Although the Western Canada
Piledrivers Training Centre
is relatively new – it opened
in 2009 – the program boasts
an impressive success rate with 95 per
cent of its students graduating.
When asked what has contributed
to its success, Kurt Kashuba, organizer
for the Pile Drivers, Divers, Bridge,
Dock and Wharf Builders Local 2404
Union in Delta, which operates the
Western Canada Piledrivers Training
Centre, says pile driving is simply a
passion – for the instructors and the
apprentices.
“It’s a very specialized industry
that apprentices view as a career
that requires becoming qualified and
achieving and possessing valid tickets
and certifications at all times,”
said Kashuba. “Apprentices realize
that, as journeypersons, they must
keep upgrading their skills. Training
and safety is instilled as the culture of
the piling industry if one wishes to be
successful.”
Through the Centre, Local 2404 has
the only Industry Training Authority
(ITA) designated program in Canada.
The ITA leads and coordinates British
Columbia’s skilled trades system and
works with employers, employees,
industry, labour, training providers and
government to issue credentials, supports
apprenticeships, fund programs,
set program standards and increase
opportunities in the trades.
The Western Canada Piledrivers
Training Centre’s three-year program
includes 18 weeks of in-school training
and a minimum 3,600 field hours.
Apprentices who successfully complete
the program receive a Certificate
of Apprenticeship and Certificate
of Qualification in Pile Driver/
Bridgeworker from the province of
British Columbia.
The Western
Canada
Piledrivers
Training
Centre
The Centre’s three-year
program is geared to making its
graduates knowledgeable about
the many different aspects of
the pile driving industry
By Lisa Kopochinski
26 Q2 2017 www.pilingcanada.ca
/www.pilingcanada.ca
/www.pilingcanada.ca
