Indigenous Peoples in Trades Training

SkilledTradesBC sponsors a number of community service providers, training providers and Indigenous communities across B.C. to deliver trades training and employment programs. The programs below are focused on meeting the needs of Indigenous people seeking opportunities in trades occupations. The programs aim to assist Indigenous people in gaining information, connections, and skills needed to participate in the trades, secure trades employment, or move on to further training or apprenticeship that can lead to a career in the trades and benefit their lives. 

Cook’s Helper

The Cook’s Helper program provides 12 weeks of skills and knowledge training that is required to fill entry-level culinary and food services jobs. The program is also designed to support Indigenous peoples wishing to start their careers as Professional Cooks. 

This program prepares students to enter the Professional Cook Level 1 program and/or Coast Mountain College’s West Coast Culinary Diploma program which includes field school electives in Indigenous and non-Indigenous harvesting and processing techniques of locally sourced and Indigenous foods, traditional recipes, and non-traditional recipes.

Training Locations:

• Prince Rupert

Contact:

Coast Mountain College, in Prince Rupert email or phone 250- 624-2422, in Terrace email or phone 250-638-5408

Electrical Foundation Harmonized Program

This program provides Indigenous people with high quality, industry-recognized education, wraparound employment skills coaching, job development, and employment in Construction Electrician occupations. Individualized training plans for each participant are developed, utilizing a holistic and empowering approach to support movement along the labour market participation continuum.

Training Locations:

• Surrey

Contact:

Kekinow Indigenous Programs and Services Society, email or phone 604-591-5299

Heavy Equipment Operator

This program aims to train Indigenous people looking to start a career as Heavy Equipment Operators. During the 12 weeks of skills training (four weeks of foundational skills training and eight weeks of practical skills training), students will learn about the skills needed to operate and maintain heavy machinery used for all manner of heavy construction. They will earn a Heavy Equipment Operator Level 1 Certificate and be prepared for entry level work as a Heavy Equipment Operator. The program will also incorporate Indigenous cultural components specifically tailored to the participants learning needs and culturally informed learning opportunities.

Training Locations:

• North Vancouver
• West Vancouver

Contact:

Squamish Nation, email or phone 604-980-7946

Indigenous-led Foodlands Employment, Apprenticeship, and Skills Training (I-FEAST)

This project will provide land-based, culturally safe, Indigenous-led introductory skills training for Indigenous participants, equipping them with the skills to enter employment and apprenticeship. Training will be offered through a mix of short and longer-term training modules that each participant can select depending on their assessment and needs. 

Training Locations:

• Chetwynd
• Kitwanga

Contact:

Tea Creek Training (1394146BC), email or phone 604-858-3691

Indigenous People in Trades Training (IPTT) – 
Community-Based Trades Training

The Trades Sampler program supports Indigenous people interested in trying out different trades. This includes up to six different in-demand construction and three mechanical trades. The sampler program provides experiential learning, significant hands-on experience, and an introduction to theory and math related to the specific trade. Program participants will also receive workplace certifications identified by industry partners and communities.

Training Locations:

• Kamloops
• Various

Contact:

Thompson Rivers University, email or phone 250-371-5658

K5T Community-Led Apprenticeship Development Indigenous People in Trades Training (IPTT) Program

The K5T Community-Led Apprenticeship Development Program supports Indigenous peoples who wish to pursue skilled trades careers with the opportunity to learn and develop skills that could lead to an apprenticeship. The program consists of an introduction to Kitselas First Nation, Indigenous cultural competency, how the apprenticeship system works, and current labour market information.  Participants complete an in-house experiential Trades Sampler Program to determine their interest in high demand trades in their area. The program also offers pre-employment coaching, job application preparation, safety training, and personal supports.

Training Locations:

• Gitxsan, Haisla, Nisga’a, and Tsimshian Territories
• Kitselas First Nation (Gitaus and Kulspai)
• NFNA communities
• Prince Rupert
• Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine
• Terrace

Contact:

Kitselas Five Tier System LP (K5T), email or phone 250-615-6232

PGNAETA Tradetek (Trades Access)

The Trades Access program offers a unique approach to increasing the number of eligible Indigenous individuals into a Trades Pathway through supporting skills training and academic requirements to complete an apprenticeship.

The Program includes 16-20 weeks of pre-apprenticeship training, preparing Indigenous participants for success in a Foundation level Trades program of their choosing.

Training Locations:

• Prince George

Contact:

Prince George Nechako Aboriginal Employment & Training Association, email or phone 250-561-1199

PGNAETA Tradetek (Trades Link)

The Trades Link Program provides a customized work plan for each participant and hosts a database which serves as a link for potential employers. The Program serves eligible Indigenous peoples and will include short duration trainings and certificates as required by each sector, such as competency-based learning and skills for success training and culturally-based transferable skills training.

Each pre-apprentice/first-year tradesperson will have a customized work plan tailored to their needs. 

Training Locations:

• Prince George

Contact:

Prince George Nechako Aboriginal Employment & Training Association, email or phone 250-561-1199

Pre-Trades Culinary Arts

The Pre-Trades Culinary Arts program offers a 13-week training designed to provide eligible Indigenous participants with an introspective look into the culinary arts trade. This program explores the fundamentals of culinary arts theory with solid application for skills and techniques training. 

Participants will be introduced to traditional cooking techniques which are culturally significant and contribute to food preservation. Emphasis will be made on the importance of supporting Indigenous food producers and businesses by sourcing ingredients locally and sustainably. The program includes employment readiness training and a three-week practicum placement.

Training Locations:

• Chilliwack

Contact:

Stó:Lō Aboriginal Skills & Employment Training, email or phone 604-858-3691