Jobs, Training & Apprenticeships

Reminder… you can sign up for ongoing training that everyone needs to have by seeing the Despatch Coordinator.  To view the list, go to the bottom of this page.

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NOTHING is open to the general public. 

All jobs, training, and apprenticeship information contained on these pages is strictly for registered ACTIVE longshore workers (Members and Casuals).

New hires are only taken in during a recruitment drive.  These drives occur once every few years.  NOT CURRENTLY.  We will post information regarding recruitment as it becomes available.  Do not phone the office asking when the next recruitment drive will take place.  We do not have that information.  Check back regularly for updates.

Jobs

All job postings, including new jobs, rotations, lines, gang, category increases, trainer jobs etc., close on Thursdays at 3:00 pm — no exceptions.

To apply for any of the posted jobs you must complete a “Job Posting Form” in the Union office prior to the closing deadline.

The M&G Committee is responsible for posting and filling all jobs (except Trainer jobs).  Any questions should be directed to the Committee.

The Vice President is responsible for posting and filling Trainer jobs.

Training

Break Bulk Labour Program Training is ongoing.  There is no closing date.

You may only apply for training if there is a posting open.  Training postings also close on Thursdays at 3:00 pm.

The Vice President is responsible for all training and any queries should be directed to him.
DO NOT CONTACT THE BCMEA FOR ANY TRAINING QUESTIONS! 

All inquiries regarding training apart from questions about Labour Training (KM BFF, Container Vessel Safety Training, Break Bulk, and Vanterm Container Labourer) must be directed to the Vice President of ILWU Local 500 who is the Industry Training Coordinator (ITC).  Contacting the BCMEA directly will result in charges through the M&G – See Bulletin below.

22 02 17 Bulletin – Training Questions

Training Forms:

Forms are also available at the ILWU Local 500 Office.

Site Specific Training

(Labour Training at Centerm, Western, Vanterm, Best Foot Forward at KM, etc.)
You may only apply for Site Specific Training at the Despatch Hall with the Despatch Coordinators.  There is no sign up at the Union office.

Apprenticeships

There is a joint ILWU/BCMEA Apprenticeship Program in place.  Only registered ACTIVE longshore workers (Members or Casuals) are eligible to apply for postings when they are open.  We DO NOT hire apprentices from outside the Industry.


The following are the ONLY open postings (Jobs, Training, Apprenticeship) at the current time (solely open to Active, registered Longshore workers).

Sometimes there are more postings than can be viewed on this page.  To see page 2, click on “>” next to the name of the month just below here (or at the very bottom of the page).

ONGOING TRAINING
– APPLY AT DESPATCH

  • Break Bulk Labour Program / Steel
  • Container Vessel Safety Program
  • Centerm Yard Labourer / Shed Person
  • Confined Space
  • Working at Heights

 

Apr 17 @ 8:00 am – Dec 31 @ 4:00 pm
8:00 am
Click below to view any of the specific postings. They are open on an ongoing basis.  You may apply for these postings at any time. ONGOING Topside Training closing December 31, 2026 at 3 PM    
8:00 am
SQUAMISH Dock Checker Training ONGOING SQUAMISH FEL/Pusher Training ONGOING SQUAMISH Reach Stacker Training ONGOING SQUAMISH Ship Lift Truck Training ONGOING SQUAMISH Topside Training ONGOING   Click above to view the posting
8:00 am
Dock Gantry Trainer 26 10 09 RTG Trainer 26 10 09 Click the links above to view each of the 2 postings. Both close Thursday, October 22, 2026 @ 3:00 p.m.  
12:00 pm
New Job Postings Closing Thursday, October 22, 2026 @ 3:00 pm Click above for more information. DP WORLD (Centerm) 2 Heavy Duty Mechanic Van Wharves (Pembina) 4  Liquid Bulk NEPTUNE 1 Trackman      
12:00 pm
Regular Lines Posting Closing Thursday, October 22, 2026 @ 3:00 pm One (1) Position to Replace: 32770 Amrik Gill Job Starts Sunday, October 25 12:00 am