ITA to deliver LNG workforce through an Action Plan

The Industry Training Authority (ITA) launched an action plan for LNG trades training, a strategic plan to prepare a skilled and qualified workforce for B.C.’s developing liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector, with a focus on the northern regions of the province.

Key stakeholders, including industry, Aboriginal peoples and relevant government ministries have validated the Action Plan.

The latest data shows that a scenario with five LNG plants would see a requirement of over 20,000 trade workers by 2018; this includes high-demand scenarios for construction labourers (including craft workers), steamfitters, pipefitters, sprinkler system installers, gasfitters, industrial electricians, millwrights, machinists and welders.

An action plan for LNG Trades Training sets out immediate and longer-term actions to be implemented during the period leading up to final investment decisions by the major LNG proponents. The plan positions the ITA to coordinate with government and industry to grow a skilled workforce to meet this demand. The plan also ensures that British Columbians, including Aboriginal people, women and new Canadians, are first in line for LNG-related jobs.

“ITA’s LNG action plan is delivering on our B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint commitment to align trades training with the needs of the LNG sector,” said Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour. “The plan provides a clear and inclusive approach to growing in-demand skills and maximizing the potential of B.C.’s workforce in LNG and other priority industries.”

“British Columbia’s LNG prospects are growing and creating job opportunities across the province,” said Rich Coleman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Natural Gas Development. “The ITA plan is the latest measure to ensure British Columbians are prepared with trades training and the skills necessary to benefit from this emerging industry.”

“LNG Canada is pleased with the leadership demonstrated by ITA in its action plan for LNG trades training. The measures outlined can help support the development of an LNG industry in B.C.,” said Susannah Pierce, Director, External Relations, LNG Canada. “We look forward to continued constructive engagement with ITA as priorities and work plans are further developed.”

ITA, in collaboration with industry, has already implemented a number of actions outlined in the plan, including the appointment of the Premier’s Liquefied Natural Gas Working Group as ITA’s LNG Sector Advisory Group, and designating Construction Craft Worker as a new Red Seal trade in British Columbia. The Construction Craft Worker is projected to be the largest in-demand occupation for the construction phase of LNG development.

“LNG is a priority for all of us,” says Gary Herman, ITA CEO. “This action plan is about moving quickly and smartly, and with collaboration, to promote opportunities in the trades and to ensure that B.C. has the right people, in the right place, at the right time. While LNG is the focus of the majority of actions, other sectors will also benefit from these actions.”

Key Areas of Focus

• Aligning the skilled trades system, resulting in a coordinated cross-provincial and national labour pool,
• Identifying and removing barriers to entry for Aboriginal people, women and new Canadians,
• Promoting LNG-related trade career opportunities (e.g., career fairs, and Aboriginal and youth outreach),
• Removing barriers to trade qualifications and certifications (e.g., exam challenge process and identifying skilled trades qualification gaps).

Confirmed and Proposed Actions

The action plan contains 16 actions. Eight are confirmed (including six in progress), and eight are in the proposal stage. ITA will continue receiving input from industry on the confirmed actions, and will further consult with LNG stakeholders on developing proposed actions in conjunction with assessing available resources.

The LNG action plan aligns with the recently launched B. C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint and the recommendations made in the Industry Training Authority and Trades Training in BC: Recalibrating for High Performance (the McDonald Report). The plan also closely aligns with regional and sectoral demands, and addresses government’s annual direction to ITA, which is detailed in the 2014/2015 Government’s Letter of Expectations.

Press Release, September 16, 2014; Image: gov.bc.ca