Seaspan contributes to $5.26-million new marine training centre for B.C. workforce

The Dennis and Phyllis Foundation and shipbuilder and marine services provider Seaspan are donating $5.26 million to establish the Trades Training Centre at Camosun College’s Coastal Centre in Esquimalt, British Columbia.

Located next to Victoria Shipyards, the centre will adopt an Indigenous First approach, offering scholarships and prioritized access to Indigenous students. By allocating $200,000 towards scholarships, the initiative seeks to empower Indigenous students and assist them in overcoming longstanding financial and systemic barriers to education.

“The Trades Training Centre is crucial for closing the existing skills gap in the marine trades while also developing a diverse and inclusive workforce,” says John McCarthy, Seaspan Shipyards’ CEO.

A modern and full equipped facility will provide training in specialized trades within a culturally responsive environment that fosters inclusivity and community engagement. The advanced classrooms and adaptable shop spaces are being designed to meet the evolving requirements of the marine trades.

To ensure graduates are job-ready, the centre’s programs will offer a broad array of training options, including safety certifications and specialized maritime training.