart, moving equipment and preparing shipments for external use of product. They may be required to lift objects that weigh between 40 and 50lbs (i.e. a full pail of water)
3.2 JOB CHARACTERISTICS
Below are other important characteristics of the NO job.
3.2.1 SCHEDULE
There are several shifts at OPG; 8-hour shifts, 10-hour shifts, and rotating 12-hour shifts.
NOs must be willing to do shift work and be flexible in their availability.
Most NOs work in rotating 12-hour shifts that are scheduled from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. Some 8-hour/10-hour “day” shifts may also be required. Everyone is required to work weekdays, weekends and statutory holidays, as well as both day shifts and night shifts.
A typical 12-hour shift includes 3 breaks and 2 lunch periods which are paid.
It may be required of operators to work an extra 15-20 minutes at the end of each shift. The extra time is necessary to pass on an update to the next NO about the area of responsibility status.
Schedules are set one year in advance and are balanced over the course of the year to average 40 hours per week. Typically, a period of two to three day shifts or night shifts are followed by two to three days off.
3.2.1 VARIETY
Some of the Operator duties involve repetitive tasks, but there is almost always variety. A
NO’s typical day includes: turnover; pre-job brief; rounds and routines; equipment testing; work protection application; documentation activities; post-job brief; and turnover.
However, there are some differences in job variety across the various streams.
Relative to other streams, the greatest variety is found in the Generating Unit stream. Opportunities for hands-on activities are moderate because the systems are highly automated during normal operation. During Outages, the physical demands and variety are extensive. The Generating Unit stream requires the greatest number of systems to be controlled.
On the other hand, the Fuel Handling stream allows for more hands-on tasks, but has less variety due to the smaller number of systems they control. The Common Services/Unit-O or TRF streams provide a degree of variety that falls in between that of the Fuel Handling and Generating Unit streams. If the degree of variety on the job is important to you as a new NO, you should give consideration to the above information when deciding on which stream you would prefer.
3.2.2 DISCRETION AND RESPONSIBILITY
Operators are responsible for the safety of personnel, the plant, the site and the community. As such, strict adherence to policies and procedures is required at all times.
There is little discretion in the manner in which tasks get carried out.
3.2.3 CO-WORKERS
NOs work alone when performing rounds and routines with the exception of a trainee shadowing them. Most other work is done in pairs where safety precautions deem it necessary or physical assistance is required.
3.2.4 WORKLOAD
Operators find the workload to be very manageable. Operators are assigned a set of tasks to complete by the end of the shift but may complete the tasks at their own pace, pending workload.
3.2.5 WORKPLACE ACCOMODATIONS
Alternate work arrangement policies are in place for women who are pregnant or for men and women with immediate plans to conceive children. Alternate work arrangements are such that they minimize the chances of exposure to radiation. Also, when problems arise that compromise an individual’s ability to do shift work (e.g., a medical condition), case-bycase evaluation is completed in consultation with trained medical staff in our internal wellness department. Detailed policy information can be made available by contacting an OPG representative, or once you begin working at OPG.
4. TRAINING REQUIREMENTS & CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
“Do I need to keep learning? And, where can I go from here?”
4.1 CONTINUOUS LEARNING REQUIREMENTS
Qualifications need to be renewed or refreshed continuously, depending on the task and stream. Qualifications can also be upgraded to broaden one’s skill set. NOs will need to take an active role in monitoring their re-qualification needs (e.g., they will need to monitor and request training when qualifications are close to expiring or have expired).
4.2 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Individuals can move to different positions at the same level in the organization (“lateral move”) or can move to higher positions at OPG (“vertical move”).
Lateral moves typically involve obtaining a position in one of the other NO streams or moving elsewhere in the organization to non-Operator positions. Such moves will require retraining.
NOs can move vertically into various supervisory positions, such as Supervising
Nuclear Operator (SNO) positions or Field Shift-Operating Supervisor (FSOS) positions. Interested individuals go through a selection process in which the
behaviours, qualifications and seniority of candidates are considered. If operators would like to be considered for Authorized Nuclear Operator (ANO) positions or Certified U-0 Control Room Operator positions, working in the
Generating Units or Unit-0 stream provides work opportunities most compatible with meeting that goal.
5. PAY, BENEFITS AND REWARDS
“Is it a well-paid job?”
5.1 WAGES AND BENEFITS
Based on the collective agreement, both NO wages and benefits are very competitive and satisfying. It takes approximately eight years to qualify for the maximum pay rate (i.e., the top step in the pay scale for the NO job). Pay progression occurs annually. Economic increases are negotiated by the union. For those who have the skills, experience and ambition, there may be opportunity to progress to the higher positions prior to achieving the maximum pay rate.
6. SUPERVISION
“How much supervision will I receive?”
6.1 Supervision
Supervising Nuclear Operators and Field Shift Operating Supervisors are easily accessible at all times (e.g., via phone, radio or in-person), however, they do not constantly monitor the work of NOs. Operators are provided with a “pre-job” briefing; a brief meeting at the beginning of the shift detailing the activities requiring completion on the shift and any hazards associated with the work during that shift. With some exceptions, most of the time operators can complete the work at their own pace.
