A graduation dinner was held at the Port Alberni Friendship Center on March 26 to celebrate the successes of 10 young adults who completed the Aboriginal Youth Employment & Training Program.
Funded by the British Columbia Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres and the Urban Partnership program, the AYET program was delivered through the Port Alberni Friendship Center over the course of three months.
Beginning January 2015, trainees took part in workshops designed to improve life skills and enhance their abilities in order to improve their chances of finding long-term employment.
Trainees were provided coaching as they worked on upgrading their basic education and received training. They were given the opportunity to earn certificates in First Aid, Food Safe, WHMIS, Driver’s Ed and much more.
In addition, the program coaches partnered with local service providers like Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Training Program, North Island College, VAST and INEO.
It is believed that with some short-term training like the AYET Program, students will be motivated to continue their education or take more training through services like NETP to be better prepared to enjoy a successful career.
Trevor Little was the emcee at the grad ceremony and he brought Nuu-chah-nulth culture to the celebration. He acknowledged both Tseshaht and Hupacasath, in whose territories they live and work.
He congratulated the graduates saying that if it wasn’t for programs such as this, he wouldn’t have the job he has today.
Little said Tseshaht First Nation offered him similar training when he was younger.
“I was too busy with family to be able to go back to school,” said Little, adding he had to take his training programs in increments.
Each graduate was called up one by one to receive certificates and gifts. Each was given a Nuu-chah-nulth name in recognition of their achievements and as a reflection of their personalities.
The 2015 AYET graduates are: Scott Little, Marilyn Frank, Joey Keitlah, Samantha Johnson, Randall Mack, Phoenix Dick, Dallas Papineau, Kiana Wilson, Sheila Lancombe and Dale Mundy.
