Blueberry students complete pipeline training

Training was hosted by Mastec Canada, which provided funding and expert instructors, alongside Enbridge.

Mar 3, 2021 12:38 PM By: Tom Summer | Alaska Highway News

A group of indigenous students completed their 10-day pre-employment pipeline training program last week, courtesy of Buick Oilfield Services Ltd. and NENAS.

Training was hosted by Mastec Canada, which provided funding and expert instructors, alongside Enbridge. Students worked to qualify as pipeliners, receiving all required certifications. 

“It’s a fantastic training program, they’re picking up a lot in a very short period of time,” said Blueberry Elder Clarence Apsassin. “But with the amount of effort that’s being put into this, the students say they’ve learned a lot.”

Mastec program instructor John Telford said he’s proud of the students.

“It’s a dangerous industry if you’re not trained properly, not thinking about it,” Telford said. “I appreciate [them] getting in there, being attentive, and giving 100%.”

Deanne McLeod, executive director for the North East Native Advancing Society, is looking forward to future opportunities to work with industry stakeholders.

“This was a perfect example of how our First Nations communities, NENAS, industry partners and employers can work together to provide relevant hands on training to prepare our students to actively participate in the current labour market,” said McLeod.

tsummer@ahnfsj.ca