Canadian Yards And Government Speed Up Shipbuilding Training

Canada's major shipyards and the federal government recently signed an agreement to accelerate training programs for skilled tradesmen to meet an expected critical shortage. The agreement was signed by employment and immigration minister Lloyd Axworthy and Ted Jones and Henry Walsh of the Canadian Shipbuilding and Ship Repairing Association.

The agreement is said to be unique in the Canadian shipyard industry by providing for coordinated and cooperative planning among companies—with government assistance—in assessing and forecasting both current and future manpower needs of the industry as a whole. It also places stress on providing more work at all levels in shipyards for women and minorities.

Mr. Jones, senior vice president of Burrard Yarrows Corporation and chairman of the association, said: "Canadian industry must do something now to train more young Canadians in trade skills.

If we don't treat this problem seriously, we're going to find in the next five to 10 years there just won't be enough skilled tradesmen available and our industries could be in deep trouble." The shipyard industry in Canada employs about 14,000, and the majority are skilled trades.

The agreement provides for stepped-up programs to upgrade skills of persons now working in the shipyard industry, and to provide employment and career opportunities for other Canadians —including plans to achieve equal opportunity for women and minorities.

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First published in 1881 Maritime Reporter is the world's largest audited circulation publication serving the global maritime industry.