The Government of British Columbia announced close to $5.6 million for 27 community-based education and training programs for Aboriginal learners around B.C.

"The skills that learners develop in these community-based education and training programs will be the key that opens doors to employment and creates success for individuals, their families and their communities," said Minister of Advanced Education Amrik Virk. "My priority is to ensure young Aboriginal people are prepared to fill many of the million jobs we know will be opening up in British Columbia by 2020."

The investment will help Aboriginal learners develop job-related skills and build careers in the trades. For instance, 32 Aboriginal learners on Vancouver Island are training for jobs in the food and hospitality industry, while in northern B.C., 24 members of the Nak'azdli First Nation are developing skills they need for jobs in the construction and mining sectors.

"I am pleased that our government was able to be a contributing partner in this important initiative," said Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada. "Training and skills development helps ensure Aboriginal youth can access the tools they need to secure employment and participate fully in Canada's economy."

Aboriginal Community-based Delivery Partnership Programs provide a wide range of both classroom and hands-on training and education, from essential skills to post-secondary certification.

"Skilled trades people are in high demand, and the participation of Aboriginal people in trades careers is a critical component of B.C.'s economic success," said Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour Shirley Bond. "This funding will create a pathway to well-paying jobs and brighter futures for Aboriginal youth throughout B.C."

Over the last two years the Aboriginal community-based program committed $10 million in Canada - British Columbia Labour Market Agreement funding, $4 million in Ministry of Advanced Education funding and $3 million in pilot project funds from Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada to support over 50 projects in 39 Aboriginal communities.

"The Aboriginal Community-based Delivery Partnerships Program improves access to education, skills and trades training for Aboriginal students," said Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation John Rustad. "These community-based programs support the BC Jobs Plan and enable Aboriginal British Columbians to gain the knowledge and skills they need to build a strong future for their families and communities, and to take advantage of economic opportunities."

The Program was developed in collaboration with partner organizations including the First Nations Education Steering Committee and the Indigenous Adult and Higher Learning Association.

"Community-based, culturally accessible programming is critical to improving outcomes in Aboriginal education," said First Nations Education Steering Committee president Tyrone McNeill. "This program is contributing to the success of Aboriginal learners, supporting hundreds of students in achieving their education and employment goals. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners under the Aboriginal Post-Secondary Education and Training Policy Framework to effectively meet community and learner needs, and strengthen this important support program."

The program was first announced in June 2012 and delivers on the commitments of the Aboriginal Post-Secondary Education and Training Policy Framework and Action Plan: 2020 Vision for the Future to improve partnerships between public post-secondary institutions and Aboriginal institutes and communities by 2013. Its goal is to increase the number of Aboriginal learners in rural and remote communities accessing post-secondary education and training programs by 2016.

Under the BC Jobs Plan, government is committed to providing funding for community-based delivery of programs that meet Aboriginal learners' needs.

A backgrounder is available at: http://bit.ly/1c1fB4R

Media Contact:

Catherine Loiacono
Communications Manager
Ministry of Advanced Education
250 952-6400