VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - June 23, 2016) - The UA Piping Industry College of BC (UAPICBC) and the Lax Kw'alaams community held a graduation ceremony for the graduates of the Aboriginal People in Trades Training (AITT) program in Prince Rupert today. The program was delivered through UAPICBC and the Lax Kw'alaams with the support of the Industry Training Authority (ITA) and their Aboriginal People in Trades Training (AITT) initiatives. UAPICBC gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, and through the Canada-BC Jobs Fund Agreement administered through ITA.
The Aboriginal Opportunities for Trades Upgrading (AOTU) program provides preparation for technical training, Essential Skills, math and technology upgrading, and other workforce skills training to eligible participants. Graduates have the opportunity to move on to further skilled trades training based on their assessed ability and need, enabling them to work towards full certification.
30 graduates will cross the stage, of which some are already registered to continue their training in Construction or enrolled in the Piping Foundation course.
Quotes:
Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour
"B.C.'s Skills for Jobs Blueprint is reaching out to Aboriginal peoples in their communities to ensure they have the education, training and support they need to get good jobs. Aboriginal youth in particular, are the fastest growing demographic in the province and will play a vital role in a strong B.C. economy. Congratulations to today's Aboriginal People in Trades Training graduates, I wish you all continued success!"
John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
"Congratulations to all of the grads, their families and the larger Lax Kw'alaams community. There is so much to be proud of and the successful completion of this innovative program by graduating students will open new doors and job opportunities that will benefit all."
Gary Herman, CEO, Industry Training Authority
"We are excited to celebrate this milestone with the Aboriginal People in Trades Training graduates of UAPICBC. B.C.'s economy is forecasted to be one of Canada's strongest in the coming years and our Aboriginal Initiatives are an important part of ensuring that British Columbians are first in line for future job opportunities in trades."
Al Phillips, Executive Director, UA Piping Industry College of BC
"We are extremely proud of our graduates and congratulate them on their successful completion of the AOTU program. This program is a first step for many Lax Kw'alaams students in realizing apprenticeship opportunities in trades that align with the needs and priorities of local employers and opportunities in Northwest B.C. We want to thank the people of Lax Kw'alaams for welcoming us into their community and for their enormous support for this training initiative along with the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, the Industry Training Authority and the federal and provincial ministries through the Canada Jobs Fund - Employment Services and Supports."
Kelly Sinclair, Special Projects Coordinator, UA Piping Industry College of BC
"The Aboriginal Opportunities for Trades Upgrading, is not only for reading and math upgrading, but has been developed to help the client gain motivation and pride. The program is a success because we identify the transitional difficulties and work with each person to help them succeed. We're also proud to note that the class built and donated a number of book bases to the Elders of the Lax Kw'alaams community."
About UAPICBC
UA Piping Industry College of BC is a post-secondary piping trades training provider with campuses in Delta, Terrace and Fort St. John. UAPICBC delivers upgrading, pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship training for the trades of Welding, Steamfitting, Sprinklerfitting and Plumbing. UAPICBC also delivers regional training and contract training initiatives; targeting increased representation of Aboriginal People, Women, Immigrants and Youth into the construction trades.
About ITA
The Industry Training Authority (ITA) leads and coordinates British Columbia's skilled trades system. ITA works with employers, employees, industry, labour, training providers and government to issue credentials, manage apprenticeships, set program standards and increase opportunities in the trades. ITA is also a key collaborator in B.C.'s Skills for Jobs Blueprint, which sets out a plan for re-engineering our education and training system to support our growing and changing economy, and to help British Columbians take full advantage of the opportunities presented by these changes.
About AITT
ITA's Aboriginal People in Trades Training (AITT) initiatives support and assure an industry training system in B.C. that services Aboriginal people with supported and unobstructed access to opportunities and success in apprenticeships and the skilled trades. ITA has released an Aboriginal Skills Training Plan 2015-18 to remove barriers and to increase the number of Aboriginal People in the skilled trades.
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Contact Information:
For interviews or more information, please contact:
UAPICBC
Kelly Sinclair
Special Projects Coordinator
Office: 604-540-1945
Email: kelly.sinclair@uapicbc.ca
Industry Training Authority
Susan Kirk
Communications Director
Office: 778-327-5897
Email: skirk@itabc.ca
