VICTORIA - Since 2011, the B.C. government has been aggressively pursuing liquefied natural gas (LNG) development to create jobs and boost the economy.

The construction of this new industry, along with the investments being made by industry to support it, is creating an enormous demand for skilled labour in the province.

LNG Labour Projections

British Columbia's workforce demands have been created with input from LNG proponents and include projections for specific occupations during the various stages of the industry's development.

A scenario of five LNG plants constructed in B.C. between 2015-24 could create a total investment of $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.

Jobs in Demand

At peak construction, LNG demands will be mostly in trades jobs. As facilities start exporting, more workers will be required to support operations. Some occupations, including truck drivers and heavy equipment operators, are important in both construction and operations activities.

At peak construction, the top jobs in demand will be:

• Construction trades helpers and labourers
• Steamfitters and pipefitters
• Welders
• Concrete finishers
• Transport truck drivers
• Carpenters
• Heavy equipment operators
• Gas fitters
• Purchasing agents and officers
• Crane operators
  

Meeting the Demand

In April 2015, the Province released the 1-year Update of B.C.'s Skills for Jobs Blueprint: Re-engineering Education and Training. The update outlines the work being done to target training dollars to in-demand jobs, including those projected in LNG and the natural gas sector. To date, the Province has provided more than $13 million for nearly 3,000 trades training seats, ensuring British Columbians will have the skills and training necessary to be first in line for LNG job opportunities.

Measures to recruit from across Canada, or internationally, will be taken only as required. If workers from outside of Canada are required employers will have to apply to the federal government's Temporary Foreign Worker Program. This program is undergoing an extensive review by the federal government, including measures for a more rigorous process for employers bringing in temporary foreign workers.

Media Contact:

Sandra Steilo
Media Relations
Ministry of Natural Gas Development
250 952-0617