Twelve students from bands throughout Western Canada recently completed the first level of an apprenticeship program designed to support aboriginal learners looking to advance their careers in the construction sector.
In March 2015, Okanagan College launched a new construction craft worker two-level apprenticeship program.
Last November, the college created an intake tailored specifically for aboriginal students.
“The college is committed to working with local bands, First Nations, and Métis across our region to create access and offer new training opportunities to meet the need for skilled workers among their members,” said Jim Hamilton, OC president.
“This course was launched to help indigenous students broaden their experience and gain the job site skills that employers are looking for. We collaborated closely with the local bands and worked with the students to identify what kind of added support would help them be successful.”
Most of the students in the class are from the Westbank First Nation and Adams Lake Indian Band.