Seafarers looking to fill 300 jobs, can earn $60k right out of high school

Canada’s maritime industry has an immediate need to hire, train and retain 300 seafarers, and this Saturday, November 17th, the Seafarers’ Training Institute will be in Vancouver to recruit local youth for stable and well-paying jobs as a Canadian Seafarer.

The Seafarers’ Training Institute is hosting a job fair in Vancouver in hopes of meeting local youth who may be interested in a seafaring career. Interested candidates can speak with current seafarers, learn about the benefits of a career at sea and apply on the spot to begin their seafaring career.

The union is touting some serious benefits: New recruits receive free training and room and board and can earn more than $60,000 right out of high school — and are guaranteed their first job.

“Seafaring is a great career option for folks in Vancouver,” says Patrice Caron, President, Seafarers’ Training Institute. “It’s a lot of hard work, but our members have stable jobs, get paid well and are well taken care of by the Seafarers International Union of Canada.”

In addition to stable employment, recruits can benefit from a paid education, skills upgrading and free room and board through the SIU’s Unlicensed Apprenticeship Program. Members of the Seafarers’ International Union enjoy full health benefits and a pension upon retirement.

Earlier this summer, the Seafarers’ Training Institute, in partnership with the Seafarers International Union (SIU) of Canada, Algoma Central Corporation, Canadian Steamship Lines (CSL) and Groupe Desgangés launched a national hiring initiative aimed at recruiting, training and retaining youth for Canada’s growing merchant marine.

The initiative is the first of its kind and scale in the Canadian shipping industry, and positions filled will address an ongoing labour shortage and impending crisis in one of Canada’s fastest growing industries. Joining Canada’s seafarers is more than a job, it’s a career of Stability, Adventure and Pride.

“The Seafarers’ Training Institute campaign informs Canadian youth as well as experienced workers about the good-paying job opportunities in Canada’s marine industry,” says Vince Giannopoulos, SIU member and campaign spokesperson. “I started as a seafarer when I was 21 years old, and it was the best decision I ever made. I was making more than $60,000 a year right out of high school,” says Giannopoulos.

The job fair coming to Vancouver brings the recruitment initiative to life for local youth. Those who may be interested are encouraged to join us at the job fair to learn more about seafaring and apply for a job. More details found here:

Seafarers’ Training Institute

When: Saturday, November 17

Time: 12 pm to 3 pm

Where: John Braithwaite Community Centre – 145 W 1st St, North Vancouver