In a move to foster Indigenous participation in the marine industry, Seaspan has announced a $2.5 million investment aimed at expanding skills training and apprenticeship opportunities for Indigenous individuals in Greater Vancouver. This initiative builds upon the company’s ongoing commitment to workforce development and diversity within the shipbuilding sector.

“Creating meaningful economic opportunities for Indigenous youth is key to building an inclusive society based on the principles of reconciliation, and in turn, our industries and economy will be better and stronger for it. This partnership between Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services and Seaspan will provide Indigenous students with the training and apprenticeship opportunities they need to pursue exciting careers in the rapidly growing marine industry,” explained the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.

The five-year funding program is an extension of Seaspan’s longstanding collaboration with Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services (ACCESS), a non-profit organization that has been providing employment and training programs for Indigenous communities since 1999. This partnership seeks to equip Indigenous workers with industry-recognized skills and ensure they receive the necessary support to successfully transition into careers in shipbuilding.

“We are deeply grateful for Seaspan’s ongoing support, which enables us to create meaningful opportunities for our Indigenous community to develop the skills and certifications needed to pursue apprenticeships and build long-term careers in the marine industry. Our commitment extends to supporting students every step of the way, and we are dedicated to encouraging and empowering skilled trades career opportunities for our program participants including women and youth,” expressed Lynn White, President & CEO, ACCESS.

The ACCESS program plays a pivotal role in preparing Indigenous individuals for marine industry careers by offering specialized training at local institutions such as BCIT. In addition to technical education, the program integrates cultural awareness and personal support, ensuring students receive guidance tailored to their unique needs.

“We are proud to continue partnering with ACCESS to help deliver skills development programs tailored to urban Indigenous people so they can pursue high-demand and rewarding careers in shipbuilding. As we create the next generation of BC shipbuilders, we need to ensure that we are reducing barriers and building a diverse workforce. Programs such as this help us achieve that goal and provide opportunities for generational careers in our rapidly expanding industry,” sadi John McCarthy, CEO, Seaspan Shipyards.

Participants in the program will have access to a range of training and support services, including:

  • Technical and skills development: Students will undergo training in shipbuilding trades such as metal fabrication, welding, and bridge watch at BCIT.
  • High school outreach initiatives: ACCESS will introduce “sampler programs” across five Lower Mainland school districts—North Vancouver, Surrey, Vancouver, Coquitlam, and Burnaby—to expose students to trades-related career opportunities.
  • Emergency financial assistance: An annual contribution of $22,500 will be allocated to the Urban Spirit Foundation (USF) to provide financial relief for students facing barriers to completing their training.
  • Achievement awards: Each year, $2,500 in awards will be granted to high-achieving students enrolled in marine-related training programs.

Seaspan’s ongoing partnership with ACCESS has already had a substantial impact. Since 2016, the company has invested over $6.8 million in various training initiatives as part of its broader commitment under Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy. This latest investment underscores Seaspan’s dedication to fostering a skilled, diverse, and inclusive workforce in the marine industry.