ACCESS program provides skills training to prepare Indigenous workers for a career in the marine industry
February 13, 2025 – North Vancouver, BC – Seaspan is proud to announce a $2.5 million investment to create new skills training and apprenticeship opportunities for Indigenous People in Greater Vancouver who want to pursue a career in the marine industry.
The 5-year funding program is a continuation of a longstanding partnership with Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services (ACCESS), a non-profit organization that has developed and delivered robust Indigenous employment and training programs since 1999.
The ACCESS program helps prepare Indigenous community members for a career in shipbuilding by providing industry-recognized skills training through local colleges, such as BCIT, as well as comprehensive support services designed to ensure successful completion, incorporating cultural exploration and awareness as a key element of the training, alongside personalized one-on-one support and mentoring.
Through the program, students will receive trades training support in the following areas:
- Skills upgrading and technical training at BCIT: participants will complete training in metal fabrication, welding, bridge watch, or other shipbuilding trades.
- Highschool outreach: ACCESS will hold “sampler programs” with five lower mainland school districts: North Vancouver, Surrey, Vancouver, Coquitlam and Burnaby, with the goal of introducing high school students to the trades and providing practical, in-demand skills training.
- Emergency relief funds: $22,500 per year will be donated to the Urban Spirit Foundation (USF) for funding to assist students in completing their training.
- Achievement awards: $2,500 per year in awards will be granted to top performing students in marine-related training programs.
Since 2016, Seaspan has invested more than $6.8 million in ACCESS to support skills training programs as part of Seaspan’s value proposition commitment under Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy.
QUOTES
“Creating meaningful economic opportunities for Indigenous youth is key to building an inclusive society based on the principles of reconciliation, and in turn, our industries and economy will be better and stronger for it. This partnership between Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services and Seaspan will provide Indigenous students with the training and apprenticeship opportunities they need to pursue exciting careers in the rapidly growing marine industry.”
- The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
“We are deeply grateful for Seaspan’s ongoing support, which enables us to create meaningful opportunities for our Indigenous community to develop the skills and certifications needed to pursue apprenticeships and build long-term careers in the marine industry. Our commitment extends to supporting students every step of the way, and we are dedicated to encouraging and empowering skilled trades career opportunities for our program participants including women and youth.”
- Lynn White, President & CEO, ACCESS
“We are proud to continue partnering with ACCESS to help deliver skills development programs tailored to urban Indigenous people so they can pursue high-demand and rewarding careers in shipbuilding. As we create the next generation of BC shipbuilders, we need to ensure that we are reducing barriers and building a diverse workforce. Programs such as this help us achieve that goal and provide opportunities for generational careers in our rapidly expanding industry.”
- John McCarthy, CEO, Seaspan Shipyards
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ABOUT SEASPAN
Seaspan is a leader in Canada’s ship design, engineering, building and ship repair industry. With modern facilities and a dedicated workforce of approximately 4,300 in North Vancouver and Victoria, the company has proven itself to be a trusted and strategic partner on a range of complex projects for both the government and private sector.
ABOUT ACCESS
ACCESS is one of the most comprehensive Indigenous training providers in Canada, providing a variety of employment and training programs and services to urban Indigenous peoples in Vancouver. ACCESS supports all Indigenous people, providing status, non-status. Métis, and Inuit people with access to education and training that leads to meaningful long-term employment.
MEDIA CONTACT
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