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Build a strong career with amazing benefits at Marine & Shipbuilders Local 506

Shipbuilders union is recruiting for positions that include great benefits packages

Shipfitter Felix Yumul started his career after high school as a metal fabricator, unsure about what he wanted to do with his life.

But when he was offered an opportunity to apprentice with Marine & Shipbuilders Local 506, constructing and repairing boats, he jumped at the chance to work in a safe and supportive environment where he could see massive projects come together from start to finish.

“You get to see all of your hard work come together and what the whole team can accomplish,” Yumul says.

Now 33 years old and vice president of Local 506, Yumul says joining the shipbuilders was the best career move he could have made. 

“I see myself working on ships for the rest of my life,” Yumul says.

He credits part of his success with the supportive environment of the union.

 “The learning experience in the union, with everyone guiding and teaching me has been great,” Yumul says.

“We try to make the work easier on everyone, so employees don’t feel like the stress of everything is solely on them. When you’re in a smaller shop, there are many people who have the same skill set. But there are numerous people here who possess the different skills, so everyone helps each other.”

Local 506 is looking for qualified tradespeople to join them at the Vancouver Shipyard in North Vancouver, to work on exciting large-scale projects.

 Currently, the shipbuilders are in the process of constructing the Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel and the Joint Support Ships for the Royal Canadian Navy. When completed, it will be the largest ship by length ever built in Canada. Future contracts include the polar icebreaker, the flagship of the Canadian Coast Guards icebreaking fleet.

“Based on the fact that we have a long-term project that will last 10 years at least if you join us, there will be room for you to grow and learn,” Yumul says. 

“You never stop learning, and you’ll have a job for life. This is a great opportunity for everyone in Canada. We accept resumes from all across the country. At the end of the day, it’s a valued career, and it opens many doors.”

Some other great reasons to start your career with Marine & Shipbuilders Local 506 include:

Health benefits

The Marine & Shipbuilders Local 506 Health & Welfare Plan was established in May 1967 to provide group life and health benefits for eligible members and their covered dependents.

Dental is 100% covered for cleanings and minor work, hospital visits are covered, along with long- and short-term disability. The union also offers life insurance for members. 

Great pension plan

Eligible Local 506 members are able to retire at 60 with no penalties.

“One of the best benefits of working with the union is that we get a pension so that if we reach a certain age we don’t have to worry about where our source of income will be,” Yumul says.

“It’s always good to have a safety net.”

Commitment to workplace safety

Local 506 always advocates for better safety standards and more safety supplies. 

One of the union’s roles is ensuring it provides its members with the opportunity to work in a safe, healthy workplace environment.  

The union looks out for the best interests of its members, proactively working to safeguard against workplace injuries. 

Career advancement

Build your career with Local 506.

Members are frequently eligible for upgrading their skills and receiving paid training for qualifying for new tickets. 

The union also offers apprenticeships, a combination of on-the-job training and classroom learning that usually takes four years to complete. Local 506’s apprenticeships are open to women, men, and youth and are a great way to earn as you learn.

Paid vacation time

Dedicated time off is the key to a healthy work-life balance.

Local 506 Marine & Shipbuilders are eligible for paid time off, which starts at two weeks a year.

After two years, the paid time off jumps to three weeks and the amount of eligible time off grows with years of service.