February 8, 2012

British Columbia lines up Aboriginal learners with jobs

VICTORIA, B.C.

A British Columbia training program is connecting Aboriginal learners with growing occupations.

The Aboriginal Training for Employment Program helps participants pursue further studies and employment opportunities such as construction workers, health-care assistants, chefs, entrepreneurs, tourism operators and in many other occupations.

Since the program’s 2010 launch, over 500 Aboriginal learners throughout British Columbia have participated in the program.

With a $4-million investment from the Province through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement, participants receive in-class instruction in conjunction with hands-on learning in laboratories or workshops, and work or volunteer experience relevant to their training.

In addition, job coaches are available to assist students in resume preparation, interview skills, job search strategies and career planning. All programs have Aboriginal cultural components.

For example, the Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society in Vancouver is offering a boilermaker foundation program in partnership with the British Columbia Institute of Technology. The program was developed in response to an existing shortage of workers in this trade and expected demand for boilermakers.

DCN NEWS SERVICES

Print | Comment