Today's release of the results from the B.C. Shipbuilding and Repair Workforce Table help government and industry align their skills and training investments to capitalize on what will be a decade of growth in the shipbuilding and repair sector.

The analysis provides a complete picture of both the demand for, and supply of, jobs in the shipbuilding and repair industry. Sector employers, fleet owners, unions, industry associations, trades and training associations, and the B.C. government contributed to the labour market research. The result is a full accounting of the human resources and skills needs in an industry expected to generate $10 billion for the provincial economy by 2020.

For the first time, the shipbuilding and repair sector has established a baseline for current employment at 4,627 jobs. This includes direct employment in the sector, as well as employment in the metal plate and fabrication sector, which predominately serves the shipbuilding industry. Projected employment in both sectors is 6,883 direct and indirect jobs by 2016 and 7,605 by 2020.

To support the sector, government has already invested $550,000 to develop training programs for the Industrial Marine Training and Applied Research Centre in Esquimalt, which is operated by the Resource Training Organization. The new industry-led, marine-training centre will strive to support workforce renewal in the industry through training and education. It will also be a focal point for applied research to increase productivity and improve processes in the sector so that industry can meet the increasing level of business activity.

Government has also created new tax credits for eligible employers who employ apprentices in the shipbuilding and ship repair industry. Eligible industry employers can receive a refundable tax credit of 20 per cent of wages paid per year - up to $5,250 per eligible apprentice - in the first 24 months of an eligible apprenticeship program. Shipbuilding and ship repair industry employer tax credits are also enhanced by 50 per cent for apprentices who are First Nations individuals or persons with disabilities.

Government will continue to support the sector through a new B.C. Shipbuilding and Repair Board that has been formed to lead, co-ordinate, and integrate cross-industry workforce development, technology and process development, and industry development projects. Funding for the workforce table is provided through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement.

Quotes:

Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour -

"The Shipbuilding and Repair Workforce Table gives us, for the first time ever, a blueprint for where to target our skills and training investments in an industry that we know will be growing and adding jobs to our economy for the next decade. The work of this table will help us tailor the capacity we have in our schools, colleges, universities and training authorities so we can ensure we have workers with the right skills in the right place at the right time to meet the demands of this important industry."

John Yap, Minister of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology and Responsible for Multiculturalism -

"Through BC's Jobs Plan and with our Skills and Training Plan, we're focused on ensuring British Columbians are trained and ready for the jobs industry needs to fill. We know the shipbuilding industry is poised for growth, and the work developed from this specific table makes certain that government, our institutions, particularly BCIT and Camosun, and the industry are successful in meeting the future skilled workforce demands."

Brian Carter, president Seaspan Shipyards -

"Co-operation between the provincial government and shipbuilding industry has been very favourable. Seaspan has reviewed the workforce table report and is pleased with the progress made thus far. A continued strong relationship between the provincial government and Seaspan is important for the long-term success of the industry. We look forward to further dialogue and support on this very important issue."

Alex Rueben, chair, Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Industry Workforce Table -

"The shipbuilding and ship repair industry has entered an exciting period of growth that brings with it the need for a larger and highly skilled workforce. The workforce table has laid the groundwork for the strategies and steps that need to be taken to enable the challenges of current and future work requirements to be met and to allow for the expansion and enhanced competitiveness of the entire sector. The provincial government has been an engaged and very supportive player throughout the entire process and in other important initiatives for the industry."

Quick Facts:

• While not specific to shipbuilding and repair, there are a number of trades that are commonly found within the sector, including construction electrician, machinist, metal fabricator, steamfitter and pipefitter.
• There are currently more than 6,800 apprentices registered in these trades throughout B.C.
• There are more than 200 apprentices currently registered to employers within the shipbuilding industry.
• The Resource Training Organization (RTO) is the industry training organization responsible for trades within the shipbuilding and repair sector. The RTO is responsible for 18 trades and almost 4,700 registered apprentices.
• The Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement (LMA) funds programs and services for unemployed individuals who are not eligible for employment insurance and for employed people who are low-skilled.
• As a direct result of federal LMA funding, 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.
• Between 2008 and 2012, the LMA has provided training to approximately 74,000 individuals throughout the province.
• 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.
• The B.C. government is asking for ideas from citizens on the topic of building a skilled workforce. You can contribute your ideas, comment or make a suggestion at: www.bcjobsplan.ca/

Learn More:

B.C. Shipbuilding and Repair Workforce Table communiqué: http://www.rtobc.com/About_the_RTO/Resource_Sector_Seeks_Human_Resources.htm

Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan: www.bcjobsplan.ca

Skills and Training Plan: www.bcjobsplan.ca/skills-and-training-plan/

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

Media Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training
250 356-8177