The Minister of Transport, Pablo Rodriguez, has announced the expansion of the Marine Training Program to the Western Arctic Marine Training Consortium (WAMTC) in Hay River, Northwest Territories.

WAMTC will launch its inaugural program in January, offering local residents the skills and qualifications to gain meaningful employment in the marine industry and serve the needs of their community.

Indigenous Peoples and coastal communities’ knowledge and expertise, spanning generations, are critical to protecting our coastal waters now and into the future. Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan continues to build on opportunities for Indigenous Peoples and coastal communities to collaboratively protect, preserve, and restore our oceans and waterways. 

With the longest coastline in the world, Canada relies on qualified marine workers to ensure a safe, efficient, competitive, and sustainable marine sector. The Marine Training Program has been highly successful at reducing barriers and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups in the marine industry. To date, 1,117 students have graduated from a range of training courses, launching their careers with the Canadian Coast Guard, with cruise ship and ferry operators, and other leading companies in the marine sector.   

 “Our students have often been underemployed in the past,” said Cindy Drover-Davidson, Training Manager, WAMTC. “This training equips them with knowledge and skills to gain employment in the well-paying, in-demand marine industry. Opportunities for further training abound and career advancement is a highlight of a graduate’s future. We strive to develop, maintain, and build a diverse, safe, and inclusive environment where students are accepted for who they are and a tight-knit support system develops between students and staff, creating lifelong friendships.”

(Photos from WAMTC)