Wataynikaneyap Transmission Project Training Program Celebrates Inaugural Graduating Class

Aug 2, 2018

The 15-week certificate program, held in Thunder Bay, Ontario, started in April and is designed for those looking to gain direct or in-direct employment in the construction of the Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project and the powerline industry.

Wataynikaneyap Power PM, Opiikapawiin Services, Infrastructure Health & Safety Association (IHSA), PowerTel and Oshki-Pimache-O-Win: The Wenjack Education Institute joined together to deliver training programs including the Line Crew Ground Support Training, funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Skills and Partnership Fund.

Wataynikaneyap Power is a First Nations led project that will connect 17 remote communities to the provincial power grid. Over 50% of the project is owned by 22 First Nations that have partnered with Fortis Inc.

“It is vital to witness the graduates achieve their goals and complete this intensive certificate-based training program,” says Margaret Kenequanash, CEO of Wataynikaneyap Power. “This is another milestone for our communities to have meaningful participation in the project. Our community members are majority owners of the transmission company and will be the ones to help build the line… Now it’s time to put the graduates to work in the construction of the powerline to gain valuable work experience.”

Graduates of the Line Crew Ground Support Course have spent the last three months participating in the program, combining classroom and practical training, which includes several safety courses, ladder and safe pole handling, the fundamentals of working at heights, mobile crane operator training, specifics on pole line construction, and several other courses that are required for the position.

Opiikapawiin Services LP (OSLP) is coordinating the delivery of the training program. “This is our first round of technical training and we have an excellent work-ready program, says Lucie Edwards, OSLP CEO. “The dedication of the staff and our training partners in working closely with the participants have made it a success”.

Line Crew Ground Support graduates will be seeking meaningful employment in the powerline sector. Joel Meekis, a participant from Sandy Lake First Nation is looking forward to gaining work experience. “The Line Crew Ground Support Course was a great experience for me. There was a lot of hands-on training that I believe has given me the confidence I need to further my career in the industry. The instructors really taught us to trust our equipment and that safety was always a number one priority;” says Meekis. “Although at times it was tough to be away from home, I knew this would benefit my life and the family and create a brighter future. I’m looking forward to putting my skills to use and start my career in powerline construction.”

The Wataynikaneyap Power transmission project is scheduled to be constructed by the end of 2023, and is projected to create 769 jobs during the construction phase and $900 million in socio-economic benefits.

Three additional intakes for the Line Crew Ground Support Training Course will be offered on August 13, 2018, April 29, 2019, and August 19, 2019. The group has a goal to see 48 students receive training certificates. For additional information please visit: www.wataypower.ca.