NEW RESOURCES available to job seekers, and employers, from BC Hydro and Vancouver Reginal Construction Association

BC Hydro is launching a new program with Northern Lights College designed to train heavy equipment operators on the Site C project.

The 14-day-long course takes place at the Site C construction site between March 25 and April 7. Participants will receive applicable site safety orientations, study employment essentials, and have the opportunity for hands-on learning with both small and large equipment on site.

The program is supported by Peace River Hydro Partners, the Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC) and North East Native Advancement Society.

In addition to the pre-heavy equipment operator skills pilot program, BC Hydro, in partnership with Northern Lights College, is also re-introducing its pre-carpentry skills program after a successful launch in 2019. The course teaches essential carpentry skills in preparation for employment opportunities with the Site C project.

The pre-carpentry program is sponsored by Site C contractors Aecon-Flatiron-Dragados-EBC Partnership and Peace River Hydro Partners, along with the Construction Maintenance and Allied Workers of Canada and North East Native Advancement Society.

Participants in both programs will stay at the Site C worker accommodation camp and the curriculum copies the regular Site C work schedule of 14 days on, seven days off and 10-hour workdays.

Those interested in the pre-heavy equipment operator program must apply by March 11, and May 8 for the pre-carpentry program. Applicants must be at least 18 years old with government-issued photo ID and need to pass a drug and alcohol test and interview. Preference will be given to local Indigenous candidates.

IN OTHER NEWS ... regarding employment training and opportunities ...

Employment in British Columbia’s construction industry is expected to grow by nearly 8 per cent – approximately 16,600 jobs – over the coming decade. 

At the same time, B.C.’s construction workforce is getting older. By 2029, some 44,200 men and women – approximately 22 per cent of construction workers – are expected to retire.

Even with the prospect of recruiting 37,800 new entrants under the age of 30 to the industry during this 10-year period, the industry will be short 23,000 skilled trades workers by 2029.

Recognizing the importance of attracting men and women into the construction industry, the Vancouver Regional Construction Association has created a resource page for job seekers that explores careers in construction and provides access to research about which skilled trades have the greatest demand as well as trades training and certifications programs.

The new page complements the Navigating the Skilled Labour Shortage resource page launched on March 2, designed for employers around the recruitment life cycle of ... Understand the Market, Attract, Train and Retain.