2005 News Releases
April 11, 2005New occupations provide more options for Albertans
Edmonton... The Alberta government has designated Oil and Gas Transportation Services and Well-Testing Services Supervisor as the newest designated occupations in Alberta. The change means there will now be provincially-recognized industry standards in these careers.
"The trades are vital to Alberta's economic success, and designating these occupations identifies them as viable and desirable career options for Albertans," said Advanced Education and Technology Minister Dave Hancock, who issued the first certificates on April 11. "With a clear picture of the skills they need to succeed in these fields, people can make long-term plans for their learning and career paths."
Government designated the new occupations on the recommendation of the upstream petroleum industry and the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board. In response to industry needs and to avoid unnecessary duplication, the new designations will use the competencies and assessment process of the Petroleum Competency Program, a petroleum industry certification program managed by the Petroleum Human Resources Council of Canada (Petroleum HR Council).
"I'm extremely excited about this program and the many benefits it offers the industry," said Cheryl Knight, Executive Director and CEO of the Petroleum Human Resources Council. "With industry demand for skilled workers at an all-time high and growing regulatory and public expectations about the performance and safety of the upstream petroleum industry, the Petroleum Competency Program is more relevant to the needs of industry than ever before."
"Employers are interested in improving their competitiveness and the sustainability of industry," said Roger Soucy, President of the Petroleum Services Association of Canada. "The designation of Well?Testing Services Supervisor, and Oil and Gas Transportation Services will help in maintaining a highly skilled and competent workforce that meets industry needs in a global economy."
These newly designated occupations join the other trades and occupations currently designated in Alberta's world-class apprenticeship and industry training system. The Oil and Gas Transportation Services category includes certification in six branches:
- Swamper
- Supervisor
- Multi-wheel Truck Operator
- Winch Tractor Operator
- Bed Truck Operator
- Bulk Haul Truck Operator
Backgrounder
Designated Occupations
A designated occupation has clearly identified competencies. When an individual demonstrates achievement in the occupation's identified competencies, the Minister grants an Occupational Certificate. Participation in a designated occupation is voluntary.
Petroleum Human Resources Council of Canada
The Petroleum Human Resources Council of Canada (Petroleum HR Council) is funded by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC). The Petroleum HR Council is a national, collaborative forum that addresses human resources issues within the upstream petroleum industry. Supported by 11 oil and gas national and regional industry organizations, the Petroleum HR Council represents the primary sectors of the upstream petroleum industry in Canada.
The Petroleum HR Council manages the Petroleum Competency Program. Candidates judged competent by a qualified assessor receive a renewable certificate of competency from the Petroleum HR Council and the Petroleum Industry Training Service (PITS). The Ministry of Advanced Education and Technology will grant certification in a designated occupation to workers who hold a valid petroleum competency program certificate and apply to the Minister.
Oil and Gas Transportation Services
The designated occupation involves the transportation of equipment and supplies used in the exploration, development and production of oil and gas resources. Oilfield transportation operations use specialized vehicles fitted with auxiliary equipment designed for the highway moving and off-highway transportation of various types of loads including plant equipment, pipe, camps, and drilling rigs. Each of the six defined branches has specific skills and certification.
Well-Testing Services Supervisors
Supervisors in this occupation oversee well testing operations. Well testing is the process where well data are collected in order to determine reservoir deliverability and for identifying produced fluids as an essential requirement of producing companies to meet business performance requirements. Certification is offered in three levels, based on increasingly complex and hazardous environments.
Apprenticeship in Alberta
Alberta's apprenticeship and industry training system is an industry driven system that ensures a highly skilled, internationally competitive workforce in over 50 designated trades and occupations. Industry sets standards and certification requirements for the designated trades and occupations. An apprentice is someone who learns a trade, both on the job and at school, with a goal of becoming a skilled tradesperson. Apprenticeship starts with choosing a trade and finding an employer willing to hire an apprentice. Apprenticeship programs in most of the trades take between three and four years to complete. Apprentices spend about 80 per cent of their time gaining on-the-job training and experience and 20 per cent attending classes at a college or technical institute.
