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NORTHERN BC – A graduation ceremony and traditional feast helped celebrate the successful completion of a bridging-to-trades, skills training program by members of Tsil Kaz Koh and Wet’suwet’en First Nations communities today.
“Ensuring more First Nations members have the skills they need to take advantage of job opportunities, especially the direct and indirect jobs created by the emerging LNG industry, is a priority for our government,” says John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation. “That is why we started the Aboriginal Skills Training Development Fund and it is wonderful to see these students setting themselves up for success in their communities.”
More than 100 people were on hand for the event which took place at the Wet’suwet’en First Nation Hall. Proud family and community members joined 20 graduating students for the celebration, which showcased student achievements through the community-based program.
“On behalf of the WFN council we are proud of the work done by Shannon Haizimsque and Tara Alfred for making this project happen for these students,” says Wet’suwet’en First Nation Chief Karen Ogen. “This is exactly what we discuss at the high level meetings about getting our people trained and out the door. We want meaningful employment and training for our people.
The program, offered as a result of B.C.’s Aboriginal Skills Training Development Fund, included eight weeks of practical shop time and one week of blended trades experience in five construction and mechanical trades: carpentry, piping, welding, electrician and millwright. The initial classroom time provided safety certifications, essential skills and career awareness training. The graduating students now have the basics needed to seek an apprenticeship with an employer or to begin college-level trades training. The program was delivered in the community by the Lakes District College of New Caledonia.
“Congratulations to all the students who completed this program,” says Tsil Kaz Koh (Burns Lake Band) Chief Dan George. “Building capacity within our communities is essential in meeting the needs derived from our economic development agreements. It is imperative that while we create opportunities for generating wealth, that it is our people who are benefitting directly.
Provincial funding for the program was provided through the Aboriginal Skills Training Development Fund which is investing up to $30 million over three years for new Aboriginal skills training projects and partnerships.
Offering community-driven skills training is one part of the Province’s efforts to include First Nations communities and Aboriginal people in new Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) sector employment opportunities. British Columbia is also working with First Nations communities on environmental stewardship priorities and financial benefits agreements.
