More than 140 Aboriginal learners will receive culturally relevant training and support services to connect them to employment opportunities in a range of professions.

As part of B.C.’s Aboriginal Training for Employment Program, $1 million will fund 10 programs delivered by Aboriginal organizations and service providers to help prepare Aboriginal learners for employment opportunities.

Learners will get job-related training such as essential skills and introductory trades training along with mentoring, coaching and support for a range of in-demand jobs. Funding is provided by the Government of Canada through the Canada-British Columbia Job Fund.

For example, Ahousaht First Nation on the west coast of Vancouver Island have partnered with Excel Career College and Cermaq Canada for a program that will enable 12 people to get aquaculture technical diplomas. Another example, the Native Education College is delivering a health care assistant training program for 12 people in Vancouver and 12 people from the remote communities of Kwadacha and Tsay Key Dene, who will study in Prince George.

The projects support B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint that was launched in April 2014. The Blueprint committed to supporting the delivery of skills and training programs that meet Aboriginal learners’ needs and help prepare them to enter B.C.’s labour market.

The program also supports community-based delivery of training for Aboriginal youth and under-employed Aboriginal people in addition to contributing to the implementation of the Aboriginal Post-secondary Education and Training Policy Framework and Action Plan.

Quotes

Advanced Education Minister Amrik Virk -

“Aboriginal young people are the fastest-growing demographic in B.C. Our priority is to ensure Aboriginal workers have the opportunity to fill many of the one million jobs we expect to open in British Columbia by 2022.”

Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister John Rustad -

“These 10 projects throughout the province will provide hands-on learning and experience for more than 140 Aboriginal people in a variety of fields that will position them and their families for future success.”

Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour Shirley Bond -

“These projects are great examples of how B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint is supporting Aboriginal people to take advantage of training and education that will lead to employment. Projects are tailored to meet the unique needs of each Aboriginal community, which helps make sure that the learning experience is meaningful for everyone.”

Native Education College president Dan Guinan -

“The funding will allow the Native Education College to open up additional training spaces in our health care assistant training program in Vancouver as well as in Prince George for students from the Kwadacha and Tsay Key Dene communities. Graduates from this program can find rewarding jobs in various health care sectors that benefit many British Columbians.”

Learn more:

Read a success story about a former Aboriginal Training for Employment Program student:
www.bcbsides.ca/jobs-aquaculture-technician

B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint: www.workbc.ca/skills

Aboriginal Post-secondary Education and Training Policy Framework and Action Plan:
www.aved.gov.bc.ca/aboriginal/docs/Aboriginal_Action_Plan.pdf

A backgrounder follows.

Media Contacts:

Stacey McGaghey Jones
Communications Manager
Ministry of Advanced Education
250 952-6400

(flickr.com)

BACKGROUNDER

Aboriginal Training for Employment Program

Agreements with 10 Aboriginal service providers will provide culturally relevant training and support services that connect 149 Aboriginal learners to employment opportunities.

Service Provider: Ahousaht First Nation
Funding: $100,000
Number of participants: 12
Program summary: Training in partnership with Excel Career College and Cermaq Canada, resulting in an aquaculture technical diploma.

Service Provider: Carrier Sekani Family Services
Funding: $99,807
Number of participants: 24
Program summary: Providing training and employment services for various industry sectors including, forest industries, Aboriginal tourism, mining and agriculture.

Service Provider: First Nations’ Emergency Services Society
Funding: $100,000
Number of participants: 13 (Okanagan)
Program summary: Training for employment in community protection, including firefighting, fuel management and emergency management.

Service Provider: First Nations’ Emergency Services Society
Funding: $100,000
Number of participants: 13 (Williams Lake)
Program summary: Training for employment in community protection, including firefighting, fuel management and emergency management.

Service Provider: Native Education College
Funding: $95,758
Number of participants: 12 (Vancouver)
Program summary: Health care assistant training program. Graduates will work in various health care industry sectors including hospitals, long-term care facilities, home support agencies, elder care and Aboriginal service organizations.

Service Provider: Native Education College
Funding: $95,512
Number of participants: 12 (Prince George for students from Tsay Keh Dene and Kwadacha)
Program summary: Health care assistant training program. Graduates will work in various health care industry sectors including hospitals, long-term care facilities, home support agencies, elder care and Aboriginal service organizations.

Service Provider: Port Alberni Friendship Centre
Funding: $95,897
Number of participants: 12
Program summary: Training and certificates for retail and service industry positions.

Service Provider: Prince George Native Friendship Centre
Funding: $98,746
Number of participants: 24
Program summary: Training in job readiness and pre-employment skills to gain employment in trades.

Service Provider: Sto:lo Nation
Funding: $100,000
Number of participants: 15
Program summary: Pre-foundation 16-week culinary arts programs.

Service Provider: Takla Lake First Nation
Funding: $96,000
Number of participants: 12
Program summary: Skills and employment training for band administrative staff.

Media Contacts:

Stacey McGaghey Jones
Communications Manager
Ministry of Advanced Education
250 952-6400