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Training Opportunities for Newcomers
Bud Bird
Bud Bird has a dream of buying his own plane and flying it back and forth between home and work. Living and working in Fort McMurray for four years is getting him closer to his dream.
“I came here to make money,” says the Saskatchewan Aboriginal. When he arrived he quickly found work as an equipment operator but realized he could make more money if he upgraded to a Class 1 driver’s licence.
He took the necessary courses and found an employer who was willing to pay him the money he wanted. “You have to be persistent and keep a positive attitude to get what you want,” says Bird.
And that’s exactly what he is doing. He will soon take his medical for his pilot’s licence, a step that gets him closer to his dream.
Whether you’re a high school student or an adult looking for additional training, the Wood Buffalo area is an excellent place to be. Colleges and employers offer many training programs to choose from in the area.
Keyano College
Keyano College is a comprehensive community college that offers educational and training programs, courses, and services in Fort McMurray. They provide degree completion programs, as well as one and two-year university transfer programs in disciplines from General Science to Fine Arts. Certificate and diploma programs are also available, in addition to adult upgrading, trades preparation and apprenticeship programs. A variety of industrial programs help provide a skilled workforce for the oil sands.
Safety Training
Many of the industrial jobs available in the Wood Buffalo region require safety training. While some employers offer this training, being certified on the most up-to-date safety training can help you get a job. There are a number of safety training options in the Wood Buffalo region in a variety of career paths, including oil and gas, service and retail, construction, forestry, transportation and health.
Trades Training
There are many trades job opportunities in Wood Buffalo, and it does help to have the right experience and/or education to get hired.
- Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training
(for all trades workers) - Interprovincial Standards Red Seal
(for trades workers from other provinces) - Regulated Trades
(information for workers with international qualifications) - Credential Recognition
Training for Youth
The area of Wood Buffalo has a high number of youth, and this group often faces its own challenges when it comes to getting trained and employed. In fact, studies like the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy (YES)
have outlined strategies to help the youth in the Wood Buffalo region. As a result, a number of programs and services have been developed to help them get the training and services they need. Find out more: - YMCA Youth Connections – The Youth Connections program delivers career and employment services to youth including workshops, one-on-one client access and informational sessions.
- Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) – The RAP program is an apprenticeship program for high school students.
Funding for Training
Financial support for training is available through many different options.