7. WORKING CONDITIONS
“What is the physical work environment like?”
7.1 Working Conditions
Below are details about the typical working conditions for NOs.
NOs work indoors for the majority of their shift, in typically warm and dry conditions under artificial light. The exceptions to this are the Common Services/Unit 0 Operators, who may work indoors and/or outdoors.
NOs may have to crawl into tight spaces, work in extreme temperatures and work in areas with high noise levels. All operators will be working at significant heights (e.g., working on floors with gratings that have 30 feet drops under the gratings and working from elevated platforms). Unit 0 operators working in the pump house/screen house and sewage treatment facility will have to also deal with strong odours.
NOs will be on their feet for the majority of their day, moving through large portions of the plant. Surveillance work requires walking around the Powerhouse or other support buildings, and climbing ladders and stairs. An Operator on rounds and routines could expect to walk 8-12 kms per 12 hour shift.
NOs work with equipment and/or containers that contain dangerous materials (e.g., radioactive materials). However, hazardous materials are contained and highly monitored, minimizing threat.
NOs wear safety equipment and clothing at all times, and are required to wear additional/extra protective gear depending on the material being handled. Some of the equipment and clothing can be heavy or feel restrictive (e.g., plastic suits, respirators). Operators should be comfortable being restricted in this manner, sometimes for extended periods.
OPG has implemented highly secure locker room facilities, separated for men and women. Note that most NOs may be required to change into or out of their safety clothing frequently. Individuals will need to be/become comfortable disrobing in front of their same-sex colleagues because of non-partitioned same-sex locker room facilities. NOs cannot leave the protected plant area during their shift (e.g., leaving the plant
site for lunch), as they must be available for response in case of emergency.
8. REWARDS AND CHALLENGES OF BEING A NUCLEAR OPERATOR
“What do other NOs really think about the job?”
8.1 REWARDING ASPECTS
The NO position has some interesting and desirable aspects.
8.1.1 SAFETY CULTURE
OPG is highly safety conscious. Such a safety culture reduces the potential for any serious accidents.
8.1.2 PAY
NOs find that OPG wages and benefits are competitive and very satisfactory.
8.1.3 JOB SECURITY
The amount of resources dedicated to training NOs makes them a valuable resource at OPG.
As a result, NOs feel secure in their jobs.
8.1.4 WORKLOAD AND PACE
The pace isn’t highly demanding or rushed. Mandatory overtime work is not required often. As such, the work pace is very appropriate to the workload.
8.2 CHALLENGING OR UNAPPEALING ASPECTS
As with any job, there are aspects of the job that are less desirable or even negative in some cases, or have aspects that are challenging to manage.
8.2.1 SHIFT WORK
Switching between day and night shift can be both physically challenging and very disruptive to one’s personal life. A lot of time is spent physically recovering between shifts. Working weekends can also be difficult. It helps that schedules are set one year in advance, providing plenty of advance notice.
8.2.2 LACK OF VARIETY
Some tasks are repetitive and monotonous, lacking in variety or challenge. The NO job is often restricted to problem detection rather than problem solving.
8.2.3 TRAINING
There can be delays in getting re-qualified because of labour shortages or because too many people need to be trained. Such delays can be frustrating.
8.2.4 CHANGES SLOW TO INSTITUTE
With a large organization such as OPG, sometimes it takes a long time to get equipment fixed or to institute changes. These delays can be frustrating.
9. CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS
“What does it take to be a good NO?”
This RJP summarizes the most important aspects of the NO job. Review the following list of factors important for success and satisfaction as a NO. Use the list as a self-assessment guide to think about how well your skills and capabilities match those necessary to be successful at the NO job.
I can…
❏Direct my own learning (i.e., study independently during training)
❏Accept coaching about performance and make the required changes to be successful
❏Stay focused and attentive when doing repetitive tasks
❏Follow strict policies and procedures
❏Work with minimal supervision
❏Handle rotating shift-work
❏Stay alert, even during late night shifts
I am…
❏Comfortable working in potentially radioactive contaminated areas or working with
Radiation Protection equipment (plastic suits, respirators) and Personal Protection equipment (hardhats, footwear, hearing protection, gloves)
❏Interested in the technical functioning of mechanical and electrical equipment
❏Able to look at equipment and suggest what needs to be done to repair it
❏Detail-oriented
❏A conservative and methodical decision-maker
I will…
❏Be able to perform repetitive work
❏Not mind mostly detecting problems but not necessarily solving them
❏STOP if I’m unsure or need help
❏Be safety conscious
10. OPG CONTACT INFORMATION
“How can I get my questions answered?”
For further information or to contact OPG, please consult OPG’s recruitment Web site at:
www.mypowercareer.com.
CLOSING REMARKS
In this document, we have attempted to provide you with BASIC information about the NO position i.e., information that is broad in its breadth of coverage, accurate in its depiction of the job, specific to the NO job and important to being satisfied in this position. It is based on credible information gathered directly from current NOs.
We hope this information has been useful in helping you decide whether you would like to submit an application to OPG for this position