FORT ST. JOHN – On March 23, Bob Zimmer, Member of Parliament for Prince George-Peace River,
announced federal funding to support Northern Lights College’s Simulated Well Site Training Facility project that will help the College manage the installation of an oil rig structure, and convert it into a training facility.
“This project is another example of our Government delivering on our jobs and growth agenda,” said Zimmer, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. “The oil and gas industry is a cornerstone of the Canadian economy, and our Government is seizing opportunities to ensure the next generation is trained and ready to prosper from the opportunities this industry has to offer.”
The oil and gas sector is one of the largest and fastest growing segments of the Canadian economy, generating more than $80 billion in revenue annually. It has been estimated that, due to industry growth and an aging workforce, the oil and gas industry will need to hire at least 39,000 new employees by 2020.
This investment of $930,000 will support the establishment of a training facility that will simulate the environment and working conditions of a fully operational well site. With the expanded offerings available through this project, the College will be able to provide students with a broader range of skills, making them more employable and able to take advantage of opportunities in this growing industry
“Given the importance of the oil and gas industry in our region, and the projections that large numbers of skilled workers will be needed to meet labour demands, this oil rig training facility will quickly become a key component of NLC¹s Centre of Excellence in Oil and Gas,” said Laurie Rancourt, President and CEO of Northern Lights College. “We are grateful for the generous contributions from our industry partners and Western Economic Diversification. It is through this type of collaborative effort that we will succeed in meeting the future training needs of industry and our communities.”
Western Economic Diversification Canada works with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West and advances the interests of western Canadians in national decision making.
NLC President Laurie Rancourt, Prince George- Peace River MP Bob Zimmer, and Murray Slezak of Shell Canada.