Seaspan, Coast Salish Employment and Training Society to create new trades training programs for Indigenous youth
Press Release
April 30, 2026 — Esquimalt, B.C. — Seaspan is proud to announce an investment of up to $3 million for the Coast Salish Employment and Training Society (CSETS) to create new skills training programs for Indigenous Peoples on Southern Vancouver Island who are pursuing a career in the marine industry.
Through this investment, Seaspan will support access to high‑quality trades education and long‑term career paths for Indigenous learners, while strengthening the pipeline of skilled workers for Canada’s shipbuilding and ship repair industry.
Indigenous learners will receive trades training support opportunities integrated with cultural teachings and engagements with Indigenous Elders through:
Skills Upgrading Program, which provides students with accelerated, hands‑on training to receive industry-recognized credentials in the marine industry.
Trades Sampler Program, which allows students to explore different career opportunities in the trades and discover the trade that best suits their interests.
Ship Repair Entry Level Training Program, which will deliver specialized training specific to the ship repair and maintenance industry, one that Seaspan is actively involved with on Vancouver Island. Throughout the last two decades, Seaspan’s Victoria Shipyards in Esquimalt, B.C. has been engaged in the long-term maintenance, repair and modernization of the Royal Canadian Navy’s current fleet of frigates and submarines, as well as on large commercial vessels like cruise ships, fishing vessels and cargo ships.
Trades Apprenticeship & Foundation Courses, ensuring students receive apprentice training and are equipped with entry-level knowledge and general skills in the trades.
This investment in CSETS will also provide funding to students through two streams:
Emergency Relief Funds, to assist students in financial need to complete their training
Achievement Awards, granted to top performing students in marine-related training programs
This investment is part of Seaspan’s Value Proposition commitment under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). The partnership between Seaspan and CSETS will span from 2026 through 2028, with an option to extend for a fourth year through 2029.
QUOTES
“Investing in skills and opportunities is essential to building a strong and resilient Canadian economy. Today’s investment will equip Indigenous youth with the training and experience needed to build meaningful careers in Canada’s marine industry. Through Seaspan’s commitment under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, we are strengthening the workforce our marine sector depends on — revitalizing Canadian shipyards and ensuring Canada can build the vessels needed to support the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard, here at home.”
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
“This $3 million investment is about aligning our economic priorities with real opportunities for Indigenous communities. Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, we’re not just rebuilding ships, we’re rebuilding a skilled workforce here at home. Canada’s marine sector is growing, and demand for skilled trades is outpacing supply. This partnership helps close that gap by creating direct pathways from training to well-paying jobs, while addressing barriers that have too often kept Indigenous workers on the sidelines. It’s a practical step that strengthens our shipbuilding capacity, supports local economies on Vancouver Island, and ensures the benefits of this work are shared more broadly.”
The Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and Québec Lieutenant
“Through this multi-year investment, Seaspan is proud to be supporting the Coast Salish Employment and Training Society to help deliver key programs, funding and training opportunities to the next generation of skilled workers on Vancouver Island. There is an ever-increasing demand for skilled tradespeople in the marine industry here in British Columbia. Organizations like CSETS ensure these students have the skills and training necessary to succeed, and we are excited to be partnering with them on these key initiatives.”
Dave Hargreaves, Senior Vice President – Strategy, Business Development and Communications, Seaspan Shipyards
“CSETS is grateful for Seaspan’s commitment to creating meaningful, long‑term opportunities for Indigenous people on Southern Vancouver Island. This investment allows us to work together to create pathways into lifelong careers in the marine sector while supporting the workforce’s needs. By combining high‑quality skills training with cultural teachings, this partnership will promote the creation of training opportunities that empower learners, strengthen communities, and contribute to a thriving marine industry for generations to come.”
Chief Cindy Daniels, Cowichan Tribes and President of CSETS
QUICK FACTS
Seaspan has, so far, delivered four vessels under the NSS, with three others currently under construction. Seaspan will design, build and deliver up 23 ships for the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard.
Through the NSS, Seaspan has invested almost $35 million to support education, learning, research and skills development in the marine industry, with a special focus on reducing barriers for underrepresented groups, bringing a broad range of new talent into the industry and the trades, including more women and Indigenous people, and creating opportunities for youth through internships and apprenticeships.
Seaspan has been working with mostly the Haisla for well over a decade to build capacity in the members of the band. It got off to a rocky start, but bit by bit it has grown, now with the agreement between the Haisla and Seaspan to run HiSeas (escort vessels) there is a defined career path that will see Haisla members becoming Captains and Ship Pilots.