ITA to recruit B.C. LNG workers

B.C.’s Industry Training Authority (ITA) announced the introduction of Construction Craft Worker (CCW) as B.C.’s 48th Red Seal trade. This move was in direct response to the LNG industry’s demand for skilled workers in the north of B.C., specifically construction trades helpers and labourers.

Recent LNG data indicates that the constructio of five LNG plants in B.C. between 2015 - 2024 would create a total industry investment of CAN$ 175 billion, and up to 100 000 jobs: 58 700 direct and indirect construction jobs, 23 800 permanent direct and indirect jobs for operations, and thousands more of induced jobs as a result of households having more income. Construction trade helpers and labourers are in high demand for LNG occupations, with an estimated demand for 11 800 construction trade helpers and labourers by 2018.

Construction craft workers work primarily outdoors; their tasks include site preparation and cleanup, setting up and removing access equipment, and working on concrete, masonry, steel, wood and precast erecting projects. They handle materials and equipment, and perform demolition, excavation and compaction activities.

Comments

“Our organisation is very excited about having the CCW Red Seal occupation in B.C. This programme validates the work that our members have been doing for over 85 years,” said Dean Homewood, Training Plan Administrator, Construction & Specialized Workers’ Union (CSWU) Local 1611. “This occupation will unite the CCW programme across Canada and allow for the transferability of trained workers across Canada. The programme is needed because the labourer is the top manpower position required on the LNG project and/or the pipeline project.”

“We are very pleased to support the launch of the new Construction Craft Worker programme,” said Randy Callaghan, Field Personnel Advisor, PCL Constructors Westcoast Inc. “This new programme will formally recognise the high level of skills required to perform work included in the trade. As a designated Red Seal trade, the formal technical training will increase the skills and abilities of the tradesperson while increasing both the productivity and quality of the work performed for the employer.”

“The recent B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint positions ITA to play a critical role in helping to meet the booming LNG industry’s workforce challenges,” said Gary Herman, CEO, ITA. “We heard there was an immediate need to amplify and raise the standard of excellence for the Construction Craft Worker trade here in B.C., and we responded. It’s a small but crucial step to help ensure we have the right people, in the right place, at the right time.”

“Creating the Construction Craft Worker Red Seal certification is another important example of our Blueprint in action,” said Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour. “Labour market data has identified a critical need for this trade in the LNG industry and other sectors of our growing economy, and through the ITA we are responding decisively to the demand.”

TA has issued a Request for Expression of Interest (RFEI), and will work with training providers to develop a plan for initial rollout.

Adapted from press release by Ted Monroe

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquid-natural-gas/21082014/ita-to-recruit-bc-lng-workers-1256/