Aboriginal Apprenticeship & Industry Training

AAIT ‘s programs are designed around our mission statement, "Training to Build, Inspect & Maintain" with the goal of creating a skilled trades & technology workforce and to increase Aboriginal employment and improve First Nations housing in the province. In addition by combining traditional practices with current labour skills we hope to generate training with value and purpose for the Secwepemc people and other First Nations.

The Aboriginal Apprenticeship and Industry Training Vision:

To establish long-term, self-governed Aboriginal trades training programs that reinforce and incorporate First Nations language, traditions and values.

The Aboriginal Apprenticeship and Industry Training Guiding Principles:

• Training will reflect indigenous culture and values, and reinforce language and traditions
• Active recruitment will take place, focusing on fair methods of selection and access for under-represented groups
• Training will provide opportunities for interaction between trainees and older, experienced workers
• Work opportunities in Aboriginal communities, businesses and industry will be coordinated to maximize the amount and variety of on-the-job experience
• Training will provide opportunities for interaction between trainees and older, experienced workers
• Training will lead to certification that is recognized by, and transferable to, other training institutions

History:

Aboriginal Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AAIT) was initiated in 1995 after a survey revealed that of the Aboriginal people working in the trades, only a few were able to obtain an apprenticeship. An Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board was established to address issues of concern for Aboriginal people in the technical and trades areas. The AAIT Board was comprised of representatives from 13 Secwepemc Bands.

The overall vision of AAIT is to establish long-term, self-governed Aboriginal trades training programs that reinforce and incorporate First Nations language, traditions and values. The goal is to provide ongoing training that will be based on community needs and that training readiness will be assured by addressing basic skill deficiencies related to the chosen trade or occupation. AAIT's trainees receive counselling and assistance in accessing financial and academic support.

Throughout the years AAIT has mentored several successful programs. Entry-level Carpentry, Building Inspector Program, Aboriginal Women in Trades, Youth Skills Training, the Residential Building Maintenance Worker Program, Trades Math, and Project Management Seminars.

Programs Descriptions:

Working around the theme "Training to Build, Inspect, and Maintain" AAIT has developed and delivers programs along with workshops on the advantages of apprenticeships in industry, housing and trades training. AAIT programs also makes people aware of the benefits of personal capacity building which leads to sustainable community development and healthy housing.

Core Programs that AAIT offers are:

• Residential Building Maintenance Worker Program
• Introduction to Welding and Vocational Skills Upgrading Program
• Entry Level Carpentry
• Access To Trades
• Trades Math
• Project Management
• Building Inspector
• AAIT Workshops

Residential Building Maintenance Worker (RBMW):

The RBMW course instructs students in the basic maintenance and repair of housing units and the systems that comprise a building: plumbing, heating, electrical, carpentry, painting and air quality. The RBMW program has been developed as a three-year apprenticeship, with one period of technical training in each year of the apprenticeship. Each period of technical training consists of eight weeks of theory and hands-on training in the use of tools and equipment used in the repair and maintenance of housing. The shop and classroom training focuses on other relevant subject areas.

The RBMW program has been developed into an instructor driven modular training program, subject to final review and approval by the Industry Training.

The program is divided into three sections, each eight weeks in length.

Tentative Dates:

Level 3: September 8, 2008, cost $1,300
Level 1: January 12, 2009, cost $1,300

Course dates and fees are subject to change
Classes held in Kamloops, BC

Level One

• covers first year in school training for the apprenticeship
• includes first aid/safety, tools, building materials, building design and structure, troubleshooting, basic carpentry, drywall, and trades math

Level Two

• covers second year in school training for the apprenticeship
• includes building materials, safety, plumbing, roofing, flooring, heating systems, and trades math

Level Three

• covers third year in school training for the apprenticeship
• includes project management, electrical, painting, appliance repairs, outdoor power equipment, and trades math

Each module has an examination, and each level has a final examination. The modular program will make it easier to give students credit for previous training, which could allow a reduction to the required training time and/or place more emphasis on areas where additional training is required.

Introduction to Welding and Vocational Skills Upgrading Program:

This program is offered through SCES-Aboriginal Apprenticeship & Industry Training, and Thompson Rivers University.

Program start date: November 26, 2007
Cost: NO TUITION/BOOK COSTS

The program will allow you to gain practical skills, certification and knowledge in:

• Welding
• Forklift Certification
• Trades Math
• First Aid Level One
• WHMIS
• Transportation of Dangerous Goods
• Resume writing
• Employment skills training

Entry Level Carpentry (ELC):

This is a 6-month entry-level program delivered in partnership with the local Bands or organizations. Upon passing a CAT 19 and an interview with the program staff, the students will learn theory and receive practicial instruction in the construction of a residential building. Participants who complete the program are eligible are eligible for level one credit towards the four-year carpentry program.

Access To Trades:

AAIT hopes to run at least one Access To Trades program per year. In the past AAIT has had two Access programs, Aboriginal Women in Trades and the Aboriginal Youth in Trades; however, AAIT now intends to merge these programs and offer only Aboriginal Access to Trades, open to anyone who has a grade 10 education and is over 16 years of age. This will allow all participants the experience of a mixed workforce. The 16-week course will be an orientation to the trades, including carpentry, mechanics, electrical, welding, plumbing, trades math and the film industry. Trades presentations from different journeypersons, personal development and industrial site visits will complement the program content.

Trades Math:

This course instructs students on the mathematical skills needed to successfully practice a trade and complete technical training. It is recommended for registered apprentices, people who plan to enter a trade or for trades people who wish to upgrade their trades-related math skills. This course is 10 to 20 days long and AAIT will deliver it at any location if there are enough students to cover costs.

Project Management Seminars:

Project Management for Project Leaders is a two and a half-day course to introduce project management concepts and methods specifically for project leaders. This course is designed for people who need an understanding of project management in the construction industry. It emphasizes the managerial, non-technical elements of a construction project and addresses methods to ensure they are completed successfully.

Building Inspector:

The Building Inspector Program is a ten-week course divided into two phases. Each phase includes technical "in-class" training and practical "on-site" inspections. The first phase is inspection procedures for newly constructed units on reserve using the current BC Building Code. The second phase is inspection procedures for existing housing on reserve. The building inspector is a vital component of all housing construction in BC. Instructors must be able to assess construction plans, working drawings, construction details and effectively write inspection reports. Upon successful completion students will receive a letter of recognition from CMHC/INAC. To become a building inspector you must have Journeyman Certification.

AAIT Workshops

AAIT will deliver various workshops whenever time allows and if related costs are covered.

For further information:

Mail:
George Kaliszewski
Executive Director
Secwepemc Cultural Education Society
#311-355 Yellowhead Hwy
Kamloops BC
V2H 1H1

Phone: (250) 828-9779
Fax: (250) 372-1127
e-mail: yvonne.fortier@secwepemc.org