Vancouver Shipyards: Building Canada’s most advanced ships, one weld at a time

This article originally appeared in the North Shore News. 

Welders at Seaspan Shipyards in North Vancouver are building something bigger than themselves. With every weld, they’re building Canada’s future fleet and advancing long-term careers in a growing industry.

For supervisor Eli Guillen Silva and welder Jonathan Searle, working at Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards offers both technical challenge and professional growth in their skill sets in a supportive environment.

A new chapter in shipbuilding

Jonathan joined Seaspan last summer, bringing years of pipeline welding experience from Alberta’s oil and gas sector.

Originally from Vancouver, he was living in Whistler when he decided to pursue a career in the trades. A family friend offered him accommodation in Fort McMurray so he could be closer to job opportunities, prompting him to relocate and start his apprenticeship. After completing his apprenticeship with Willbros Canada, he earned his Red Seal certification and returned to the pipeline welding, often working 14 days on and seven days off.

Shipbuilding presented a new challenge

“There’s a lot to learn and that’s what led me to welding in the first place,” Jonathan says. “You’re constantly improving and every day looks different which keeps things interesting.”

At Seaspan, he found not only new technical challenges but a clear path for growth.

Jonathan now works on the Canadian Coast Guard’s new polar icebreaker, a complex, multi-purpose vessel designed for year-round operations in Canada’s Arctic waters. The seams he welds undergo ultrasonic testing for quality control, something he says is a source of pride for him.

“I like the aspect of being tested and being accountable,” he says. “You’re competing against yourself and putting your best effort in.” He credits Seaspan’s team dynamics and mentors for helping him reach that level. “There are opportunities to grow and move your way up as a welder here. And with the new ships, there are different challenges daily. With the long book of work, there’s real longevity.”

His advice to prospective welders? “Be patient and ready to learn. There’s a balance between being efficient and executing a weld properly. Have a good attitude and work on your ability.”

Growth through mentorship

Eli Guillen Silva started his journey at Seaspan seven years ago as a third-year apprentice.

“I enjoyed the apprentice program,” he says. “It was a good opportunity to gain mentorship from experienced welders.”

Although he had prior welding experience, including work with Kiewit, shipbuilding introduced new procedures and quality standards. “It was a new set of challenges,” he explains. “But the environment and culture at Seaspan allowed me to really slow down and focus on building my skills.”

Today, Eli supervises a team of welders working on complex shipbuilding projects, including the polar icebreaker. Over the years, he’s seen both the yard and its workforce expand significantly.

“The culture is really focused on advancing welders and supporting you to grow your skills,” Eli says. “Welders want to get their hours in and obtain their tickets and Seaspan supports that.” As a supervisor, he finds the greatest satisfaction in supporting his team. “My favourite part of the job is helping others and supporting them,” he says. “A big part of my role is knowing everyone’s skillset, putting employees in the right place and making sure they have the tools they need to succeed.”

Eli points to his crew in the block assembly shop as an example of the drive and talent across the yard. “There’s talent everywhere and hardworking people throughout the company, but things move really quickly here. There’s a lot of problem solving happening and the team works really well with other trades to make things happen.”

Building vessels that serve Canada

The heavy polar icebreaker represents the next phase of Seaspan’s shipbuilding program, building on other projects such as the recently delivered Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel (OOSV) and the Joint Support Ships (JSS) currently under construction. “It’s a challenge,” Guillen Silva says, “but we’re ready to meet it.” He sees Seaspan’s future as one of growth and national pride.

With major projects underway and decades of work secured, Seaspan offers welders something rare in the trades: stability, career progression and the opportunity to do meaningful work on Canada’s most advanced ships.

For welders considering their next move, both Jonathan and Eli emphasize the same message: bring a strong work ethic, stay open to learning and embrace the challenge. For those ready to strike an arc, the opportunity is here in North Vancouver.