VICTORIA - Under the BC Jobs Plan, the Province is working toward three liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants becoming operational by 2020, with one up and running as early as 2015. The Canadian Energy Research Institute estimates direct employment in B.C.'s natural gas sector will grow to as many as 40,000 people by 2035, a significant increase from 12,000 people employed in the natural gas industry as of 2010. An increase in natural gas jobs will support B.C. families, and strengthen local businesses and communities.

Here's how the government is supporting skills training in the LNG sector:

• A Labour Market Partnership (LMP) agreement for a BC Natural Gas Workforce Strategy and Action Plan is being led by the BC Resource Training Organization. The plan will help ensure that there are enough skilled workers to meet the anticipated expansion of this sector. Partners involved in the LMP are the Petroleum Human Resource Council, Spectra Energy, Energy Services BC, Petroleum Services Association, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, Kitimat LNG, Trinidad Drilling and Shell Canada. This initiative is funded through the Canada-BC Labour Market Development Agreement.
• The Government of British Columbia invested $1.9 billion this year in support of educational programs in British Columbia's post-secondary system. Institutions across the province work with provincial industries to ensure that students have access to programs at all levels, whether their career choices require trades certification or a professional degree.
• Employment Skills Access (ESA) programs provide eligible participants with tuition-free, group-based training at public post-secondary institutions around the province in order to prepare them for entry or re-entry into the labour market. ESA is funded through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement. Recent ESA programs include:
• Oil and Gas Essential Skills Pre-Employment - a four-week program at Douglas College to provide learners with a comprehensive introduction to the industry and essential skills prerequisites safety and industry training for oil and gas employment.
• Professional Oilfield Driver - a four- week program at Northern Lights College to provide participants with the training required to gain a Class 1 drivers license as well as the skills needed to gain employment as an oilfield driver.
• Field Medic - a four-week program at Northwest Community College designed to provide participants with the training required to gain employment as an industry field medic. Occupational First Aid Level 3 will be combined with safety certificates for WHMIS, Transportation of Dangerous Goods, and H2S Alive. Given the remote and industrial nature of a lot of these jobs, training as a general radio operator and in petroleum safety will also be included.
• In 2012-13, the ITA will invest over $13 million through Canada-BC Labour Market Agreement funding for initiatives aimed at increasing the participation of Aboriginal people, immigrants, women, and other unemployed or underemployed workers in trades training programs across several industry sectors. It is expected that over 1,500 individuals will be served through these initiatives. For example, ITA is offering $350,000 in LMA funding to the Piping Industry Training Apprenticeship Board, who will partner with Pacific Trail Pipelines Aboriginal Skills Employment Partnership to deliver exploratory trades training to 100 Aboriginal people.
• The Resource Training Organization (RTO) is the industry training organization responsible for trades within the resource sectors including: mining and smelting; pulp and paper; solid wood and utilities; oil and gas; and shipbuilding and repair. RTO is responsible for almost 20 trades. There are currently over 4,400 apprentices registered in RTO managed trades. RTO activities include: developing and updating program standards, engaging employers, and promoting industry training programs within the resource sector across the province. RTO is working with industry to develop a new trade in this sector for natural gas compression technologies.
• A Targeted Skills Shortage Program will assist small- and medium-sized employers within targeted sectors with training plan development and funding to encourage the retention and advancement of low skilled employees. For 2012/13 the targeted sectors are: health care and social assistance, manufacturing, transportation, technology/clean-tech/green economy and natural gas, and 1,200 participants are targeted to be served. This initiative is funded through the Canada-BC Labour Market Agreement.

The Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement (LMA) funds programs and services for people who are low-skilled and for individuals who are not eligible for Employment Insurance. As a direct result of funding under the LMA, thousands of British Columbians are receiving training that will advance their careers, assist in securing new employment and ultimately improve the social and economic outcomes of individuals in B.C. and Canada. The current agreement will expire on March 31, 2014 and B.C. is preparing to enter discussions with the federal government to renew this important agreement and ensure our province has the skilled workforce required to support long-term labour market needs and economic growth.

Quick Links:

Industry Training Authority website: http://www.itabc.ca/

WorkBC skills training programs: http://www.workbc.ca/Education-Training/Programs/Pages/Employment-Programs.aspx

Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement information: http://www.aved.gov.bc.ca/labourmarketagreement/

Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour
250 356-8177