The Province of British Columbia is making it easier for Aboriginal learners to enter a career in the skilled trades.
The Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT), Okanagan College and the University of Victoria and eleven Aboriginal communities in the region are teaming up to create six programs that could potentially educated up to 141 people in the trades.
The students will gain the education and skills through online, and face-to-face learning. The skills can then be transferred to jobs including heavy equipment operators and construction craft workers.
The program is receiving $1.2 million through the Aboriginal Community-Based Training Partnerships program, including $246,000 from the Ministry of Advanced Education and $992,000 from the Employment Services and Supports stream of the job fund agreement.
According to the Ministry of Advanced Education, 46 per cent of the Aboriginal population in the province are under the age of 25.
“Aboriginal people are the fastest growing and youngest population in the province. Working to ensure their participation in the economy is important in meeting the skill needs of employers throughout B.C.,” Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister John Rustad said.
