The energy sector is a major employer in BC. Although labour or trades-based jobs make up a large chunk of employment, other types of skilled and talented workers are required.
Other types of jobs may be available for large-scale energy projects in BC. Here are some options to consider if you want to work in the energy sector.
Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE)HSE officers focus on regulations and enforcement and ensure that all teams and workers follow safety protocols. Common tasks may include inspecting personal protective equipment (PPE) such as reflective vests, hardhats, and harnesses. Additionally, they are responsible for compliance with environmental protection requirements.
LNG Canada also hires paramedics; these individuals typically have extensive first-aid training tailored to an industrial setting.
Logistics & CoordinationLarge-scale energy projects are large and complex, with many moving parts. Construction timelines depend on the accurate and efficient delivery of materials, which requires a lot of coordination behind the scenes. Logistics can include shipping, receiving, scheduling, transport, and more. Additionally, transport and accommodation arrangements apply to some employees. Camp and travel coordinators are the professionals who ensure accurate scheduling and adequate rooms for workers.
Customer Service In some cases, customer service professionals handle transportation, baggage and accommodation details on behalf of workers. Using airline reservation portals may be a requirement for the job, depending on the type of position.
Quality Control (QC) Nothing can be left to chance when it comes to large energy projects. Quality control professionals are in charge of inspecting various infrastructure elements to ensure they are up to standard.
Other Non-Trades Jobs Camps for projects such as LNG Canada require all types of workers. Everything from cooks and dishwashers to snow removal workers. You don’t need a trade or ticket to apply, and sometimes, a high school diploma may not be required.
Opportunities AwaitThere are many avenues for employment in energy sector projects, such as LNG Canada. Managers are eager to hire First Nations workers who are motivated and hard-working.
You require a polished resume and cover letter to get your foot in the door. Now is a great time to apply for a good job on a well-funded project.
GDC regularly updates our career opportunities page with postings in the energy sector and other industries. Make sure to visit this page often to find your next job.

Entrepreneurship is a form of reconciliation in action. Starting and running a business is within reach for motivated and hard-working members.
In fact, First Nations entrepreneurship has been thriving for centuries, with a long history of economic activity in BC. Everything from prosperous fisheries to international trade forms the backdrop to First Nations business practices.
Here is a simple five-step process for members who want to start a business.
Step 1: Business Planning Starting and running a business can be seen as a project with multiple phases. Initially, you must research the product or service offering, who might want it, and why. Budgeting is also essential to ensure sufficient funds are available for starting and expanding the business. The result of this phase is a business plan document that others can review.
Step 2: Business FinancingA practical way to start here is to contact the band office to see which types of funding are available. Members may also contact First Nations financial institutions, the Business Development Bank of Canada, or Community Futures to explore potential financing options.
Step 3: Business RegistrationThis step refers to the nuts and bolts of registering a business name, acquiring permits (business licenses, food service permits, etc.), and choosing a location if required.
Step 4: Business Operations The two main pieces here are to set up physical operations, including furnishings, equipment, and staff (if required), and to start sales and marketing activities, including branding, website creation, marketing communications, and networking. Keep in mind that the most important activity is to acquire, keep and grow the customer base to sustain the business.
Step 5: Business Launch At the end of all the preparation and hard work, it’s time to have a celebration and grand opening!
After the launch event, the owner(s) should plan to make sales and marketing their main priority, and if it isn’t a strength, to surround themselves with the right people and resources that can help. Customers are everything to a business; without them, the enterprise ceases to exist.
AdministrationBusinesses that have employees have ongoing requirements relating to safety, payroll, and more. Priority number one is for employees to be safe on the job, so check any Worksafe BC requirements. Workers will need to be paid, with proper deductions applied. Contact the local band office with any questions about taxation.
Support First Nations and their BusinessesWhether or not yours is a First Nations business, there are elements to consider around decolonization. The way you set up and run your business can help or hinder reconciliation processes. The land you occupy, the vendors you use, and how you run your company all play a part in uplifting First Nations businesses. Ta7talíya Michelle Nahanee of the Squamish Nation outlines the role of entrepreneurship in decolonization in her Small Business BC article, and it’s worth a read for all business owners.
