Metis Elder Marge Friedel and Elder Tony Callihoo leading the opening flag ceremony on April 25, 2006.
A new training program designed to enhance employment opportunities for Aboriginal people in the trades was launched in Edmonton, Alberta on April 25, 2006. The Trade Winds to Success Training Society is a $5.46 million project in partnership with Human Resources and Social Development Canada, the Alberta government and three Aboriginal organizations; Oteenow Employment and Training Society, the Métis Nation of Alberta and the Treaty Seven Economic Development Corporation and the Union Training Trust Fund(s).
Two hundred people attended the ceremony to celebrate and to acknowledge all those who worked hard to make this program possible. The event included representatives from Service Canada, Human Resources and Employment (Government of Alberta), the Oteenow Employment and Training Society, Metis Nation of Alberta, Treaty Seven Economic Development Corporation, and the Union Training Trust Fund. Speeches were followed by a cultural presentation called the Trade Winds Ceremony.
The program is designed to provide Aboriginal peoples with pre-apprenticeship skills to make informed career choices and employment with the unions. Other components of the program include a one week "Strategies for Success - Personal Development" course, four weeks of academic upgrading, eight to ten weeks of union shop and hands-on skills training, and all related safety tickets and work clothing.
"This project meets skilled worker needs in the trades by providing Aboriginal pre-apprenticeship training in Edmonton and Calgary. The partnerships were developed by a strong vision put together by key stakeholders." said Joan Youngman, Executive Director of the Trade Winds to Success Training Society.
The Trade Winds Training Society expects that 200 new apprentices will register and be hired as welders, boilermakers, ironworkers, steam/pipe-fitters, carpenters and plumbers.
For more information on this ASEP project or others:
Ken Donnelly
Director, Partnerships
Human Resources and Social Development Canada
819-956-8860
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