The Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT), with Okanagan College, the University of Victoria, and 11 aboriginal communities are creating six program partnerships to train workers for jobs as heavy equipment operators and construction craft workers.
The NVIT partnership with the Coldwater, Lower Nicola and Upper Nicola bands will get $243,714 through Aboriginal Community-Based Training Partnerships programs.
That money will benefit 60 students in online and face-to-face learning “that includes upgrading in English and math, and industry certificate training including occupational first aid, mineral exploration and Foodsafe,” said a press release from the B.C. government.
In addition, NVIT and the Lillooet Tribal Council will get $106,012 to benefit 15 students in the college readiness program. Those students will upgrade courses in English, indigenous studies and algebra.
“It is a pleasure to partner with our colleagues at Okanagan College and provide opportunities for another 123 prospective Aboriginal learners to assist provincial and national efforts to close skills gaps,” said NVIT president Ken Tourand in the release.
In total, there are six partnerships that will prepare a total of 141 Aboriginal students for careers in trades, receiving more than $1.2 million through the Aboriginal Community-Based Training Partnerships program in 2015-16.
According to the province, 46 per cent of the Aboriginal population in B.C. are under the age of 25.
