The Prince George Nechako Aboriginal Employment and Training Association (PGNAETA) is receiving $300,000 to train up to 44 participants, from Lheidli T’enneh First Nation and McLeod Lake Indian Band, in driver education and foundational trades-training programs.
On the driver education side, up to a dozen participants will get graduated driver’s licence training, while two will get ICBC certification as driving instructors.
“Driving and other fundamental skills open new doors for education and employment for Indigenous people…” says Scott Fraser, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation.
“Providing access to skills training and upgrading in collaboration with Indigenous communities is a priority for our government, and one of the ways we are supporting reconciliation in action.”
On the trades side, up to 10 participants will get certification in foundational trades training, safety training, and computer literacy, in preparation for apprenticeship training.
Up to 20 participants will receive individualized workforce development services.
“This program is focused on driver education and trades training, which will strengthen our community’s participation in the regional economy,” says Dominic Frederick, Chief of Lheidli T’enneh First Nation.
“We are glad to be partnered with McLeod Lake Indian Band and PGNAETA as we enter into year three of our agreement with the Province of B.C.”
All programs are being delivered in Prince George.
PGNAETA is also helping First Nations in central and north-east British Columbia with a $390,000 investment to help build skills and explore careers in environmental stewardship and natural resource development.
“By providing opportunities to build skills in the natural resource sectors, we are supporting Indigenous learners becoming stewards of the environment in their communities,” Fraser explains.
“This is an investment in people and in improving the quality of life in Indigenous communities.”
The Nicola Valley Institute of Technology is partnering with PGNAETA for the Environmental Technology Access program.
This program will train up to 15 participants for employment in the natural resource sectors or post-secondary education in the environmental resource technology program.
Participants will be trained in forestry, fishery enhancement, environmental assessment, mining, oil and gas, and grassland ecology.
“The Environmental Technology Access Program graduates will have experienced a journey leading to mastering technical application, skills, required for practical site assessments, and customized plans leading to higher technical learning,” says Karin Hunt, Executive Director of PGNAETA.
“Graduates will be equipped to play a key support role in the design and implementation of effective environmental projects at the community level.”
The program is funded through the Province’s Indigenous Skills Training Development Fund.
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