More than two dozen young people from Tseshaht First Nation are taking part in an employment skills program that will arm employable band members with the skills necessary to enter the manufacturing work force.
On July 31, participants hosted a gathering at the Tseshaht Administrative Building where they could meet with potential employers. The purpose of the meet-and-greet was to bring the students and potential employers together to allow the two sides to share information.
The Bridge to Success (BTS) program is Tseshaht First Nation’s effort to address the skills shortage in the local labour force and to decrease unemployment statistics in their community.
The students shared what they’ve learned in the BTS program with the employers, and in return the employers talked about employment opportunities in their companies.
Kevin Somerville, General Manager at Western Forest Products, said he likes how the BTS program puts an emphasis on work safety.
Bridge to Success was launched in May 2012 in two groups, or cohorts as coordinator Nene Kraneveldt calls them.
Tseshaht First Nations teamed up with North Island College, Nuu-chah-nulth Employment Training Program and Catalyst Paper to put the program together.
The students were divided into two groups based on their levels of education and work experience.
Cohort One is set to graduate in October, while those in Cohort Two will graduate in March 2014.
The program allows students who haven’t received their Grade 12 Dogwood Diploma the chance to do so. Students in Cohort One have so far earned certificates in First Aid, Fork Lift Operation, Essential Skills for the Workplace, Computer Basics, WHMIS, Hazard Recognition and Control, Fall Protection, Confined Space and Lock Out.
Matt Fred said he hoped to upgrade his skills through the BTS Program so that he could move away from seasonal work to full-time employment.
“I want to graduate before my daughter and get my career on path,” said Nathan Lucas.
The BTS was made available through funding from the Canada/British Columbia Labour market Agreement, the Ministry of Advanced Education, and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada.
