N.S. Welders Train for Pipeline Jobs

The provincial government is joining forces with labour and business to ensure Nova Scotians have the training needed to get jobs building natural gas pipelines in the Maritimes.

Premier Russell MacLellan has announced $190,000 to help with the training of 180 welders in techniques needed to build the natural gas pipeline through Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. The money will come from the Nova Scotia Petroleum Directorate.

The training project is a result of a unique partnership between the directorate, the Construction Regional Industry Training Council, the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada, pipeline contractor B.C. Marine, and Human Resources Development Canada.

The 180 welders, members of the plumbing and pipefitting union locals in Halifax, Sydney and Antigonish, are being trained in "downhand" welding. Maritimes and Northeast Pipeline will use the method to construct the mainline and lateral gas pipelines through the two Maritime provinces.

The cost of the training, being carried out by the union, is $1.051 million. The Petroleum Directorate's contribution, to cover direct training costs, represents about 18.5 per cent of this total.

"Using our training funds this way helps ensure that Nova Scotian workers will build the line and benefit from this enormous economic opportunity," said Premier MacLellan, Minister responsible for the Petroleum Directorate. "Our long-term vision is to develop a home-grown workforce that has the skills and experience to take on even more of the work in the oil and gas sector. Sable gas is just the beginning."

Human Resources Development Canada is providing about $237,000 in income support and another $190,000 for welder training. The pipeline contractor has contributed equipment, materials and examiners, while the union is covering the remaining costs.

About $14 million is available for training of Nova Scotians to work in the oil and gas sector. The province is investing $3 million, the Canada/Nova Scotia Development Fund has earmarked $6.7 million, and between $4 million and $5 million will come from offshore and pipeline companies, labour unions, and the federal government. The Petroleum Directorate is responsible for administering training programs and industrial benefits of the oil and gas sector.