Workplace Challenges

Threat #1: Labour shortage

Have trades will hire

For years, Newfoundland’s been losing droves of tradespeople to other provinces — but the roles might soon reverse with Hebron on the horizon.

By Jennifer McFee
[ 2009-03-03 ]

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Come By Chance needs skilled workers soon.

So do Sunnyside, Arnold’s Cove and other communities along Newfoundland’s Placentia Bay, where construction for the Hebron project – the province’s fourth major offshore oilrig – is slated to start by 2012.

Kathy Dunderdale, Newfoundland and Labrador’s Minister of Natural Resources, said in an August 2008 announcement that during the production phase, she “anticipates continued employment for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians over the 20- to 25-year life of the project.”

But the challenge will be to find the workers. Currently Newfoundland and Labrador don’t have enough skilled tradespeople, particularly in construction and steel fabrication, since so many have ventured west for work.

Industry optimism


To help fill the 3,500 jobs expected to stem from this $20-billion project, the province has dropped $1.5 million into new skilled trades courses at the College of the North Atlantic, plus another $1 million to develop two specialized programs targeted at the oil and gas industry according to a January 2007 provincial government press release.

Some high schools also offer a hands-on course called Futures in Skilled Trades and Technology, which teaches students how to use state-of-the-art equipment in trades ranging from basic construction to engine repair.

The initiatives seem to be working. From 2006 to 2007, the province produced 65 per cent more apprentices, while 41 per cent more locals attained their journeyperson certification, according to a September 2008 provincial government press release.

James Loder, principal of Academy Canada - Trades College, says he’s never experienced so much enthusiasm about Newfoundland’s burgeoning employment opportunities related to their oil industry.

“It would not surprise me if, 10 years from now, we’re recruiting workers from other parts of Canada to come work in Newfoundland, which is an amazing change of fortune.”

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