Aboriginal Training in Essential Skills
The Aboriginal Essential Skills project is one that is operated out of the Prince George Nechako Aboriginal Employment & Training Association (PGNAETA). This program was one that was recognized by the Board of Directors as being a key component to the success of all their employment training. The essential skills program builds on the nine essential skills as determined by the Office of Literacy and Essential Skills. Our focus is to work with the participants in the programs as individuals and build their capacity so that they are best prepared to handle the challenges and tasks in their new jobs. The key to this program is having a good understanding of where the students are and having a good relationship with the industry so that training performed has relavance and rigor. Students leave our program with enhanced skills in the area where they need supports not just random irrelevant training. This program makes a difference because it focuses on individual needs and is flexible enough to support the participant in their learning path. It is effective because it involves industry by building relationships and delivering training that is specific to the job. I am currently speaking at conferences accross Canada to show others how to build this model of training and how to work with Industry more successfully.
About You
About You
First Name
Amber
Last Name
Teed
Confirm a user name that will be displayed publicly to identify your entry
amberlyn
About You, Your Group, or Your Organization
Name
Prince George Nechako Aboriginal Employment & Training Association
Website
Country
Canada
Please confirm that this project could benefit First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples
Yes
Twitter URL
Facebook URL
Youtube URL
What categories best describe who your group or organization serves (check all that apply)
First Nations, Métis and Inuit people.
What best describes your group or organization
Non-profit organization.
How long have you, your group, or your organization been operating?
More than 5 years
Innovation
Name Your Project.
Aboriginal Training in Essential Skills
Tell us the story of your idea or project
The Aboriginal Essential Skills project is one that is operated out of the Prince George Nechako Aboriginal Employment & Training Association (PGNAETA). This program was one that was recognized by the Board of Directors as being a key component to the success of all their employment training. The essential skills program builds on the nine essential skills as determined by the Office of Literacy and Essential Skills. Our focus is to work with the participants in the programs as individuals and build their capacity so that they are best prepared to handle the challenges and tasks in their new jobs. The key to this program is having a good understanding of where the students are and having a good relationship with the industry so that training performed has relavance and rigor. Students leave our program with enhanced skills in the area where they need supports not just random irrelevant training. This program makes a difference because it focuses on individual needs and is flexible enough to support the participant in their learning path. It is effective because it involves industry by building relationships and delivering training that is specific to the job. I am currently speaking at conferences accross Canada to show others how to build this model of training and how to work with Industry more successfully.
Define your idea / project in 1-2 short sentences
To develop the essential skills of Aboriginal participants so that they are compentent, confident and capable of performing the necessary tasks in new jobs.
Select the stage that best applies to your solution
Established (it has been running for a while, has grown and know it is making a difference)
Social Impact
This Entry is about (Issues)
Please tell us about the social impact of your idea or proect
The social impact of the essential skills progam is far reaching. When people have positive learning experiences it builds thier confidence. This program builds competency and therefore offers participants opportunities that may not have been avialable to them previously. This program is industry specific so it builds relationships between participants and possible jobs for the future. This program is building a strong reputation as one that can be looked upon as a successful model and can be implemented in all industry sectors. This program bridges the gaps between industry and Aboriginal people. For Aboriginal people having education success and having strong relationships with opportunities means postive economic development and a more secure future.
Your Future Goal(s): Tell us what you hope to achieve with your idea or project in the next year
I hope to gain more support from Industry to add more programs to our roster, creating more opportunities for Aboriginal people.
In 5 years, what will be different as a result of your idea/project?
In five years hundreds of Aboriginal people will have successfully completed our training and will have increased their skills and abilities and will be applying them in thier current workplace. Aboriginal people will be recognized as viable options when employment shortages are present and the barriers to employment will be minimized. Industries will seek out Aboriginal organizations to build partnerships with to meet their human resources needs and will work together to create a stronger workforce. PGNAETA will work with other organizations to build upon the successes that they have achieved so that this model will become a standard in the industry.
Sustainability
Tell us about the people/ partnerships that are already involved and why they are important to your idea or project.
PGNAETA is currently in partnership with CNRail, FortisBC, ITA, First Nations Technology Council, Professional Engineers Association, College of New Caledonia, and the BC Aboriginal Mining Training Association. Partnerships are key to any successful program because it is with collaberation that the needs of all parties are met. One organization cannot provide all the answers and seeking expert support only means that a stronger product can be created. Getting "buy-in" ensures that everyone is on the same page and when the program goes forward everyone involved can take ownership and pride, celebrating in the results together. Sharing resources is very important in todays economy. Everyone should be doing more to make sure that financial resources are extended as far as they can.
If there are other people/partners that you will reach out to tell us who they are and why they will be important to your idea or project.
This program will continue to reach out to more industry partners such as L & M Lumber, and other forestry sector partners. Our program will build upon its successes and engage 'like' industries such as Telus, and BC Hydro. In addition, we will be seeking new partnerships and have approached the Human Resources Trucking Assoc and the Information Technology sectors to participate in new programs with the same successful model.
Describe the kinds of support you receive (other than money) or will need to support your idea or project (e.g.: donated, space, equipment and volunteers)
The most important support that is recieved in this program is information. When the essential skills educators fully understand the needs of the industry client then they are able to build more relevant programs. When post secondary institutions can provide the curicculum and the key components to the training the program can offer rigor and give certification that has significance in the industry. When students can define their needs and offer their goals and aspirations then this progam can assist them in developing the skills they require to reach their goals. This program requires cooperation and Board support so that it may continue to function within the walls of the training organization.
Do you currently have funding for your idea or project?
Yes (answer the next two questions)
 | 69 weeks ago amber teed updated this Competition Entry. |
| 69 weeks ago amber teed submitted this idea. |
