Program targets skilled trades women for Kitimat LNG project

LNG Canada and its prime contractor, JGC Fluor BC LNG JV, have announced the launch of Your Place, a B.C. province-wide workforce development program aimed at attracting, recruiting, training, supporting and employing women to work in the construction trades on the LNG Canada Project.

The program includes a four-week workplace readiness training program and employment supports designed to help women start – and succeed – in the skilled trades. Your Place graduates will have a direct line to employment opportunities in an entry level position with JGC Fluor or one of its subcontractors on the LNG Canada Project site in Kitimat, B.C. To remove barriers for women considering a career in the trades, the LNG Canada Project will cover the costs of tuition, safety gear and learning materials for all participants, as well as airfare to and from the training in Kitimat and accommodation for participants from outside the local area.

LNG Canada will be rolling out a province-wide awareness campaign to ensure women across B.C. are aware of Your Place, and the opportunities available to them to participate.

“Women in British Columbia currently represent just under 5% of a typical construction workforce, despite comprising 50% of the working population,” said Andy Calitz, CEO of LNG Canada. “This lack of diversity is not a women’s issue — it is a workplace issue. We are missing out on a talented demographic who will enter careers in the skilled construction trades and help British Columbia prosper. We want women to know there is a place for them on our Project.”

Attracting more women to the construction trades in B.C. is an important part of LNG Canada and JGC Fluor’s comprehensive workforce development strategy and commitment to hiring locally and within the province, prior to recruiting from other parts of Canada.

“JGC Fluor will provide entry level opportunities for training graduates and welcome them to work on a project of significance to all of Canada,” said Phil Clark, project director for JGC Fluor. “As the father of three daughters, I want to ensure women have equal opportunity to pursue a career of their choice, and our company wants to provide that opportunity to all B.C. women.”

Women with existing trades training or experience are also welcome to apply directly to JGC Fluor for employment as construction ramps up.

Women Building Futures (WBF), an Edmonton-based non-profit organization that has championed women’s economic prosperity and success in the construction and maintenance industries for over 20 years, will develop and deliver the customized training. WBF has an industry-recognized approach to assessment, hands-on skills training, workplace readiness and alumni support, ensuring women are well-prepared, and therefore successful, when they join the workforce.

“By providing training opportunities and employment support, Your Place will help remove barriers for women who want to enter the skilled trades and pursue a career in B.C.’s energy sector,” said Michelle Mungall, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. “This unique, innovative program supports the actions our government is taking to make life better for people and build an inclusive economy where everyone benefits.”

“An inclusive workforce is crucial to building the best B.C.,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training. “Our government is committed to supporting Indigenous people and women to access the career training they need to pursue opportunities in the trades. With 71,000 job openings expected in the trades over the next decade throughout B.C., we need to ensure we are creating the right conditions to meet our labour market demands. Partnerships like the one between LNG Canada and JGC Fluor will open doors for 21st century jobs and help move the dial on creating a diverse workforce.”

LNG Canada and JGC Fluor have created an inclusive and welcoming workplace that celebrates diversity and offers opportunity to all British Columbians. LNG Canada is a signatory to BC Construction Association’s Builders Code, a program that provides resources and encourages companies to commit to a harassment, hazing and bullying-free work environment. This not only supports women, but everyone in the workplace. LNG Canada and JGC Fluor are also setting aside a portion of employment opportunities on the LNG Canada Project for apprentices, meaning more opportunity for women and men currently working in the trades, or entering the trades, to advance their careers on the project.