Celebrating the First Graduates of the Operator Training Program: A Step Forward for Reconciliation and Opportunity

On May 16^th, Woodfibre LNG welcomed the first two graduates of its Operator Training Program to the team. Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) member Emily Nahanee and Sq’éwlets First Nation member John Williams completed the academic portion of an intensive, multi-phase program that began early in 2024 and are now officially joining Woodfibre LNG as future facility operators. The success of these graduates is a testament to their hard work and commitment and we congratulate their accomplishment.  

The Operator Training Program was developed in close collaboration with the Squamish Nation, the Squamish Nation Training and Trades Centre, and the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). The program’s goal was to create a clear, supportive pathway for Indigenous community members—particularly Squamish Nation members—to develop the skills, knowledge, and certifications needed for long-term careers in process operations at the Woodfibre LNG facility.

“I joined the WLNG Operator Training Program because I was looking to further my studies. This opportunity came up and it mixed well with my skillsets and my passion to troubleshoot and problem solve,” explained Emily.

Understanding that embarking on a year-long educational program can pose both logistical and financial barriers to many candidates, Woodfibre LNG fully funded the program, covering tuition, materials, meals, travel expenses and providing a training allowance to cover living expenses. This structure ensured that financial barriers do not stand in the way of opportunity and success.

The Operator Training Program is delivered in three key phases over two years. It began with the Operator Trainee Readiness Program, a 13-week course hosted at the Squamish Nation Training and Trades Centre, designed to strengthen students’ foundational math and science skills in preparation for entry into Power Engineering studies. From there, ongoing participants moved into the Power Engineering Phase, a 37-week academic and practical training program delivered by BCIT and the Squamish Nation Training and Trades Centre. Upon successful completion of certification exams, students earn their 4th Class Power Engineering Certificate during this phase and are offered full-time roles as Trainee Operators with Woodfibre LNG. The final phase is the Woodfibre LNG Specifics Phase, offering a year of immersive, on-the-job training both at the Vancouver office and at site, focusing on real-time operations, equipment and processes specific to the plant.

“I’m excited to put all the knowledge we’ve gained over this course into practice,” said John, “It’s going to be exciting to not only get to put into practice the education that we’ve received, but also to see the things we haven’t learned about yet, that will be specific to our plant.”

In addition to the two new graduates, five other participants are continuing to work through the program’s curriculum towards their own program completion. Woodfibre LNG continues to work with these participants to assist them with additional opportunity to complete their training and pursue roles as Operator Trainees. Woodfibre LNG believes in the potential of the candidate class and are invested in helping them succeed—not just in the program, but in building long-term careers.

Emily and John are a testament to the program’s vision and promise. They have demonstrated resilience, commitment, and the ability to thrive in demanding academic and technical environments. As they step into their new roles, they carry the responsibility of helping to operate one of Canada’s most advanced LNG facilities and as ambassadors of Squamish Nation – on site at Swiyat – to continue to act as stewards of the area. We’re proud to have them join the team, value the hard work they’ve done to get here and the wealth of talent and skills that they will bring to Woodfibre LNG.