The Work Environment | When Workers are Needed | Work Experience Needed

The 200-megawatt Wuskwatim Generating Station is being built at Taskinigahp Falls where the outlet of Wuskwatim Lake joins the Burntwood River. When the station is finished, the power generated will initially be exported to markets outside Manitoba.

The closest communities to the construction site are Thompson (45 km to the northeast) and Nelson House (35 km to the northwest). An access road to the camp has been built from the road (#391) that now connects Nelson House to Thompson.

The Work Environment

Over the estimated six-year construction period, employers who were awarded contracts to work on this project will be hiring several hundred qualified workers for employment in more than 60 different occupations.

Work at the project site is fast-paced and focused on meeting deadlines. Because good weather is such an important factor in meeting construction timelines, and much of the work is seasonal, employees often work nine-hour days, six days a week. Despite the long hours, employees are well-paid, based on a collective bargaining agreement negotiated for the project.

Employees from Thompson and surrounding Aboriginal communities may want to drive to and from work every day. However, most workers will stay in the construction camp, where accommodations, meals, recreational facilities and transportation to and from the worksite are provided.

For more detailed information on the work involved in constructing a generating station, refer to

Generating Stations on the Manitoba Hydro website.

Top

When Workers are Needed

During the first two years of construction:

In late June 2006, Employment Manitoba began accepting registrations from qualified people to help build the Wuskwatim camp and its access road.

During the initial two-year phase, there were about 150 positions available for people with experience as:

• heavy equipment operators
• truck drivers
• mechanics
• general labourers
• service personnel
• positions in food service and catering
• janitors
• security guards

During the last four years of construction:

In addition to the 150 positions filled in the first two years, employers will be hiring approximately 500 qualified workers for work during the project’s final four years. These individuals will be required to work on building the temporary and permanent dams, powerhouse, generating station and converter stations. Employers will also be hiring qualified workers to install the generators and turbines.

Top

Work Experience Needed

Employers will need people with specific trade skills, including experience working on other large construction sites.

Workers hired for these positions will include certified journeypersons, trade apprentices and tradespeople with experience as:

Check Skills Profiles for more information on the various occupations required during the construction of the Wuskwatim Generating Station, as well as the credentials or experience needed to qualify for a job. Training Resources offer a variety of links to training agencies that can help you improve your skill level.

Top