CAF Specialist Pay [Spec Pay]- All Trades [MERGED]

[nickanick]

Can you be posted in the navy or airforce during the initial employment?
Or you have to stick with the Army ?

 

[medicineman]

The uniform is the clothes you wear to work - I had some folks in Vic when I was there that were fresh out of school...you go where you're needed, but more often than not, usually army first.

MM

 

[PMedMoe]

PMed IIRC correctly has to have their 6A and Sgt's to collect it unless they've changed it.

Correct.  :nod:

 

[VanStoker]

So I’ve been hearing a bit about this Spec pay freeze within our trade. 

One of my requisites, one that I was very strict about before joining the Canadian forces was to only apply for a Spec 1/2 trade.  No offence to anyone here in a basic trade, but I scored very high on my initial aptitude test,  I have a college education, a head on my shoulders, am in a fair bit of debt, and the extra $4000 - $5000+ per year that spec trades offer made the difference for me choosing this trade.

I’ve heard from some stoker’s, of all different ranks, not to worry about it; that the freeze will be lifted soon enough because our trade is in a bit of trouble.  Yet I’ve heard other stokers give me the advice: “Get out now!”  (Duly noted that most of these stokers are L.S. who probably were the first one’s to get their pay held back)

I’m seriously considering getting the ball rolling on an O.T. to Air-AVN tech, where the spec pay is not in question, and by the sounds of things, I’ll be able to climb the rank ladder/pay scale much quicker.  (Was interested in AVN to begin with, but really want to sail)

Can anyone else lend an opinion to this conversation?

 

[aesop081]

I’ll be able to climb the rank ladder/pay scale much quicker. 

No, you won't.

I've spent the last several years working along side aircraft technicians who have spent many, many years ( many will continue to do so) at the rank of Cpl.

 

[Stoker]

So I’ve been hearing a bit about this Spec pay freeze within our trade. 

One of my requisites, one that I was very strict about before joining the Canadian forces was to only apply for a Spec 1/2 trade.  No offence to anyone here in a basic trade, but I scored very high on my initial aptitude test,  I have a college education, a head on my shoulders, am in a fair bit of debt, and the extra $4000 - $5000+ per year that spec trades offer made the difference for me choosing this trade.

I’ve heard from some stoker’s, of all different ranks, not to worry about it; that the freeze will be lifted soon enough because our trade is in a bit of trouble.  Yet I’ve heard other stokers give me the advice: “Get out now!”  (Duly noted that most of these stokers are L.S. who probably were the first one’s to get their pay held back)

I’m seriously considering getting the ball rolling on an O.T. to Air-AVN tech, where the spec pay is not in question, and by the sounds of things, I’ll be able to climb the rank ladder/pay scale much quicker.  (Was interested in AVN to begin with, but really want to sail)

Can anyone else lend an opinion to this conversation?

From what I been told and briefed the trade is in review in regards to occupational specifications which hasn't been done for years, this determines the spec pay. While this is happening spec 1 and 2 pay is frozen. It is possible that Spec 2 will be eliminated if the justification cannot be made(highly unlikely) Anyone already with spec pay 2 will be grandfathered.
This is expected to be concluded fairly quickly. Don't listen to LS that tell you to get out now, things are moving along and the trade has a bright future.

Pat in Halifax may have additional information on this.

 

[Pat in Halifax]

Hi and welcome to the BEST trade!
First off, I checked your profile and as a stoker, as of 1 Feb 12, you are MOSID 00367 (there was a MARGEN but I cannot find it right now). Part of the reason for our audit now is because the 3 previous trades Mar Eng Mech, Mar Eng Tech and Mar Eng Art are now simply one trade; Mar Eng.
Second, this is an ongoing audit by Treasury Board and I suspect that ALL Spec trades will go through this.
Third, as a new entry stoker, you would not be entitled to Spec 1 (like most Spec trades) until you complete QL5 (and I mean 'complete' - getting your Cert 2), which for the stoker trade is a minimum of 4-5 years out. Relax, the audit will be done by then and is not likely to change much from what it was. Those who were entitled during the freeze, will be back dated.

