OK, I am from BC Canada and I am trying to get into the equipment operator trade.
The trouble is the BIG outfits want EXPERIANCE and the little outfits never seem to have heard of any of the training courses in BC.
The Operating Engineers have their own course but it is $15,000 for non-members and non-members can get bumped in favor of union members. You can't get INTO the union unless you are quallified.

Are there ANY good schools for equipment operators in BC or AB?
Is the ONLY option to find a small company desperate enough for operators to be willing to train on the job?
Experianced operators: How did YOU get started out in the industry?