A unique 18-day employment training program recently concluded with the graduation of 12 first nation students.
The program was designed to boost each student’s leadership skills and prepare them for the workforce. It was hosted in Powell River by Tla’amin (Sliammon) Community Health Services with students from Sliammon, West Bank, Klahoose and Gitwangak first nations, and delivered by Vancouver Island University (VIU) through the provincial Employment Skills Access (ESA) program.
Facilitators Sharon deLure and Kim Meyers worked together to deliver the program. “Six weeks ago when these students first walked into the classroom, they were nervous and shy,” said deLure. “Now they have the confidence to look you in the eye and speak up for what they need. They’ve realized their success in life starts with believing they can do it.”
The program is designed to give unemployed first nation adults a unique opportunity to develop the self awareness and personal skills to improve their lives and strengthen their communities, said Marion Knost, manager of contract training at VIU.
“The program is a great opportunity for individuals who face financial and training-related barriers,” she said. “It helps people transform their lives and close the skills gap for those who struggle to enter or re-enter the job market. Participants report that they have more confidence and conviction to make personal changes, and a greater determination to contribute to the health and vitality of their families, communities and, ultimately, the world.”
Knost added several program graduates have secured employment or are confidently searching for work.
Cyndi Pallen, Aboriginal Training Employment Program coordinator for Tla’amin Community Health Services, said participants focused on team-building and goal-setting, and discussed topics facing the Sliammon community, including a limited job market.
“The participants really appreciated having a training opportunity provided at the community level,” said Pallen of the program that included skills in financial management, leadership, communicating, conflict resolution, supporting change and managing complaints.
“The program provided them with stronger life skills, enhanced cultural knowledge that reflects for them a tremendous sense of pride, while building up healthy relationships within the community and beyond.”
Graduate Glida Hanson travelled from Vancouver weekly to take part in the program offered in her mother’s home community.
“It was so beautiful to come home to my people and family and learn tools and skills to utilize in our professional lives and also in our personal lives,” said Hanson. “The knowledge presented by the facilitators was so relevant in our current everyday lives. I appreciate the opportunity to have been a part of the teaching circle at Tla’amin Community Health Centre.”
VIU received more than $700,000 this year under the ESA program to deliver the leadership program and three other employment training programs in shellfish aquaculture, introduction to culinary arts and marine operator training.
Funding comes from the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement through the ministry of jobs, tourism and innovation.
For more details about upcoming ESA programs, interested readers can contact Pam Botterill at [email protected] or 250.740.6163 or Marion Knost at [email protected] or 250.740.6364 or visit VIU online.
