Just finished my work term, fair wage for a first year apprentice?
completed my first year of schooling + work term as a industrial mechanic millwight. After my boss discussed with a few other higher ups, I've received a job offer of 25$ +1$ night shift premium per hour CAD$, 80% health and dental, no pension, but they do profit sharing instead that can be invested in a retirement plan or taken as a bonus.
For a bit of background, on my original interview I was told my rate would be between 30-40$ and would be finalised after my work term and once they looked into the rate, as it's been a few years since they hired a millwright. It is high for a first year, but that comes with the understanding I will be working along side the electrical engineer at times and learning a bit of the electrical/automation side of the plant.
Since being here, it is evident that they need more people, as everyone is busy with wide open overtime, and they struggle to find people interested in nights. They seem very interested in me coming onboard, and my boss told me himself he's been hearing great things from the other guys in the plant.
My end goal is to be ticketed as a red seal millwright+industrial electrician. I also have 4-5 years experience in a industrial factory as a worker setting up and operating machinery, and about the same informal experience working along side my friend who is a red seal automotive mechanic, doing everything from engine swaps, suspension work, building engines and a bit of custom fab work /repair, so I'm not green to the industrial or mechanic setting.
I also graduated with a 95%+ average.
Is it fair to counter with 27.50, meeting me halfway between there lowest original stated wage and the job offer they have givin me? This would put me just below my wage prior to going to school, obviously with more room for advancement as I complete my blocks and eventually getting my red seal.