SMITHERS, APRIL 27, 2018 – Connecting qualified workers with opportunities in the skilled trades is crucial to successful workforce development, particularly for the promising LNG industry. To tackle this challenge in northern BC, LNG Canada and its pipeline partner TransCanada’s Coastal GasLink have teamed up to expand the “Connect” program to Smithers, giving local job seekers better access to current local opportunities in the construction industry.
Consistent with the LNG Canada Connect program operating in Kitimat and Terrace since 2015, which has already connected more than 200 local candidates to construction jobs, the newly expanded program will be managed by the BC Construction Association (BCCA). The initiative was first completely funded by LNG Canada and operated as an extension to BCCA’s Skilled Trades Employment Program (STEP).
“A vibrant and productive skilled workforce is vital to the prosperity of all industries across BC,” notes Tracey MacKinnon, LNG Canada’s Workforce Development Manager. “LNG Canada is pleased to play a meaningful role in connecting individuals from BC’s northern communities to rewarding employment opportunities in construction, and we welcome the new partnership with TransCanada’s Coastal GasLink project. We continue to appreciate the support of the communities, government, and industry stakeholders as we work together to invest in BC’s tradespeople.”
The success of the Connect program is due in large part to the local expertise and connections of its program representatives who live and work in the communities they serve. Leading operations in Smithers will be Bruce Hobson.
“I look forward to helping local job seekers become job-ready and get them connected to employers who are hiring,” says Hobson. “The Connect program works well because we treat every candidate as an individual, we know the employers, and we take care to make the right connections for the right opportunities at the right time.”
The Coastal GasLink pipeline project will run approximately 670 km in length. The proposed pipeline will safely deliver natural gas from the Dawson Creek area of northern BC to a facility near Kitimat, for export by LNG Canada. This project is expected to create between 2,000 and 2,500 construction jobs in northern BC.
“We’re very pleased to be embarking on this targeted, high-value workforce development program with LNG Canada and the BC Construction Association,” says Gregory Cano, Director of Project Planning and Execution at TransCanada. “We’re looking to assist people in the area who wish to gain the transferable skills and work experience they need to thrive in this economy, and ensure they get visibility to the local opportunities that surround them.”
“The Connect program has always been a win for job seekers, employers, and the larger goals of the sector,” notes Chris Atchison, BCCA President. “We’re grateful for the private sector commitment to training and supports, and extremely pleased to include this announcement as part of Construction and Skilled Trades Month.”
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MEDIA CONTACT
Virginia Keast, Zinc Communications
Virginia@zincstrategies.com
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