Skills training in the liquefied natural gas sector for First Nations people, including the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh, will get a $2.7-million boost, the B.C. government announced Tuesday during Apprenticeship Recognition Week.
Over the next three years, 188 participants from the Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, Musqueam and Kwikwetlem First Nations will take courses through Kwantlen Polytechnic University, ranging from essential job skills and literacy upgrading to more advanced trades training in areas such as scaffolding, carpentry and environmental monitoring.
The program is open to those who are unemployed, underemployed, receiving social assistance, recent high school graduates or those seeking a career change.
“This new partnership will also provide more opportunities to our members and other local First Nations in Metro Vancouver to achieve their first step into apprenticeship and full-time employment,” stated Squamish Nation Coun. Chris Lewis in a press release.
Tsleil-Waututh Coun. Deanna George also praised the funding news, saying the Tsleil-Waututh is committed to creating meaningful employment and training opportunities for its members.
The announcement was made at the Squamish Nation Trades Centre in North Vancouver, with John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, on hand along with North Vancouver MLAs Naomi Yamamoto and Jane Thornthwaite.
All of the courses are being funded through the $30-million Aboriginal Skills Training Development Fund introduced earlier this year.
To date, more than 2,800 First Nations people have accessed pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship training programs provided by the Industry Training Authority.
