Prince George, BC – Government and industry have teamed up to try and ‘funnel’ some new blood into an area of expertise that is in high demand in the region – the piping trades.

Growth and investment in the natural gas, oil, and energy sectors is increasing demand for skilled welders, plumbers, steam-fitters, and sprinkler-fitters.  A new Northern Piping Trades Skills Development project will be funded by nearly $500-thousand dollars through a joint federal-provincial Labour Market Agreement and the UA Piping Industry College of BC, a private Industry Training Authority designated institute.

As part of the program, 37 unemployed young adults will participate in a six-week exploratory program that will allow them to make a career choice within the piping trades.  The majority of the training will take place at a recently-opened satellite campus of the UA Piping Industry College in Kitimat.  The training will lead to level one certification in one of the four piping trades.

"A career in the trades is very lucrative right now, particularly in the North where we are seeing significant economic growth and investment," says Minister of Jobs, Tourism, and Innovation, Pat Bell.  "Programs like the Northern Piping Trades Skills Development Project focus on reaching out to a group of people who are ready to be employed, but need training and support."

The Executive Director of Training and Apprenticeships at the college, Al Phillips, says, "We look forward to working closely with the communities in Northwest BC while we provide relevant trades training to participants in the area."