Midwestern

Skills Training For Bruce Peninsula First Nations

Ontario is providing over $248,000 in funding to help local First Nations residents access skills training.

Members of the Saugeen First Nation and the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation are eligible to take part in the 20-week course at the Owen Sound Campus of Georgian College.

"Our government believes in investing in training opportunities that provide First Nations people the opportunity to meaningfully participate in the economy. This project is a shining example of how an Indigenous organization, industry and a community college can work together to help First Nations people get high skilled jobs," says David Zimmer, minister of indigenous relations and reconciliation.

The new training program for First Nations residents in the Bruce Peninsula area is in partnership with Georgian College and Bruce Power. It will provide academic upgrading and hands on work experience in skilled trades. This will help prepare students for entry level jobs in the energy sector by providing a foundation for students to gain meaningful job opportunities.

"The potential this project has on improving the lives of our people brings great excitement. We appreciate all the support and guidance we have received in developing the foundation of this project," says Carlene Keeshig, board president of the Huronia Area Aboriginal Management Board.

The Huronia Area Aboriginal Management Board will receive over $248,556 to implement the Skills Ready Aboriginal Peoples Project through the Aboriginal Economic Development Fund.

"Through the help of this program, I completed my GED and was successfully granted a full time position as a High Voltage Electrical Apprentice in the Nuclear Field. I have now been working three months. I now have a career that will provide us with much more then needed to support my family," says Pernell Jones, participant of the Skills Ready Aboriginal People Project.

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