Training For Indigenous Youth

Craig Bakay | Feb 08, 2017

 If you’re an aboriginal youth aged 15-30 and interested in working in the construction business, St. Lawrence College Employment Centre in Sharbot Lake has just the program for you.

The Centre is beginning an eight-week course which will be offered at the Shabot Obaadjiwan Centre near Arden. Following the course, which is scheduled to run until after Easter, there will be a 12-week work placement will will hopefully lead to permanent employment.

Program coordinator Erin Godfrey said that in order to do the course, participants have to declare indigenous ancestry; no band card is required.

Local contractor Kevin Rioux of K. R. Contracting will be teaching the course which will consist of various skills and knowledge young builders will need, she said.

“There will be plenty of hands-on learning, including a building project,” Godfrey said. “But they will also learn many of the certificate skills they’ll need like CPR, First Aid, Working from heights, scaffold safety, occupational health and safety and personal protective equipment.

“We will also provide things like work boots and belts and some other equipment they’ll need.”

There will also be instruction in things like resume writing, applications and cover letters, she said.

Another aspect of the program is that they’re also looking for some contractors who would be willing to take on the students for a 12-week practical experience part, she said.

“If there are employers out there who could take on some of these students after the classroom and practical aspect, I’d love to hear from them,” she said.

She said they have room for 12 participants and interested people can either come into the Centre in Sharbot Lake in person or call Godfrey at 613-545-3949, ext: 1688.

“We’re hoping we can get people some real world experience that leads to a permanent job,” she said