Apprenticeship programs for Aboriginals

Alberta | British Columbia | Manitoba | Ontario | Saskatchewan

Alberta

The Alberta Aboriginal Apprenticeship Project (AAAP) [1] was established in 2001 to promote apprenticeship and industry training to Aboriginal people, communities and organizations in Alberta.

The Aboriginal Futures Career and Training Centre [2] runs Trade Winds to Success, a program that helps Aboriginal people start a career in one of the following trades:

• Boilermaker
• Carpenter
• Ironworker
• Plumber
• Steamfitter/Pipefitter
• Welder

To learn more, call 1-403-253-5311.

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British Columbia

Aboriginal Apprenticeship & Industry Training [3] (AAIT) combines traditional practices with current labour skills in training programs designed for First Nations peoples. AAIT’s long-term goal is to establish self-governed Aboriginal training programs that reinforce and incorporate native languages, traditions and values. Trainees receive counselling, financial and academic support, and have the opportunity to work in Aboriginal communities, businesses and industry.

AAIT has developed the following core programs:

• Residential Building Maintenance Worker Program
• Introduction to Welding and Vocational Skills Upgrading Program
• Entry Level Carpentry
• Access To Trades
• Trades Math
• Project Management
• Building Inspector
• AAIT Workshops

For more information, check out Aboriginal Apprenticeship & Industry Training [3] (AAIT).

The British Columbia Construction Association [4] and the Vancouver Regional Construction Association [5] have partnered with several B.C. Aboriginal organizations as well as major construction employers in Vancouver's Lower Mainland to train and employ hundreds of Aboriginal Workers. The Vancouver Aboriginal Skills and Employment Program (VanASEP) is designed to create multiple entry points for Aboriginal peole to access construction careers.

For infomation on how to get involved, visit the VanASEP website [6].

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Manitoba

Manitoba offers an Aboriginal Apprenticeship Training [7] program that provides community-based training in First Nations and Métis communities. Band-sponsored apprentices gain on-the-job experience in their communities and don’t have to leave home to take technical training at school.

For more information, call toll free 1-877-978-7233 or click here [8].

The Wuskwatim and Keeyask Training Consortium Inc. is overseeing a multi-million dollar training initiative called the Hydro Northern Training Initiative (HNTI) [9]. HNTI prepares northern Aboriginal residents for skilled labour positions and helps them to find construction work at the Wuskwatim and Keeyask generating stations.

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Ontario

The Aboriginal Apprenticeship Board of Ontario [10] is developing an Ontario-wide strategy to improve apprenticeship access and meaningful long-term employment options for Aboriginal peoples in the province.

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Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan’s Aboriginal Apprenticeship Initiative [11] is developing programs to help meet the needs and aspirations of Aboriginal people. It currently offers apprenticeship training in several construction trades, including carpenter, plumber and boom truck operator.

For more information, call 1-877-363-0536.

The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT), in partnership with the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission and various levels of government, provides relevent Trades & Industrial (T&I) programming for First Nations students. The T&I department manages seven Career Centers in Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, La Ronge, Yorkton, Meadow Lake and North Battleford.

For more information, visit the SIIT website [12].

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Back to Apprenticeship page [13]