AltaGas and other industry partners launched a pilot training initiative in January 2016, the Black Swan Training Operator Program. The goal of this program is to provide long term, career oriented and meaningful jobs to First Nations. The Program provides hands-on professional training, support and mentorship to First Nations students to enhance their technical skills and prepare them for operational roles in the workforce.

The pilot proved to be a huge success with almost all of the participants graduating from the program including 12 Blueberry River First Nation (BRFN) students who took part in the program. AltaGas, industry partners and BRFN members attended the graduation celebration ceremony on May 26 to celebrate the achievement of these graduates. Some of the graduates have already secured employment as a result of the program.

“As a founding partner in the Black Swan Training Operator Program we are proud to celebrate the achievement of Blueberry River First Nation students,” said David Harris, President and Chief Executive Officer of AltaGas. “AltaGas is proud to be involved in this innovative pilot project that certifies graduates to work in the energy sector as gas plant operators. We are demonstrating our commitment to this Program by offering two graduates employment opportunities at our Townsend program once it becomes operational.”