Next Steps Gitga’at members interested in starting and running a business will need access to resources and people who can help. In the beginning, forming the right partnerships and making the right contacts can set one up with a strong foundation for success. You can find some business resources here to help you get started.

Pursuing a job elsewhere may be the right fit for members interested in advancement, more pay, and adventure.
Working away from home can be tough, but it can also be worth it. A job elsewhere can bring benefits that offset the hardships of being away. Before you disregard a posting for a job that’s out of town, here are some factors worth considering.
Pros: Advantages of Working Away From HomeA job in another city, town, or remote area can provide advancement opportunities. By taking on more responsibility in a different position, workers may be eligible for higher pay. Being open to improving skills or knowledge on the job is also a good idea for those interested in moving up the career ladder.
A career elsewhere doesn't have to be a permanent change. It may only be a temporary role that lasts a few months, offering you new experiences, skills, and a higher wage to take to your next position.
Not everyone is willing to leave home for work, which opens the door for others with more flexibility in terms of location. Additionally, jobs may open up opportunities for recreation after work, as long as the hours aren't too long.
Cons: Disadvantages of Working Elsewhere Accepting employment in another area means the worker will be away from home. This type of work often decreases their time with their family and in the community. It may also reduce the time available for leisure and hobbies depending on the job's location.
If the job requires a permanent move, that is a different situation than a camp job where the worker goes home regularly.
Factors to Consider When contemplating a job change, you should weigh the following factors in the decision to take a job elsewhere: FamilyOpportunity Longevity of jobThose who move to a new community for work may have to sell and buy a home, making a more permanent job a necessity. Although no job is guaranteed, some reassurance about the stability of the position can help sway a decision to move for work.
Happiness Working away from home can impact one's sense of contentment. Workers have to consider work within the bigger picture of: Family life Recreation HobbiesOverall well-being
Is Working Away From Home Right for You?Accepting a job elsewhere, although not risk-free, can be an adventurous leap toward exciting new opportunities. Those who make the move may find they are richly rewarded.

Making a career change can be a stressful process. But it is manageable and will go more smoothly if you have a plan.
A great way to approach your career change is to use SMART goals for the 10 steps below, making your goals specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound.Plenty of resources are available in the Prince Rupert area for those considering a career change. The following organizations can help you clarify your career goals, identify skill development or training opportunities, and decide which industries to enter: Gitga’at Development CorporationWork BC: Prince Rupert Hecate Strait Employment Development Society (HSEDS)
How to Find a New JobHere is a step-by-step plan to help you search for new employment. Evaluate Your Current Career Think broadly about your current job and career regarding pay, job satisfaction, company culture, co-workers, room for advancement, the opportunity to develop new skills, knowledge, location, and more.
Assess Your Interests, Skills, and Values (Be Specific)Here are a few questions to ask in your self-assessment:What are your natural talents?What types of skills do people compliment you about?Where are your interests the strongest? Consider Your Specific Target Industries, Companies, or OrganizationsAs part of setting SMART goals, ensure your desired industry is one you could realistically enter with skills you have now or will have in the future. Write down your target industries to make this step measurable.Want to enter the trades? Consider working for an LNG Canada contractor such as JGC Fluor.Determine Whether You Require Skill or Knowledge UpgradesDoes your target job or career require training, skills, or tickets (such as in the trades)? If yes, schedule some time to identify and sign up for those programs in Prince Rupert or elsewhere.Check Out Job OptionsDo a preliminary check of jobs posted in your desired industry or at your target company. The GDC website publishes new career opportunities often from partners such as JGC Fluor, so check those out.Establish Contacts in Your Desired Industries and CompaniesResource centres such as WorkBC and HSEDS can be a big help. Make sure to mention you self-identify as a Gitga’at member, as this admission may help your application stand out.Job Shadowing You can set this up yourself or through a contact at WorkBC, HSEDS, or a Gitga’at joint venture partner.Upgrade Your Resume and Cover LetterSchedule time in your calendar to make updates and enhance your resume. Reach out to others for help if necessary.
