Aboriginal Apprenticeship & Industry Training

History:

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 AAIT Board was established to address issues of concern for Aboriginal people in the technical and trades areas; 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.

AAIT's Training Vision:

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

The purpose of the Aboriginal Apprenticeship & Industry Training programs are to provide training reflecting aboriginal traditions and values to promote sustainable employment and housing.

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.

AAIT's 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

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.

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

*Course dates and fees are subject to change
Classes held in Kamloops, BC from 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday.

Completion of three 8-week levels combined with 4500 workplace hours is required. (if you already have work experience in this field, you may apply to have your previous work hours credited). It is the responsibility of the apprentice to find his/her own work placement. Each apprentice must keep a record of their own hours worked and whom they worked for. This information must be reported to the Industry Training Authority(ITA) on a regular basis. After successfully completing all three levels of in-class courses, completion and reporting of work hours to the ITA, the apprentice will be issued a Residential Building Maintenence Worker Certificate of Qualification for the Province of BC. Keep in mind, this program is transferable through the ITA.

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.

For further information:

Mail:
George Kaliszewski
Executive Director
Secwepemc Cultural Education Society
274A Halston Connector Rd
Kamloops, BC
V2H 1J9
Phone: (778)471-5789
Fax: (778)471-5792
e-mail: yvonne.fortier(at)secwepemc(dot)org