A Unique Partnership Addresses Driller Shortages: The Encana Example

With 350-400 new wells being drilled in northern BC and a shortage of trained drillers already hampering growth, EnCana and the Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) have joined forces to train 100 Métis drilling rig technicians over the next three years.

This unique educational training partnership was designed to accomplish two important goals; to advance the participation of Métis workers in the drilling industry and to address the growing demand for skilled workers.

“The Métis are not looking to become part of the workforce – they already are a part of the workforce,” says Andrew Popko, vice-president of Aboriginal relations for EnCana, one of North America’s leading natural gas producers and one the largest holders of gas and oil resource lands onshore in North America. Mr. Popko, it should be noted, is a member of the council’s Board of Directors.

“They are a force to be reckoned with... and we are tapping into the energy of the Métis,” he says.
The project first began with a proposal submitted to EnCana by MNBC and Trinidad Drilling last December
that discussed the idea of developing a pilot project for Métis roughneck oil field training.

In four short weeks, the idea turned into an escalated
Pre-Employment Floorman (Roughneck) training program that resulted in 24 participants successfully completing the course on March 14, 2006. With a 100 percent graduation rate and a 90 percent employment rate, this joint training partnership has proven to be an astounding success.

Participants in the comprehensive 20-day program
learn how to safely operate and maintain drilling equipment in a practical, hands-on, realistic
drilling camp environment. Trainees also learn the job responsibilities of the drilling floor and deck crew operations as well as the specific skills of a roustabout and lease hand.

All students participate in an oilfield fitness program
as well as job readiness training and, upon graduation, students also receive industry help in securing employment. It’s a partnership that has created a win-win for both the oil industry and BC Aboriginals.

“This agreement will provide valuable opportunities
for our Métis workforce,” says MNBC president Bruce Dumont.

“The completion of the intensive training offers the graduating Métis students full time employment
and an excellent starting wage which will enhance and improve their lifestyle,” he adds.

With an agreement to host the training program over the next three years, the Pre-Employment Floorman (Roughneck) course represents a commitment of approximately $1 million CDN. EnCana has generously committed $250,000 (over two years) with MNBC contributing the balance through their training resource funding. Trinidad Drilling has agreed to facilitate the training program through its Bear Training Centre in Red Deer, AB.

Given that skilled worker shortages are occurring
in other trade sectors and not just in the drilling industry, Popko says corporations need to consider the Aboriginal workforce as a solution to future demands.
“All companies need to step-up to the plate and work with local communities on training initiatives,”
says Popko.

“Then, hopefully, one day, there will be no more Aboriginal relations departments in corporations because an Aboriginal workforce will be a normal part of doing business,” he adds.

This story first appeared in Issue Ten of the National Report on Aboriginal Inclusion.