More Aboriginal Women Ready for Work in the Trades
Aug 31, 2016
(NORTH BAY, ONT.) – Last week, women from First Nations communities across the province graduated from Canadore College’s unique Aboriginal Women in the Trades program.
“We are elated with the success of this program and are happy to be celebrating a 100 per cent graduation rate,” said Judy Manitowabi, Manager of Community Based Learning and Contract Training for Canadore’s First Peoples’ Centre. “These women are now armed with some amazing opportunities. They can go back to their home communities to work, or they can continue their studies at a postsecondary level.”
In fact, of the 15 women registered for the in-person 12-week certificate program, three have chosen to study in skills-related full-time postsecondary programs this September.
“The student success rate is a testament to how committed these individuals are to improving their lives and even changing the social and economic outcomes of their communities. I’m so proud of them,” said Manitowabi.
The program drew participants from as far away as Attawapiskat First Nation, Ont., where Muskegowuk Council sponsored six women to enroll in the program covering their living allowances.
“Education is a means to self-determination and confidence building and has lasting effects on individuals, families and their communities,” said Manitowabi. “Canadore is committed to supporting First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples to learn in ways that are linked to traditional knowledge and culture.”
The culturally-based program incorporated a holistic approach to employability skills development, self-development, academic knowledge and safety certifications with practical hands-on training in the trades sector and explored four key trade areas: building construction, electrical, plumbing and carpentry.
Funded by the Ontario Poverty Reduction Fund and delivered in partnership with a steering committee of community members, participants can enroll at no cost. Training costs, books, personal protective equipment, bus passes and health and safety considerations are all covered through grant money.
Canadore expects to deliver another Aboriginal Women in the Trades program in early 2017 and is gearing up to deliver an advanced office skills program for the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples and a leadership development program for the Nipissing First Nation in September 2016.
Canadore trains people through applied learning, leadership and innovation. It provides access to over 65 full-time quality programs and has outstanding faculty and student services. Nearly 20 percent of Canadore’s total student population is of Ojibway, Oji-Cree, Cree Algonquin, Mohawk, Inuit or Métis decent from Ontario, Québec and nation-wide, one of the highest representations in the provincial college system.The College and its students add nearly $290 million to the regions of Nipissing and Parry Sound. Approximately 1,000 students graduate from Canadore each year, and they join 43,000 alumni working across the globe.
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