Paul Bickford
Northern News Services

Hay River (Nov 18/02) - A three-day introduction to pipelines was held last week in Hay River for potential workers from various Deh Cho communities.

Jason Villeneuve of Fort Simpson learned how to use pipeline equipment at a three-day orientation session last week in Hay River. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

The safety and orientation program was presented by EOS Pipeline and Facilities Inc., a Calgary company which has worked in the Cameron Hills and hopes to do so again this winter.

Forty participants came from Fort Simpson, Fort Providence, Jean Marie River, Nahanni Butte, Trout Lake, Wrigley, Kakisa, West Point and Hay River.

EOS president Dean Peterson explains his company wants to maximize the number of local workers, but adds it is difficult for a new worker to enter a workplace.

"It's a very unforgiving place for a new person."

The training involved such things as workplace health and safety, transportation of dangerous goods, equipment operation and life skills.

It was the company's first orientation program for non-employees.

EOS charged no fee for the orientation. The various communities helped participants by paying transportation and accommodation costs.

Peterson says the participants -- who ranged in age from 18 to 60, and included two women -- are looking to get into the industry.

However, he noted, there was very limited experience and knowledge about the oil patch among the participants.

"Just the innocent questions opened up my eyes," he says. "They just don't know what the oilfield is all about."

One of the participants was Jason Villeneuve, 30, from Fort Simpson.

Villeneuve, who already has some experience in the oil and gas industry, says he wanted to learn more about pipelines.

There is opportunity in the industry, he says.

"I'd like it as a trade or a career."

Another participant was Patrick Chicot, 34, of Kakisa.

"It's good to get into different stuff because your chances for work are better," Chicot says.

Peterson says the orientation session is part of building a relationship with NWT communities.

"We see a real future in the North as a team with local involvement," he said.

And Peterson added, "We're aware, if we don't include the communities, we're not going to be here."