New trades training program for Aboriginals to open in October

The Industry Training Authority and BC Government are targeting First Nations with the launch of the Enhanced Construction Craft Worker Pilot Program in Fort St. James.

The program is part of BC’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint, which aims to increase the number of Aboriginal People in the trades by 15 thousand over the next 10 years.

“We made a commitment through our Action Plan when we’re looking at trades training for Liquefied Natural Gas to develop a specialized construction craft worker program that,” says Minister of Jobs Shirley Bond, “The fastest growing demographic in BC is Aboriginal young people, and we look at the number of jobs that we are going to require as a result of people retiring, plus new growth, we’re going to need every British Columbian to have the skill set they need to be employable.

As part of the partnership with the Tl’azt’en Nation, the Fort St. James CNC campus will teach technical training, finances, and project management, the Prince George Nechako Aboriginal Employment and Training Association will work on skill building, while the Fort Outreach Employment Services will specialize in Employment supports.

“They’re going to haven an opportunity to be connected to apprentice sponsorships, and it gives them the chance to go on to complete the level 2 technical training to earn the Red Seal Certification,” explains Bond, “When you have your Red Seal, and you’re certified, there’s going to be lots of opportunities.”

With the construction of five potential LNG plants between 2015 and 2024, it is expected that 58,700 direct and indirect construction jobs will be created, including 23,800 permanent jobs.

“LNG offers huge opportunities for employment and economic growth for First Nations communities,” says Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation John Rustad, “The Enhanced Construction Craft Worker program is an excellent example of how government is partnering with First Nations, educators and industry to ensure First Nations and Aboriginal people have the skills and training they need to benefit from LNG development.”