Open,sez me, in Kamloops

Page 2

The Aboriginal Apprenticeship and Industry Training program of the Secwepemc Cultural Education Society (SCES)officially opened their renovated centre for the Building Maintenance Worker program at the Chief Louis Centre in Kamloops on Jan. 12. Labour Minister Joan Smallwood and SCES President Ron Ignace were in attendance.

The new building and training centre will allow Aboriginal people taking the program to build capacity for future employment and keep jobs in Aboriginal communities, said Ignace.

"This program is important in not only providing much needed job skills to our community, but also providing program recipients the boost they need to find real employment after they are finished the program."

The Building Maintenance Worker program had its official launch in November 2000. The first group of students has occurred and the program is well into its first training module. The three-year pilot apprenticeship program will provide training to enable workers to do a wide range of repairs, including plumbing, electrical, floor coverings, heating systems and maintain residential and small buildings to an industry standard.

"The looming shortage of skilled trades people provides our Aboriginal communities with an unprecedented opportunity for real skills and real work," said Rob Egan, program director of Aboriginal Apprenticeship and Training.