Algonquin College takes the lead role in Indigenous job-training program

May 26, 2020

Algonquin College is participating in a unique nation-wide pilot project to provide Indigenous youth with trades training while they attend school.

The $1.2-million project, funded by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), is mandated through Indigenous YouthBuild Canada, a national job-readiness program that brings local communities together with educational institutions, government, and corporate partners to help Indigenous youth acquire job-ready skills while extending their education.

Algonquin has teamed up with two other post-secondary institutions and two Indigenous organizations to provide the program to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit youth across Canada. The project is already gaining endorsements from those it serves.

“One of the best decisions I made was to go back and get my education,” said Bradley Greyeyes, a Level 2 Carpenter in Nisichawayasihk, a Cree community of 5,800 people in northern Manitoba. “It’s never too late to go back to school.”

Nisichawayasihk, formerly known as Nelson House, is one of two Indigenous YouthBuild sites in Canada where Algonquin has joined a local organization, the Atoskiwin Training & Employment Centre in partnership with Pewapun Construction, to deliver the program. Other partners include the Akwesasne Education & Training Centre in southwestern Quebec, the Manitoba Institute of Trades & Technology in Winnipeg, and Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, B.C. Algonquin provides project oversight and manages the funds. So far 80 Indigenous youth have entered the program.

College leaders highlighted Algonquin’s role in the project. “Indigenous YouthBuild Canada speaks to our vision of an inclusive community where Indigenous learners see themselves as active participants in the wider Canadian community,” said President Claude Brulé.

“These young men and women need a chance to obtain an education, gain skills for employment, and build their confidence to become contributing members of their communities,” said Ron (Deganadus) McLester, Vice President, Truth, Reconciliation & Indigenization.

Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, also applauded the College’s involvement. “Supporting innovative projects led by and for Indigenous people is one of the many ways we can help build a stronger and more inclusive Canada for generations to come,” she said.

“Right now, Indigenous youth are facing serious challenges finding work and educational opportunities due to the impacts of COVID-19. Indigenous YouthBuild Canada’s project, will offer professional growth opportunities, help them develop skills, gain valuable experience and confidence, all while working on projects that matter to them and their communities.”

Algonquin College has been instrumental in this endeavour, said Jeff Turner, the College’s Partnership Development Specialist. “This is positioning us to have a significant impact in creating generational change for Canada’s First Nations.”

Last May, at the request of College executives, Turner visited YouthBuild projects in Los Angeles where young people, mainly in their early to mid-20s, worked toward their Grade 12 certificates while gaining on-the-job experience in a trade. Many lived on the streets. Some had been gang members.

“They told me the program turned their lives around,” said Turner, who also visited the YouthBuild site in Nisichawayasihk. Operating since 2016, it now has 55 participants in a construction trades program. Under the guidance of Pewapun’s general manager, Jody Linklater, the students have built commercial buildings and houses in the community. Some who entered the program in 2016 have acquired Red Seal certificates in trades, including carpentry, plumbing, and electrical.

Turner recommended to College executives that Algonquin get involved. They agreed. Within a matter of months, Algonquin negotiated partnerships and arranged for government funding.

Algonquin has already applied for more ESDC funding to expand the program to other Indigenous communities.

“We can do life-changing work in these communities, change the lives of Indigenous youth,” said Turner.