Next time I am talking to the Occ Mgr (we live in the same building here in Ottawa), I will clarify but this has been a hot discussion (as you can imagine) since it was signalled about a year ago.

I am curious who told you that "...the trade is in trouble..."

If you feel it necessary to VOT, that is your prerogative but you may find yourself going into a trade commencing their audit as it is lifted for the Mar Eng one.

Good Luck and I do feel the frustration. Many of us here in Ottawa tried everything to at the very least expedite the process if not put it off all together.

 

[jollyjacktar]

Hi and welcome to the BEST trade!

Not nice to tell fibs to the new guys.    HT is the best of course.  :bowing:  All kidding aside, any trade is what you make of it.  I know plenty of Stokers who are happy and unhappy both. 

I'll echo CDN re the Air side of the house.  While that trade is a fantastic trade, and has great after job marketability it does not necessarily move swiftly.  I have encountered many of that particular trade who have been Cpls for some time, and it's not because they are slugs either.  The other Zoomie trades I rub shoulders with on ship can also be that way too.  They are all great trades, but not screamer ones from what I have seen.  That seems to be the Aircrew folks where there is better movement from what I have seen.

 

[NavyShooter]

An interesting e-mail I got today (a part of it at least) regarding the WEng Trades:

" Our pay review has been completed. Good news! DPPD has agreed that we will get spec pay after our W Eng Maintainer Board. No spec 2 pay however, that is what we expected following discussions during our MESIP. "

NS

 

[gcclarke]

An interesting e-mail I got today (a part of it at least) regarding the WEng Trades:

" Our pay review has been completed. Good news! DPPD has agreed that we will get spec pay after our W Eng Maintainer Board. No spec 2 pay however, that is what we expected following discussions during our MESIP. "

NS

I presume that's what I've previous seen referred to as the "Leading Seaman rank Qual" board?

 

[cp140tech]

No, you won't.

I've spent the last several years working along side aircraft technicians who have spent many, many years ( many will continue to do so) at the rank of Cpl.

I'm on my thirteenth year in the trade, people have been getting promoted quickly for about 5 years now.  I have seen promotions to MCpl with only one Cpl PER, on more than one occasion.  Any Cpl who wants to progress can.  It will slow eventually, but things are a bit ridiculous now, particularly in the maritime helicopter world.  Plenty of folks getting Sgt with minimum time spent at MCpl as well. 

 

[NavyShooter]

I presume that's what I've previous seen referred to as the "Leading Seaman rank Qual" board?

Ayup.  Here's a couple of additional bites:

OFFICIALLY AUTHORIZED: Spec Pay will be granted AFTER completion of OJPR2 (Maintainer OJPR…ie LS Rank Qual Board)

The new ACISS occupation did not get spec pay and remain in the standard pay field. Mar Eng pay review will be conducted this year.

 

[Pat in Halifax]

Can't figure out how to 'insert' ppt slides but this was from a presentation given by the MAR ENG/ET Occ Mgr to the coasts in January. (Note: It is UNCLAS)

Slide 1:
Spec 1 & 2 Pay Review:
Triggered with stand-up of any new occupation
New MARENG occ effective Feb 12 with approval of MESIP:
No pay review since 1975
Disconnect between extant Occ Spec and CBI Spec Pay
Occ Spec – Spec 1 after QL5 & Cert 2
CBI – Spec 1 after QL5

Possible outcomes (know by) of the Spec pay review are:
Yes Spec 1 upon completion of QL5 (Jun 2012) and Yes Spec 2 upon completion of QL6 (Nov/Dec 2012);
Yes Spec 1 upon completion of QL5 (Jun 2012) but No Spec 2 (Nov/Dec 2012);
No Spec 1 upon completion of QL5 (Jun 2012) but Yes Spec 1 upon completion of QL6 (Nov/Dec 2012);
No Spec 1 upon completion of QL5 (Jun 2012) but Yes Spec 2 upon completion of QL6 (Nov/Dec 2012); or
No Spec pay (Nov/Dec 2012).

