By Matt Fetinko

Are there enough workers to meet demand of upcoming projects?

Nov 17, 2020 | 3:45 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — Despite COVID throwing a wrench in a lot of people’s plans this year, that does not seem to be the case for natural resource and trades projects

However, while that is positive, there may be some issues that arise because of it. In our region alone, major projects involving West Coast Olefins, mining operations, and pipelines will provide plenty of work but there is a worry there might not be enough workers to meet that demand. The BC Resources Coalition believes that begins with youth involvement.

“We always need more workers,” said Clint Chappell, Media Lead for the BC Resources Coalition.

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“I think you really have to start incentivizing youth to get into trades more. When I was growing up in Prince George, trades were always looked on as a last resort. I think we have to change the conversation when it comes to trades and in doing that, you’re going to build up a really good pool of a young, able workforce throughout the province.”

That starts with school. The College of New Caledonia is maintaining stable enrollment in its trades programs through COVID-19, at least for now. Though it has had to make some changes like slightly smaller class sizes. Or in the mechanics class, for example, students gather around a TV while the instructor streams video and explains their lesson.

“We have a great working relationship with the school district. Our CTC training really angles our training to high school kids so they have a good opportunity to step right from high school into our foundation programs,” explained Frank Rossi, Dean of Trades & Technology at CNC.