An investment of up to  $6.4-million as part of B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint is helping more than 440 Aboriginal people get the skills and education that they need for jobs in B.C.’s growing economy.

Twenty-three projects will enable partnerships between public post-secondary institutions and local Aboriginal communities to deliver education and training, which can range from academic upgrading through to formal qualifications.

Examples include: business courses, security officer training, plant science, adventure guiding and Aboriginal leadership training.

The Aboriginal Community-Based Delivery Partnerships Program supports education partnerships between public post-secondary institutions and Aboriginal communities. Total funding for the program this year is up to $6.4 million, which includes $2 million from the Ministry of Advanced Education, and up to $4.4 million from the Government of Canada.  Funding includes participant costs for programs to be delivered in First Nations' communities.

In April 2014, government introduced B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint and committed to continuing to provide funding for in-community delivery of skills and training programs that meet Aboriginal learners’ needs and help prepare them to enter B.C.’s labour market.

The Aboriginal Community-Based Delivery Partnerships Program also delivers on commitments of the Aboriginal Post-secondary Education and Training Policy Framework and Action Plan: 2020 Vision for the Future, including:

• Improving partnerships between public post-secondary institutions and Aboriginal institutes and communities.
• Increasing the number of Aboriginal learners in rural and remote communities accessing post-secondary education and training programs.

Learn more about 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

Quotes:

Advanced Education Minister Amrik Virk -

“By improving access to education, skills and trades training for Aboriginal students through programs like the Aboriginal Community-based Delivery Partnerships Program, we can help Aboriginal communities to take advantage of economic opportunities, and support B.C.'s labour market.”

Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister John Rustad -

“These are great examples of how B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint is creating training opportunities for Aboriginal people. Each project is tailored to meet the unique needs of each Aboriginal community, which helps make sure that the learning experience is meaningful for everyone.”

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

“Our goal is to ensure that Aboriginal people are in a position to fill many of the million jobs expected in British Columbia by 2022. As we grow our economy we need to partner with First Nations and use programs like this to train and prepare Aboriginal people so that they have the opportunity to participate in the workforce.”

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Minister Bernard Valcourt -

“Our Government, First Nation parents, leaders and youth all agree: First Nations youth should have the same opportunities as all Canadians to find, keep and enjoy the benefits of a good job. We are pleased to be working with the Province of B.C. to support initiatives that create important opportunities for young Aboriginal Canadians.”

First Nations Education Steering Committee president Tyrone McNeil -

“It is only through meaningful partnerships between First Nations and post-secondary institutions that programs will meet community needs and have a real impact on individuals, families, and communities. Community-based delivery is a priority under the Aboriginal Post-Secondary Education and Training Policy Framework and we are pleased that this program will continue to bring much needed programming to First Nations learners.”

Métis Nation BC president Bruce Dumont -

“Engaging in collaborative partnerships supports and improves educational outcomes for Métis communities. In order to understand the immediate needs and future aspirations of the Métis with regard to education in British Columbia they need to be involved. The Aboriginal Community-Based Delivery Partnerships Program will create many opportunities for Metis community members and build a strong relationship with government and industry.”

A backgrounder follows.

Media Contacts:

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

BACKGROUNDER

Aboriginal Community-Based Delivery Partnerships Program

Twenty-three partnerships between public post-secondary institutions and Aboriginal communities will deliver in-community training and education that leads to further education or employment to more than 440 participants.

Partners: Camosun College and Tseycum First Nation
Funding: $143,480
Number of participants: 16
Program summary: Academic upgrading courses to advance literacy and numeracy skills and industry certificate courses.

Partners: Capilano University, Lil’wat First Nation and Ts’zil Learning Centre
Funding: $184,907
Number of participants: 18
Program summary: Adult Basic Education courses, language and culture courses, industry certificates and work experience. Leads to BC Adult Dogwood.

Partners: College of New Caledonia and Takla Lake
Funding: $129,173
Number of participants: 12
Program summary: Workplace literacy, essential skills and safety certifications along with environmental field assistant courses. Leads to BC Adult Dogwood.

Partners: College of New Caledonia and Wet’suwet’in First Nation
Funding: $305,772
Number of participants: 12
Program summary: Essential skills, job readiness, maintenance and operator training and industry certificates. The program completion certificate leads to the Industry Training Authority’s heavy equipment operator program.

Partners: College of New Caledonia and Yekooche First Nation
Funding: $173,931
Number of participants: 12
Program summary: Workplace literacy, essential skills and safety certifications along with environmental field assistant courses. Leads to BC Adult Dogwood.

