The provincial government’s LNG Energy Seminar provided Squamish residents looking for more information about liquefied natural gas (LNG) with industry details this week.
The event was held at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park under a heavy presence of private security guards. Early in the afternoon on Tuesday (Dec. 16) three members of the RCMP were monitoring a protest line at the park entrance.
Eben Watt, the director of strategic projects with the B.C. Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training, was overseeing the interactive section of the event aimed at giving students more information about job opportunities in the LNG industry. Find Your Fit, as the area was dubbed, offered students an opportunity to learn about energy-sector occupations.
“We’ve identified a variety of occupations that are in demand in B.C. and then we have also identified some of the skills associated with them,” said Watt.
Watt and a team of supervisors were letting students try some of the things workers do in various occupations.
The hands-on activities allow students to identify what skills come naturally, what the students like to do and what they excel at, Watt explained.
“If they are really successful at it and it comes naturally to them, great,” said Watt. “Then the other question is: did they like it? Was it fun for them? If you can do something that you enjoy doing, that you’re good at doing and you can get paid to do, that’s a great occupation.”
Vicki Schenk with Howe Sound Secondary School said it was great for students who are exploring career ideas. “The challenge is getting the kids to the events and now that it’s here, I think it’s great,” she said.
The LNG Buy BC advocate was on hand for the event. Former B.C. Liberal Party leader Gordon Wilson said he was there to make sure Squamish companies are properly prepared to take on LNG work.
“The government is committed to British Columbia engagement in this industry at all levels,” said Wilson. “One of the most important levels is in local business.”
