Four public post-secondary institutions are partnering with seven Aboriginal communities in the Vancouver Island – B.C. Coast region to deliver programs that will help prepare 124 Aboriginal learners for jobs in the skilled trades and forestry.

Participants will gain the skills to work as wildlife tour operators, fisheries technicians and environmental monitors.

Seven programs are receiving $1.5 million through the Aboriginal Community-Based Training Partnerships program in 2015-16.

Programs in the region will be delivered in partnership between Aboriginal communities and by Camosun College, University of Victoria, Vancouver Island University and North Island College.

46% of the Aboriginal population in B.C. are under 25 and increasing their participation in the workforce is important to supporting a diverse, strong and growing economy.

The 1.5 million for the seven Aboriginal Community-Based Training Partnerships programs includes $486,000 from the Ministry of Advanced Education and $1.01 million from the Employment Services and Supports (ESS) stream of the Canada-B.C. Job Fund Agreement.

A total of 348 proposals for funding from 135 individual organizations were submitted to the B.C. government for ESS funding by the application deadline in April. In 2015-16, a total of $36.4 million was provided to the province for all ESS programs, including the Aboriginal Community-Based Training Partnerships programs and programs available through the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training.

The Canada Job Fund helps ensure training programs give individuals the skills to enter and succeed in the job market. The goal of ESS is to increase the labour market participation of British Columbians by assisting them to prepare for entry to, or return to, sustainable employment.

The programs support the BC Jobs Plan, B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint, and the Aboriginal Post-Secondary Education and Training Policy Framework and Action Plan (Aboriginal Framework).

Quotes:

Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson –

“The skills Aboriginal learners will gain through these programs will help to open the door to employment. Increasing the number of Aboriginal peoples with in-demand skills will support families and our diverse, strong and growing economy.”

Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister John Rustad –

“Aboriginal people are the fastest growing and youngest population in B.C. Working to ensure their participation in the economy is important in meeting the skill needs of employers throughout B.C.”

Comox Valley MLA Don McRae –

“With almost an estimated one million job openings in B.C. and more than 150,000 on Vancouver Island, to 2024, it’s important to help Aboriginal people gain the skills necessary for these opportunities. These programs will give Aboriginal learners the experience they need to gain employment.”

Camosun College president Sherri Bell –

“Camosun is proudly committed to engaging with local communities in support of Indigenous student success. This funding will allow us to enhance our close partnerships with the Tseycum First Nation, with Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, and with other community partners we working collaboratively with to provide more Indigenous students with the opportunity to acquire job-specific, culturally supportive skills training.”

University of Victoria president Jamie Cassels, Q.C. –

“We are honoured by the invitation to join the Haida Nation on their journey to enhance their community-based economies. This program focuses on developing individuals’ skills and understanding of what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur in the context of Indigenous community economic development. This partnership is an example of UVic’s commitment to provide access for Indigenous communities to programs and expertise that can have a lasting impact in their communities. Over the past three years the Gustavson School of Business at UVic has delivered eight specialized community-based entrepreneurship and economic development programs to participants from over 25 Indigenous communities in B.C.”

Vancouver Island University president Dr. Ralph Nilson –

“This key partnership provides support for Aboriginal students to reach their potential, gain skills that will help them succeed, and create opportunities for them to participate in the growing economy as full and active partners contributing to a brighter future for British Columbia.”

North Island College president Dr. John Bowman –

“North Island College is proud to work in partnership with Nuxalk College’s Lip’alhayc Learning Centre, in Bella Coola. This funding removes barriers for students who might otherwise not have access to college education. The skills students will gain in trades, health and applied business technology fields will prepare them for future success.”

Learn More:

BC Jobs Plan and Aboriginal Peoples and First Nations: http://ow.ly/V4B0P

B.C. 2024 Labour Market Outlook: http://ow.ly/V4B5D

B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint: http://ow.ly/XBDsv

Canada-B.C. Job Fund Agreement: http://ow.ly/XBlna

Aboriginal Framework: http://ow.ly/V5rVn

A backgrounder follows.