CBC News reported that a steep demand for skilled trades workers at the construction site for Vale's nickel processing facility near Long Harbor means excellent prospects for students enrolled training programs.

Vale is trying to recruit for about 1,700 jobs at the site, and is short workers in a dozen trades. This weekend, Vale advertised for 600 pipe fitters alone.

Union official Mr Jim Myers said that "It's a very positive thing because that means we're going to be very busy. It's a very positive thing because that means we're going to be very busy."

Mr Dawn Deveaux, who is attending a pipe fitters' school in Mount Pearl, said that "With them looking for 600, it's promising and it's just starting when we go out. Maybe we just lucked into a job."

At a starting wage of USD 33.64 an hour, fellow student Mr Stacey Young hopes to be an apprentice at Long Harbor. He said that "It means that we have job security because like we can stay here and work. We don't have to go away. We can be with our friends and our families for a while."

Mr Jim Myers, the business manager with the United Association, the union that represents pipe fitters and other skilled trades, said that if Vale cannot find workers in Canada, it will recruit outside. However, he said the demand for jobs is excellent news for young people coming into the industry.

He added that "It's a very positive thing because that means we're going to be very busy, and these young people who are doing the courses here with us are going to have the opportunity to get some on the job experience and to move forward with the apprenticeships."

Last week, the Newfoundland and Labrador government created a new department advanced education and skills to help address a looming shortage of skilled labour in the province.

(Source from www.cbc.ca)