Ensuring more Aboriginal people have access to skills training opportunities and jobs related to the liquefied natural gas sector is a key goal of new skills training projects developed with the Doig River First Nation.

The pipeline craftsmanship training and wildlife monitoring program will provide up to 21 Doig River First Nation members with the skills needed to land a job and maximize employment opportunities related to the construction of natural gas pipelines in northeast B.C. To date, 10 participants have completed the pipeline craftsmanship program and eight are currently employed with Surerus Pipeline Inc. on the Plateau natural gas pipeline project. The training was delivered in Fort St. John by Ready4Work Industry Training Inc.

The wildlife monitoring certificate program will be delivered in the Doig River First Nation community by the University of Northern British Columbia. Students will acquire relevant wildlife skills and knowledge for potential use in remote mining, forestry, oil and gas, and LNG projects.

Provincial funding of $144,000 for the training is provided through B.C.’s Aboriginal Skills Training Development Fund, which is investing up to $30 million over three years for new skills training projects and partnerships.

Offering community-driven skills training is one part of the Province’s efforts to include First Nations communities and Indigenous people in new LNG sector opportunities. The Province is also working with First Nations communities on environmental stewardship priorities and financial benefits agreements.

Quotes:

John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation –

“This project will provide Doig River First Nation participants with the training needed to work as skilled, certified and safe natural gas pipeline construction workers and wildlife monitors who maintain the safety of crews working in wilderness environments, and keep them aware of the wildlife around them. It’s the kind of training designed to lead to good, well-paying jobs that will benefit Indigenous workers, their families and the Doig River First Nation community.”

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister responsible for Labour –

“Providing skills training programs and support for Aboriginal participants is key to their success. This funding will help to ensure that program participants from the Doig River First Nation have the education and training they need to participate in the workforce and benefit from a diverse, strong and growing provincial economy.”

Chief Trevor Makadahay, Doig River First Nation –

“This community-based skills training project is successfully connecting Doig River First Nations members to good jobs in the resource sector and helping to build a better future for all of us.

“The skills training that is being funded by the B.C. government is providing positive benefits to our members and our community. As more Doig River First Nations members get the qualifications they need for employment and further education, it is having a positive impact for our members and our community.”

Chad Chapple, president, Ready4Work Industry Training Inc. –

“We are preparing people with the knowledge and confidence to work safely and productively. We are so proud to offer this pipeline craftsmanship training to these entry-level pipeliners. We wish them the best of luck in Canada’s pipeline construction sector.”

Quick Facts:

• Aboriginal people are a priority in B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint. A Blueprint target is to increase Aboriginal workforce participation by 15,000 new Aboriginal workers by 2024.
• During the past year, more than 1,200 First Nations members received training through programs supported by the Aboriginal Skills Training Development Fund. Another 1,000 will be trained in 2017.

Learn More:

Doig River First Nation: http://treaty8.bc.ca/

B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint: https://www.workbc.ca/training-education/b-c-s-skills-for-jobs-blueprint.aspx

The BC Jobs Plan: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/bcjobsplan/