Due to aging workforce, the shipping companies are facing a looming crisis of labour shortage with numerous seafarer positions left in the lurch.
Recruitment drive
To address this issue of labour shortage, the Seafarers’ Training Institute, in partnership with the Seafarers’ International Union (SIU) of Canada, Algoma Central Corp., Canadian Steamship Lines (CSL) and Groupe Desgagnés have launched a national hiring initiative aimed at recruiting, training and retaining youth for Canada’s growing merchant marine.
A recruitment event is being held Sunday at the St. Catharines Museum & Welland Canals Centre, at the Lock 3 Complex, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
First of its kind
This first of a kind initiative hopes to address the labour issue plaguing the Canadian shipping industry and the country hopes to sort it out soon.
Vince Giannopoulos, SIU member and campaign spokesperson said, “The Seafarers’ Training Institute campaign will inform Canadian youth as well as experienced workers about the good-paying job opportunities in Canada’s marine industry. I started as a seafarer when I was 21 years old, and it was the best decision I ever made. I was making more than $60,000 a year right out of high school”.
Job benefits
In addition to obtaining stable employment, the new recruits can benefits from an array of perks such as paid education, skills upgrading and free room and board through the SIU’s unlicensed apprenticeship program.
The SIU of Canada has an immediate need to recruit 300 new seafarers, as well as an ongoing need to fill positions of an aging workforce. SIU members are hired to work for companies like Canada Steamship Lines, Algoma Central Corp. and Groupe Desgagnés, on vessels in the Great Lakes, and on the East and West Coasts.
Move will benefit Canada shipping industry
The Canadian commercial marine-shipping industry directly contributes $3 billion to the GDP. The hiring initiative through the Seafarers’ Training Institute will serve to provide Canadian youth and experienced workers with secure, good-paying jobs while ensuring Canada’s shipping industry continues to prosper.
James Given, president of the Seafarers’ Training Institute said, “The economic importance of Canada’s marine-shipping industry cannot be understated. We need to fill jobs so we can continue to deliver important cargo across our country. Canada is a great trading nation, and joining our country’s merchant marine is a not just a smart career move, it’s a strategic one”.
The recruitment initiative is complemented by a campaign microsite where interested applicants can learn more about the benefits of a career at sea. Potential recruits can apply online at www.beaseafarer.ca.
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Source: Niagara This Week