Practice Interviewing Improving your skills is a great thing to do at any time.
Reach Out to Potential Employers and Be Prepared to Follow Up Achieving a career change is certainly possible, but it requires work. Keep track of jobs, and interview follow-ups in your calendar.Change Can Be Difficult, But It’s Not ImpossibleWhen making a career change, don’t leave it to chance. Surround yourself with the right people, set deadlines in your calendar, and be specific about what you need to do at each step. By setting SMART goals, you’ll be well on your way to building a great career in Hartley Bay, Prince Rupert, or beyond.

Building a successful career in the energy sector is within reach. Many Gitga’at members are involved in large infrastructure projects as tradespeople, and with plenty of well-paying jobs, it’s a career path open to many.With the right mindset and strategies, you can achieve your career goals. Here are 10 tips for excelling in the energy sector:Take the initiative and fix what’s brokenEmployers are looking for individuals who can spot broken equipment or infrastructure and fix it. Solve new problems, come up with solutions, help others, and create new opportunities for everyone on your team.Review your performanceIt’s essential to assess your performance rather than wait for the boss to do so. Set short-term goals and create a plan for achieving them. Show your performance report to your managers to demonstrate your progress, and they will be impressed.Be ready to learnTo excel in your career, you must be willing to learn new things and tackle additional challenges. Show management that you are teachable and always ready to learn new things.Anticipate the needs of the team (and your boss)Stay a step ahead of your boss by predicting their needs. Ask yourself what they would want to be done next, and take the initiative to get it done efficiently.Communicate wellIt’s essential to communicate with your manager often, clearly, and well. These types of updates will keep them informed of your progress.Set goals Remember that you’re not paid for working hard or staying busy but for delivering on clearly defined goals. Set a goal to set up or fix something faster or to find a new, more efficient way of completing a repetitive process. Show, don’t tell Actions speak louder than words. Show management what you are capable of instead of just talking about it. If that means staying after hours to learn a new piece of heavy equipment, show your superiors that you are willing to do what it takes to succeed. Gain trust Building trust with your manager and team is essential for success in the energy sector. Being reliable, honest, and a hard worker will go a long way toward earning promotions in the future. Show compassionIn general, everyone at work is trying their best. When things are imperfect or require more from you, try to understand the situation and help out where you can. Complaining or pitching a fit will get you noticed for the wrong reasons. Show up with solutionsThings don’t always go according to plan. Issues on the job creep up regularly. Rather than sharing problems and waiting for somebody else to fix them, solve them yourself. Your team and supervisors will notice that you’re a problem solver instead of a problem creator. Ready to Grow Your Career?Keeping these tips in mind allows you to set yourself up for career success. Remember, success is not just about climbing the ladder but also about learning and growing and creating solutions that benefit your team and the organization. Be proactive and take charge of your career development; there’s no limit to how far you can go.

Achieving the goals you set for yourself feels good. It’s essential to clarify your objectives and turn them into a more specific form, so you are more likely to achieve them. SMART goals are a popular way of setting and achieving targets. The acronym stands for specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely. Here are some tips and examples for Gitga’at members on turning regular goals into SMART goals. Specific To make a goal specific, provide more details. It helps to map out different areas of your life or work and set goals in each. Some examples of specific goals that are relevant for members could be: Health: Improve health and fitness by walking a few times a week. Education: Apply for financial support for post-secondary education or learning a trade.Community: Organize or contribute to an event in the community to make it a success. Culture: Participate in traditions, ceremonies, or harvesting activities to connect with culture.
MeasurableAttaching a number to a goal makes it easier to track progress. We’ll take our goals from the previous step and make them more specific and measurable. Health: Walk three times a week for 30 minutes for health and fitness.Education: Apply for financial support from three sources for post-secondary education. Community: contribute to one event in the community to make it a success. Culture: Participate in one tradition, ceremony, or harvesting activity before March 1.
