In October 2011, the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy Secretariat (NSPS) selected Irving Shipbuilding to manage the construction of combat and patrol ships for the Canadian Navy and Coast Guard. The construction of these ships will bring 20-30 years of economic opportunities to Atlantic Canada and is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2015.
There are many career opportunities with Irving Shipbuilding. You can start exploring career opportunities in the trades by attending a job fair being held on June 16, 2015 at the Holiday Inn Harbourview in Dartmouth, NS.
Who should attend?
You should attend if you have experience in the following areas: welding, pipefitting, marine fabrication, and ironwork. You must also be willing to relocate to work in the Halifax Shipyard.
What should I bring?
If you are attending the job fair, make sure you have your résumé and journeyman tickets in-hand to show the exhibitors. Also be ready to complete an initial assessment for Irving Shipbuilding.
Why should I attend?
Irving Shipbuilding is recruiting for 250 positions starting by fall 2015. The initial hires will consist of laid off workers bring recalled, but many positions will be available once that list is exhausted.
This project has long-term implications for people in the trades. There will be opportunities for employment at the shipyard over the next 20 years. The Shipbuilding Job Fair could be the first step for individuals in a long, successful career in Shipbuilding.
Irving is expecting to hit peak employment levels in 2017 when they will have approximately 1000 people working on the Arctic patrol ships. There is also the potential for future warship production and employment could increase to as many as 1700 people.
To read more about what is happening at Irving Shipbuilding in Halifax: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/irving-shipbuilding-starts-training-and-hiring-blitz-1.3091638
To see the inside of the new assembly hall in the shipyard: http://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=618516
Mike Hennessey
Mike Hennessey, Aboriginal Labour Market Information Analyst, will be a monthly contributor to the JEDI blog. From Pabineau First Nation, Mike holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of New Brunswick and is currently finishing a Masters of Education at UNB. Mike is motivated to share relevant labour market information to help First Nations, industry, and government recognize the potential that lies in the Aboriginal workforce.