VANCOUVER, British Columbia—The new British Columbia Maritime Employers Association’s (BCMEA) Waterfront Training Centre has officially opened.
As reported in the May-June 2013 issue of MM&D, Greg Vurdela, vice-president of marketing communications and government relations for the British Columbia Maritime Employer’s Association (BCMEA), believes grounding new employees in proper cargo handling methods, and providing refresher training to experienced workers, is a way to improve competitiveness.
“One way the BCMEA can positively affect the supply chain is through training and through productivity and safety on the site. That’s what we’re going to be providing with what we call a world-class training facility. It’s five acres of land purchased in the lower mainland of Vancouver.”
The facility will mimic live operations, giving those in attendance hands-on experience. The initial development will allow for the delivery of training programs from various sectors including containers, breakbulk (logs, lumber, pulp and steel) and bulk.
“The initial stages of development will be completed by the third quarter of the year, and training will begin on handling bulk and breakbulk commodities. In 2014, a crane will be added to the site and used in training individuals how to move containers,” said Vurdela.
He added that because the training will be away from work it will be safer, more efficient and not hurt productivity.
The other advantage to this program will be the ability to follow graduates’ progress.
“We’ll keep track of them so when they get out there, if they’re not operating on the level we consider optimal, we can bring them back to BCMEA U and give them refresher courses. That will be a first in labour relations in North America. Nobody else does that.”
He said last year the association trained over 2,600 people and recruited just under 900 workers who were new to the industry. It spent $5.5 million on training, which he says is about average, but this year, that number will go up. Once fully equipped, the training facility will be worth more than $20 million. The BCMEA represents 60 members companies, including terminal operators and breakbulkers, operating along the West Coast from Prince Rupert to the Fraser River.
Federal transport minister Lisa Raitt took part in the opening ceremony, saying: “Canada must maintain a reliable, efficient, safe, and environmentally responsible transportation system.
“The BCMEA’s training programs will make it possible for a safe and efficient workforce to be ready for the future—a workforce that will help Canada leverage international trade to build our country’s economic prosperity.”
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