ACCESS Program Supports Skills Development and Training in High-Demand Trades, Creates Career Paths Into Canada’s Shipbuilding Industry

June 8, 2021 – North Vancouver, BC – Today Seaspan Shipyards announced a $1.35 million investment to increase training and apprenticeship opportunities for Indigenous students aged 19 through 30 interested in building a career in the trades, including in the growing shipbuilding and marine sector.

The three-year investment is being made in the Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society (ACCESS), a non-profit organization that has been providing education and employment training for the urban Indigenous community since 1999.

Seaspan’s investment will support skills upgrading and technical training in welding and metal fabrication through the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Beginning in 2022, Seaspan’s investment will also help establish a Trades Sampler Program to introduce Indigenous high school students in five Lower Mainland districts to career opportunities in the trades. Seaspan’s investment will also support an annual $25,000 Seaspan Student Scholarship fund.

This investment is part of Seaspan’s ongoing partnership with the ACCESS organization. Since 2016, Seaspan has invested more than $4.3M in ACCESS as a part of Seaspan’s value proposition commitment under Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy.

To mark the occasion, Seaspan also released a video featuring special messages from several stakeholders and ACCESS students.

QUOTES

“We know that ensuring a strong economic recovery means leaving no one behind. Seaspan Shipyards’ collaboration with ACCESS will unlock Canada’s potential, while creating more opportunities for Indigenous young people to engage in training and upskilling, and access these long-term careers.”
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“Creating meaningful opportunities for Indigenous youth is key to building long-term economic resilience. This collaboration between Seaspan Shipyards and ACCESS will provide Indigenous youth in British Columbia, particularly here on the North Shore, with the training and workplace opportunities necessary to support their future employment and participation in Canada’s economy.”
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“Today’s investment in ACCESS will help ensure Indigenous youth in British Columbia are involved in Canada’s post-pandemic economic recovery. Through the creation of new training opportunities and apprenticeships in the growing shipbuilding and marine industry, this investment will provide long-term economic growth, jobs, and opportunities for Indigenous youth.”
Terry Beech, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

“ACCESS takes pride in serving our urban Indigenous community. Training and employment lead to a brighter future and Seaspan is one of our most valued partners. By providing real opportunity for meaningful and long-term employment, Seaspan expands the ability of ACCESS to support our community.”
Lynn White, President & CEO, ACCESS (Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society)

“Having a continuous pipeline of skilled trades is fundamental to shipbuilding, and programs like ACCESS play a critical role in developing that talent pool. We hope this investment will enable young urban Indigenous students to pursue new and exciting career opportunities in the growing marine industry in British Columbia.”
­Mark Lamarre, Chief Executive Officer, Seaspan Shipyards

QUICK FACTS

ASSOCIATED LINKS

ABOUT SEASPAN SHIPYARDS

Seaspan Shipyards, a division of Seaspan ULC, is a leader in Canada’s shipbuilding and ship repair industry. With modern facilities and a dedicated workforce of approximately 2,700 in North Vancouver and Victoria, the company has proven itself to be a trusted partner on a range of complex projects for both government and the private sector.

Seaspan Shipyards is proud to be Canada’s chosen non-combat shipbuilder under the NSS. In this capacity, the company is building state-of-the-art ships in Canada for the Canadian Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Navy. Through its NSS-related work, Seaspan Shipyards is creating jobs, generating economic benefits and rebuilding Canada’s shipbuilding and marine industries.

Seaspan Shipyards Media Contact

Keelan Green
green@prospectus.ca
613-220-2016

 

ABOUT ACCESS

ACCESS delivers an assortment of training, employment advising, support and financial services specifically designed to provide urban Indigenous peoples with the education and skills they require to compete equally and effectively in today’s job market. ACCESS has a specific trades department that was established to increase training and apprenticeship opportunities in the urban Indigenous community. To date, ACCESS has supported over 700 Indigenous apprentices and journeypersons in over forty different trades. ACCESS offers a continuum of training and employment services to the Indigenous community.

ACCESS Media Contact

Helen Boyce
hboyce@accessfutures.com
604-922-4077

Marcy Waughtal
mwaughtal@accessfutures.com
604-922-4077