Achievable It’s best to set attainable goals that are possible. By setting practical goals, you are more likely to achieve them. The goal should be challenging but doable. An example of such a goal would be: Gain an entry-level position in the trades by April 1, and be promoted in the industry within three years. Realistic A goal is realistic when it takes into account your available resources and time. Your goal should be something you can see yourself accomplishing. For Gitga’at members, realistic goals might revolve around health, work, family, community, culture, and hobbies. A realistic goal may be:A busy member who lives elsewhere books time off work and life’s other obligations, and makes travel arrangements so they can participate in the next Gitga’at harvest.
Timely Timely goals have a clear start and finish date. This deadline creates a sense of urgency and motivates you to achieve the goal. To set a timely goal, write down the calendar date on which you will reach the objective. For example: To improve health and fitness, a member decides they will walk three times a week, for 30 minutes, starting on March 15. They will evaluate their progress on April 15. To keep themselves accountable, they will use a stopwatch or timer to ensure they walk for 30 minutes and use an app or journal to track each walk.
Take a Look at Your Current GoalsIn summary, SMART goals set you up for success by making your goals more concrete. By turning your objectives into things that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely, you increase your chances of actually achieving your goals.Take your existing goals, and turn them into SMART goals, so you have a better chance at accomplishing the targets you set for yourself.

If you are a member of a First Nations community, funding may be available for your post-secondary education. Your Band, Nation, or community might provide the funds for specific programs, or they may come from another organization. Here is an overview of the programs that may be a good match for your educational needs. Adult Upgrading Grant If you are a First Nations student taking high school upgrading courses at a public college or university, this may be the program for you. The Adult Upgrading Grant assists with tuition, fees, books, supplies, transportation, and unsubsidized childcare.
Student Aid B.C. (SABC)SABC offers a combination of grants, loans, and other financial aid programs to B.C. residents, including First Nations members with a demonstrated need to supplement the costs of post-secondary education.
Provincial Tuition Waiver ProgramThis program supports B.C. students who were youth in care who are now studying full-time or part-time at a B.C. public post-secondary institution, Native Education College, or one of 10 trades training centres.
Indigenous Peoples in Trades Indigenous Peoples in Trades runs various programs to support Indigenous youth and adults interested in a career in the skilled trades.
Indigenous Emergency Assistance Fund The Indigenous Emergency Assistance Fund provides financial assistance for students experiencing unexpected financial emergencies that may impact their ability to finish their studies.
Irving K Barber British Columbia Scholarship Society The society offers scholarships for First Nations, Métis, or Inuit students pursuing post-secondary education in B.C.
Aboriginal Learning LinksThis program provides various resources for any First Nations, Métis, and Inuit learners wishing to pursue or continue post-secondary studies and training in British Columbia. Topics and links include planning your education, paying for school, on-campus resources, child care, housing, and information for former children in care.
New Relationship TrustThis program provides scholarships and bursaries at the Bachelor, Master’s, and Doctorate levels, as well as targeted training opportunities.
IndspireThis national First Nations-led registered charity offers bursaries, scholarships, and awards annually for Indigenous students. They have some fantastic success stories, and it’s worth checking out their website.
Government of Canada’s Indigenous Bursaries Search Tool This valuable resource lists over 750 bursaries, scholarships, and incentives available for First Nations students across Canada.Other Bursaries & ScholarshipsThere are other financial awards available that do not require repayment. Each university or college has different programs available. Contact the Indigenous Services or Financial Aid centres at the college or university you plan to attend or your local Nation’s office for more information.
