Portage College and Hanover Research with support from the Government of Alberta recently surveyed and released a report of findings from pipeline industry leaders across Alberta. The report was one of the most comprehensive skills-gap analysis ever conducted of the pipeline industry in Alberta.

 "This is a very dense and comprehensive report compiling a vast array of data on forecasted labour shortages and demands in the pipeline industry," said Dr. Trent Keough, President and CEO of Portage College. "The findings in this report will help us define the next steps in the development of the Pipeline Training Centre in Boyle."

The report forecasts considerable labour shortages for pipeline science, engineering and technical occupations. With the Alberta Government expecting a workforce deficit in these occupations by 2018. Employment forecasts also expect that the demand for construction trades and heavy-equipment operators will outpace labour supply growth.

 The report also surveys the need and necessity of a Pipeline Training Centre in Alberta.

"Looking at the results of the survey portion of this research, over 80% of respondents indicated that they would send current employees to training programs in spill and leak detection," Keough said. "There is absolutely a demand for a fully functioning Pipeline Process Loop in Alberta."

Portage College is currently offering an Intro to Pipeline Construction to industry as a pilot program at their Boyle campus.

"We'll continue to gather research and continue to partner with the Government of Alberta on creating the first Pipeline Training Centre in Boyle," Keough said.

To view the full research document please click here.