Aboriginal learners in the Cowichan Valley will have more opportunities to get certification for in-demand job skills with new community-based education and training agreements between Vancouver Island University and Cowichan Tribes.

The Aboriginal Community-Based Delivery Partnerships Program (ACBDPP) agreements will provide training for 49 learners in three diverse areas: welder "C" certification training - to be delivered by Pacific Energy in Duncan within the Cowichan Tribes community; applied business technology certification - an 11-month program for Cowichan Tribes participants; and health-care assistant certification with an Aboriginal focus - includes eight months of comprehensive training and classroom time.

Under the BC Jobs Plan, government is committed to providing funding for community-based delivery of programs that meet Aboriginal learners' needs. ACBDPP partners deliver job-related education and training in essential skills, and certification in a variety of areas, along with mentoring, coaching and support, through partnerships between post-secondary institutions and Aboriginal-controlled organizations around B.C.

Funding for the community-based delivery partnerships was first announced in June 2012, as part of the Aboriginal Post-Secondary Education and Training Framework and Action Plan. The funding is being provided by the governments of B.C. and Canada through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement, and through Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada's Active Measures Program.

Quotes:

Ida Chong, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation -

"We are focusing on creating an integrated system - one where Aboriginal institutes, post-secondary institutions, and the business community work together. Community-based delivery of training and education helps to support the BC Jobs Plan and enable Aboriginal British Columbians to gain the knowledge and skills they need to take care of their families, build their communities and be successful in their work and personal lives."

Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour -

"Government is committed to ensuring that British Columbians are first in line for jobs here in B.C. and that they have the skills they need to be successful in their chosen fields. Skills training partnerships like this one in the Cowichan Valley make a difference in people's lives by giving them valuable skills they can use to take full advantage of the many opportunities in their communities."

Dr. Ralph Nilson, president and vice-chancellor, Vancouver Island University -

"We are proud to be working in partnership with the government of B.C. and Cowichan Tribes to deliver high-quality education and training to Aboriginal learners in areas where a strong demand exists. With the largest Aboriginal student population in the province, VIU is committed to working together with First Nation communities to provide both access and academic excellence for the next generation of leaders and workers."

Harvey Alphonse, chief, Cowichan Tribes -

"Cowichan Tribes is pleased to be working with Vancouver Island University to provide focused training for Aboriginal learners. Participants will benefit directly by getting the skills they need to land good jobs that will create economic health for their families and the community."

Quick Facts:

• The Aboriginal Community-Based Delivery Partnerships Program is accessible by Aboriginal learners who are 18 years or older and living in B.C.

• Nearly 25,000 students a year who enrol in public post-secondary education identify themselves as Aboriginal.

• In 2010, over 2,700 credentials were awarded to Aboriginal students - a 17 per cent increase over 2007.

• Under the Labour Market Agreement (LMA), the Government of Canada is providing the B.C. government approximately $66 million annually until 2013-14 to fund employment and skills training programs and services for employed people who are low-skilled and for unemployed individuals who are not eligible for Employment Insurance.

• As a direct result of federal LMA funding, thousands of British Columbians are receiving training that will advance their careers, assist in securing new employment and ultimately improve the social and economic outcomes of individuals in B.C. and Canada.

Learn More:

Aboriginal Training for Employment Program and Aboriginal Community-Based Delivery Partnerships Program: www.aved.gov.bc.ca/aboriginal/programs.htm

Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan: www.bcjobsplan.ca

BC Skills and Training Plan: www.bcjobsplan.ca/skills/

During the month of November 2012, the B.C. government asked for ideas from citizens on the topic of building a skilled workforce. See what government is doing to put ideas into action: www.bcjobsplan.ca/ideas-to-actions/

Contact:

Dan Gilmore
Ministry of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology
250 952-6400