Slide 2:
So what - using the noted pay review approach means:
If no Spec pay is awarded, post pay review, then there will be no requirement to clawback any pay from any sailor; or
If Spec pay is awarded, any commencement of Spec pay and back-pay to our sailors, who may have qualified for Spec pay during the pay review, should occur within 2 mths (WRT Spec pay start) and within 4 mths (WRT Spec pay back-pay) respectively.

Response - we will have clarity WRT the MARENG Spec 1 & 2 pay review/outcome(s) before end 2012
Less than 11 mths from the MESIP implementation
_______________________________
From me:

Keep in mind, he has covered ALL potential scenarios. I am not a fortune teller but the feeling is that there will be little change when this is done. Again, I am NOT a fortune teller.
For those of you getting your Cert 2/3 (I know you're out there-I've seen the messages) or those getting promoted PO1 - CPO2 (because of the move from PO1 Spec 2 direct to 3rd Incent CPO2) during the review, note the 3rd line of slide 2.

If you have any specific questions, talk to your supervisors or even ask to talk to the CM/Occ Mgr. Barring that, PM me. If you PM me, know that my first question to you will be "Have you checked with your divisional system?"

Pat

 

[Sig_Des]

Ayup.  Here's a couple of additional bites:

The new ACISS occupation did not get spec pay and remain in the standard pay field.

Tangent; do you have a ref for the bolded? Thanks

 

[Pat in Halifax]

I didn't look yet but this came with the ppt presentation earlier.
I assume they are CBIs?

Refs: A. 204.03(1)(b)
B. 204.03(2)(b)

 

[PuckChaser]

I didn't look yet but this came with the ppt presentation earlier.
I assume they are CBIs?

Refs: A. 204.03(1)(b)
B. 204.03(2)(b)

CBI 204 hasn't been updated since Mar 2009, so it does not have any information on ACISS and only holds the old information for Stoker.

 

[NavyShooter]

Beadwindow,

I have a copy of the e-mail from the folks in DMAR PERS. 

Shoot me a message at work and I'll forward it to you Monday.

NS

 

[NavyShooter]

E-mail sent to Puck.

NS

 

[Sig_Des]

Beadwindow,

I have a copy of the e-mail from the folks in DMAR PERS. 

Shoot me a message at work and I'll forward it to you Monday.

(bradley.browne at the forces dot gc dot ca place...)

NS

Cheers. Email sent

 

[Donny]

After your 14 weeks in Basic you will be sent to Borden , in Borden you will learn basic aircraft knowledge ( Theory of flight , basic electrical , how to use tool properly and a basic introduction to all aircraft. ) you will be there close to 2 years depending the final trade you choose , before ( and I mean like 4 to 6 weeks before )  you gradguate from Borden you will choose 3 Units you would like to go to ( again depending on trade )
Now depending on your current Rank , previous experiance , time of year and availability of  your chosen trade, the units you choose from will depend on where you get sent.  ( Me personaly, I'm from the East coast as well and chose Sheerwater , Trenton, Greenwood and I got Cold Lake Alberta. )  The Military Physical year starts in April so if you gradguate from Borden in say March there will not be many of the "good" postings left to fill that year so what is left is what you will get.    Career manager does not have time for a new Pvt so you are basically a number and there are slots to fill. Unsure if it is the same but when I went through the TOP STUDENT of the class got there choice of posting.
Now that you are a QL3 Tech and are at your 1st Home Unit you will be placed on a waiting list for your QL5 this is to teach you your trade for the Aircraft of the Unit they chose for you aprox another 6 months ( depending on trade ) . Once you are trained you will then be qualified to work on the Aircraft under supervision. 

First year in Borden you will prob be making aprox $32000/yr
Withen 3 years I was QL5 trained at this time making aprox $40000/yr
4 years to the first day of your basic training you will be Cpl ( CPL AND QL5 = spec 1 ) aprox $60000/yr and will slowley climb every additional year.

Sorry for the long dragged out msg but trying to answer all of your other posts all in one here.

lot of good information i was looking for - thanks