Training Programs for 

Underrepresented Groups 

Coast Mountain College
Region: North Coast and Nechako 
Contact:
Deb Stava (Prince Rupert) - dete [at] gitxaalnation.com (dete[at]gitxaalnation[dot]com), 250- 624-2422
Sue-Ann Norton (Terrace) - snorton [at] coastmountaincollege.ca (snorton[at]coastmountaincollege[dot]ca), 250-638-5408

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. 

Kekinow Indigenous Programs & Services Society
Region: Mainland/Southwest
Email: ste [at] kekinow.ca (ste[at]kekinow[dot]ca) 
Phone: 604-591-5299

The Electrical Foundation Harmonized Program will provide Indigenous people with high quality, industry recognized education, wrap around employment skills coaching, job development and employment in Construction Electrician occupations. Kekinow will develop individualized Training Plans for each participant, utilizing a holistic and empowering approach to support their movement along the Labour Market Participation Continuum.  

Kitselas Five Tier System LP
Region: North Coast and Nechako - Terrace and Kitselas First Nation
Email: info [at] k5t.ca (info[at]k5t[dot]ca) 
Phone: 250-615-6232

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 in-house experiential Trades Sampler Programs 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.  

Prince George Nechako Aboriginal Employment & Training Association (PGNAETA)
Region: Cariboo and North Coast and Nechako
Email: reception [at] pgnaeta.bc.ca (reception[at]pgnaeta[dot]bc[dot]ca)
Phone: 250-561-1199

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 will include 16 – 20 weeks of pre-apprenticeship training, preparing indigenous participants for success in a Foundation level Trades program of their choosing. 

The Trades Link Program provides a customized work plan for each Participant hosts a database which serves as a link for potential employers. The Program will serve eligible Indigenous Peoples in the Cariboo and North Coast and Nechako Regions 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 / 1st year tradesperson(s) will have a customized work plan tailored to their needs.  

Squamish Nation
Region: Mainland/Southwest
Email: Trades_Centre [at] squamish.net (Trades_Centre[at]squamish[dot]net)
Phone: 604-980-7946

This program aims to train Indigenous Peoples looking to start a career as Heavy Equipment Operators. During the 12 weeks of skills training (4 weeks foundational skills training and 8 weeks 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. 

STO:LO Service Agency
Region: Mainland/Southwest
Email: info [at] saset.ca (info[at]saset[dot]ca) 
Phone: 604-858-3691

The Culinary Arts Pre-Trades 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 3-week practicum placement.  

Tea Creek Training
Region: North Coast and Nechako and Northeast
Email: raining [at] teacreek.ca (training[at]teacreek[dot]ca)
Phone: 1-(833)-784-3737

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. 

Thompson Rivers University - Trades Sampler Program
Region: Cariboo, Thompson/Okanagan
Email: Hhamilton [at] tru.ca (Hhamilton[at]tru[dot]ca) 
Phone: 250-371-5658

The Trades Sampler programs aim to support Indigenous Peoples interested in trying out different trades. This will include up to six different in-demand construction and three mechanical trades. The sampler programs will provide experiential learning, significant hands-on experiences, and an introduction to theory and math related to the specific trade. Program participants will also receive workplace certifications identified by our industry partners and communities.