Partners: Douglas College, Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre, ACCESS, Turtle Island Indigenous Education Corporation
Funding: $298,769
Number of participants: 44
Program summary: Essential skills, business training, industry certificates and work experience for a certificate of participation which leads into Douglas College’s Hospitality Management Program.

Partners: Justice Institute of BC and Kitsumkalum Band
Funding: $95,907
Number of participants: 15
Program summary: Security and leadership training to prepare security officers for entry positions with Pacific Northwest LNG.

Partners: Justice Institute of BC and Métis Nation British Columbia
Funding: $329,680
Number of participants: 54
Program summary: Courses in anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, medical terminology and industry certifications for an Emergency Medical Responder Certificate.

Partners: Nicola Valley Institute of Technology and Skeetchestn Indian Band
Funding: $85,217
Number of participants: 15
Program summary: Workplace essential skills, English, math, success strategies and computer courses, along with job readiness training for five continuing studies certificates.

Partners: Nicola Valley Institute of Technology and OoknaeKane Friendship Centre
Funding: $135,958
Number of participants: 15
Program summary: Courses in Aboriginal justice, corrections, law and business communications for a Certificate in Aboriginal Leadership in the Justice System.

Partners: Nicola Valley Institute of Technology and Coldwater, Nooaitch, Shackan, Upper Nicola and Lower Nicola Indian Bands
Funding: $281,457
Number of participants: 60
Program summary: Courses in math, English, indigenous studies and industry certification. Leads to an Adult Dogwood and entrance into post-secondary education.

Partners: Okanagan College and Adams Lake Indian Band, with Neskonlith, Little Shuswap Lake Indian bands and Splatsin First Nation
Funding: $255,836
Number of participants: 24
Program summary: Adult education courses, employment readiness and industry certifications.

Partners: Royal Roads University and Tsawout First Nation
Funding: $131,045
Number of participants: 16
Program summary: Courses in plant/soil sciences, nursery technology/propagation, workplace and employment readiness, leading to a Native Plant Propagation Certificate.

Partners: Thompson Rivers University and Esk’etemc First Nations
Funding: $125,503
Number of participants: 12
Program summary: Courses in essential skills, business technology, communications, First Nations governance and culture that lead to business, project management, and executive assistant certificates.

Partners: Thompson Rivers University and Esk’etemc First Nations
Funding: $85,847
Number of participants: 12
Program summary: Introductory courses in wood manufacturing, along with industry and safety certificates for the forestry sector and entry level mill labour.

Partners: Thompson Rivers University and Lillooet Tribal Council
Funding: $190,583
Number of participants: 20
Program summary: Courses in English, math, First Nations studies, cultural anthropology, microcomputers and Windows certificates, leading to an Adult Dogwood.

Partners: Thompson Rivers University and Neskonlith Indian Band and Little Shuswap Lake Indian Band and Adams Lake Indian Band
Funding: $196,301
Number of participants: 12
Program summary: Business, computers, accounting and finance courses for a Certificate in Business Fundamentals.

Partners: Thompson Rivers University and Seabird Island Band and Seabird College
Funding: $146,524
Number of participants: 10
Program summary: BC Adult Dogwood, math, physics, and powerline courses and work experience for a Level 1 Powerline Technician Certificate.

Partners: Thompson Rivers University and Simpcw First Nation
Funding: $290,909
Number of participants: 8
Program summary: Employability skills and industry certificates for a Heavy Equipment Operator Certificate of Apprenticeship.

Partners: Thompson Rivers University and Northern Shuswap Tribal Council
Funding: $106,141
Number of participants: 12
Program summary: Training for the Language Teacher Program and the Developmental Standard Term Certificate. Leads into a Bachelor of Education degree.

Partners: University of Victoria, Haida Nation and Tribal Resources Investment Corporation
Funding: $370,960
Number of participants: 18
Program summary: Courses in business, law, marketing, sales and finance for a first year Business Certificate. Leads into the Business Diploma at Northwest Community College.

Partners: Vancouver Island University and Stz’uminus First Nation
Funding: $149,256
Number of participants: 15
Program summary: First year university courses in accounting, math, English and indigenous learning which will lead to employment in local business or community economic development.

Partners: Vancouver Island University, North Island College and Heiltsuk Tribal Council
Funding: $215,162
Number of participants: 12
Program summary: Industry training and certification for an Adventure Guiding Certificate and VIU’s Tourism or Recreation Studies diplomas.

Media Contacts:

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