Funding Can Provide OpportunitiesPost-secondary training and education become more accessible when there is funding in place. Take advantage of the programs, scholarships, and bursaries available to advance your career and open yourself to more opportunities. Learn more about each program here:https://www2.gov.B.C..ca/gov/content/education-training/post-secondary-education/aboriginal-education-training/information-for-aboriginal-students

The LNG Canada Project is a liquefied natural gas export facility currently under construction in Kitimat, BC. What opportunities does this project provide for Gitga’at First Nation’s local workers?Employment Opportunities through LNG CanadaBefore breaking ground on the new facility, LNG Canada made commitments to use local contractors to contribute to the economic development and success of GFN. In the years since the project was announced, LNG Canada has made good on their effort to hire members and local workers to enhance economic growth. For example, the recent announcement of the contract between Gitga’at Waiward Industrial and LNG Canada—a long-term maintenance and site services commitment regarding the new facility.
An Ongoing Need for Workers of All Skill SetsThe LNG Canada Project is a massive undertaking. As the project grows, so do opportunities for members and other local workers. New job postings come up frequently, and members are advised to check the career listings often.The Project employs union and non-union tradespeople across practically every skill imaginable, including general labourers, carpenters, heavy equipment operators, plumbers, electricians, warehouse workers, welders, painters, and more.Opportunities are not limited to those in the trades. There are many positions available for other professionals. For example, health and safety officers, quality assurance and quality control specialists, administrators, coordinators, and planners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where do I find job postings for LNG Canada?GDC posts LNG Canada job listings (and listings for GDC, GFN, and other partners) on the GDC website. These jobs are also updated on the JDC Fluor website, but please note this page also posts jobs for sub-contractors of the joint venture.
Q. If I’m not in Kitimat, can I still apply for job postings?You can always apply for job postings you see online, but ensure you have secured a position before travelling to Kitimat. LNG Canada is currently not hiring on the spot.For those who do not live in Kitimat or Terrace, the typical work rotation is 14 days on, seven off, and each shift is approximately 10 hours. Of course, these rotations may vary depending on the job.Q. How do I apply for these jobs?In general, applications for positions through JDC Fluor and their sub-contractors must be submitted online through the link provided in the job posting.
Q. Do I need to mention that I am a GFN member?Applicants are strongly encouraged to self-identify as a Gitga’at member on their resume/cover letter, allowing them to be noticed during the application process where qualified. This part of the hiring process is meant to help members turn jobs into careers.
LNG Canada is HiringKeep returning to the GDC website to find out the latest opportunities in the LNG Canada Project. Good luck in your job search!

It’s never too late to invest in yourself with education and training to gain meaningful employment. Prepare Yourself for the WorkforceWhether you call it career readiness, work readiness, or being ready for employment, they all refer to preparing yourself to enter the workforce or transition to a different career.Being ready for employment takes effort, as it may involve furthering your education, learning new skills, and creating a step-by-step career path. Putting in the work to advance your knowledge and training shows future employers that you value development. Benefits of Work ReadinessAdditional skills and training may help your resume stand out, but work readiness has additional advantages.It helps you find a fulfilling career in a field that interests you.You develop foundational skills that equip you for success in and outside the workplace. You gain more confidence in your abilities. Five Tips to Help with Work ReadinessIf you are serious about advancing your career, here are the steps you need to take:Start early and give yourself time to broaden your skills and knowledge.Commit to learning, and address any skill gaps that create obstacles to achieving your career goals. Develop and set goals for yourself.Work with others to learn better communication, teamwork, leadership, and compromise.Develop your technical skills to become more efficient in industry-standard programs. Available Education & Training to MembersSome members may find it easy to define a career path, while others need assistance. Many education and training opportunities are available through the City of Prince Rupert. The City provides a directory of community resources that members can use to connect with programs and organizations that can help them achieve the education and training they want or need to further their careers.Some examples of the help available include:Adult upgrading and graduation programsSchool district information Educational advising and financial aidEmployment development and placement organizations Essential skills developmentWorkforce training and continuing studiesAnd moreThe directory provides contact information and links to relevant websites, so members can access the services and organizations they need to move their careers forward. Build Out Your Skills NowSome skills take time to develop. Whether you plan to start a new career in the near future or later, adding to your skill set through training and education always provides value.Visit the City of Prince Rupert’s website to learn more about programs that can help you reach your career goals.