Employment skills training courses offered in three First Nations communities are supporting Aboriginal people in becoming job-ready for British Columbia’s growing liquefied natural gas (LNG) and natural resource sectors.

The programs are being delivered in the communities of Nadleh Whut’en First Nation, Stellat’en First Nation and the Saik’uz First Nation.

The Trades Access Program is providing 24 unemployed and underemployed Aboriginal participants from the Nadleh Whut’en and Stellat’en First Nations with increased opportunities for trades training and apprenticeships. This includes trades-based essential-skills training and basic upgrading in areas such as trades math and English, as well as career exploration and safety certificates that will prepare participants for successful transition to college-level trades training or apprenticeships. The program runs until Aug. 31, 2016.

For the Saik’uz First Nation, the Aboriginal Employment Readiness Program is designed to address barriers to employment through a holistic program that addresses the needs of 12 participants for personal success, affirmation of cultural identity, social connections, education and employability skills. The program runs until June 30, 2016.

As part of B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint, the Province is investing $302,063 in funding for these skills training programs, which are being administered by the Prince George Nechako Aboriginal Employment and Training Association.

The programs are funded through B.C.’s Aboriginal Skills Training Development Fund. Introduced in 2015, the fund is providing up to $10 million annually over a three-year period for Aboriginal skills training – primarily in northern British Columbia.

Offering community-driven skills training is one part of the Province’s efforts to include First Nations communities and Aboriginal people in new LNG sector opportunities. British Columbia is also working with First Nations communities on environmental stewardship priorities and financial benefits agreements.

Quotes:

John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation –

“Ensuring more First Nations members are able to enjoy the benefits of family-supporting jobs through skills training is a priority for our government. Funding for these programs is an investment in the future employment success of Aboriginal workers in this region.”

Chief Stanley Thomas, Saik’uz First Nation –

“This program is a good thing for the young people, giving them the tools to take advantage of opportunities in the LNG industry or other natural resource industries. It has been a long time coming for our community and opens doors for our people.”

Chief Larry Nooski, Nadleh Whut’en First Nation –

“These skills training programs will benefit our community members – especially our young people. They provide important training and educational opportunities that are pathways to future jobs and careers and further builds on our joint relationships regarding education.”

Chief Archie Patrick, Stellat’en First Nation –

“The people of Stellako fully appreciate the new relationship being fostered by the Province. This training funding is a perfect example of that new relationship.”

Quick Facts:

• Aboriginal people are a priority in B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint.
• More than 40,000 Aboriginal British Columbians live in northern communities and almost half of all Aboriginal people in B.C. are under 25 years old.
• The participation of Aboriginal people in skills training programs is critical to the economic success of B.C. as a whole.
• Aboriginal participation in apprenticeship training has doubled since 2006.
• To date, more than 2,800 Aboriginal people have accessed pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship training programs provided by the Industry Training Authority (ITA).
• To keep our economy diverse, strong and growing, since September 2011, the BC Jobs Plan has been building on the strengths of the province’s most competitive sectors utilizing our educated and skilled workforce.

Learn More:

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

BC Jobs Plan: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/bcjobsplan/

Saik’uz First Nation: www.saikuz.com/

Nadleh Whut’en First Nation: www.nadleh.ca/

Stellat’en First Nation: www.stellaten.ca/

Prince George Nechako Aboriginal Employment and Training Association: www.pgnaeta.bc.ca/