- How-To-Guide
- Section 1: Making the Most of This Toolkit
- Section 2: Drawing the Blueprint for an Aboriginal Employment Initiative
- 1. See a Gap or Opportunity
- 2. Find Partners
- 3. Assess the Labour Situation
- 4. Decide on an Approach
- 5. Involve Others as Needed
- 6. Define Success
- 7. Make an Agreement
- Some Special Considerations – and Case Studies
- Models of Success – In Urban Centres – Trade Winds to Success, Alberta
- Models of Success – In Rural Communities – Pikwakanagan First Nation, Ontario
- Models of Success – In Remote Communities – Sioux Lookout Area Aboriginal Management Board, Ontario
- Guide to the Tips and Tools
- Why Focus on Aboriginal Employment in Construction?
- Tips for Employers on Establishing Networks and Partnerships
- Aboriginal Employment and Training Contacts
- Tips for Aboriginal Organizations on Partnering with the Construction Industry
- Tips for ASET Holders on Working with the Construction Industry
- Construction Industry Organizations
- Construction Training Programs
- How to Assess the Labour Situation – Comparing Industry Needs and the Aboriginal Labour Force
- Tips for Monitoring and Evaluating the Program
- Section 3: Creating Awareness
- 1. Raise Awareness and Create Interest
- 2. Choose Communications Methods
- 3. Provide More Information
- Some Special Considerations
- Guide to the Tips and Tools
- Effective Outreach and Communication Vehicles
- Defining the Target Audience
- Aboriginal Media
- Sample Promotional Materials / Key Messages
- How the Construction Industry is Organized
- Construction Organizations in Various Provinces and Territories
- List of Trades in the Construction Industry
- Doors into Construction
- Territorial and Provincial Apprenticeship Offices
- Successful Models of Rural/Remote Apprenticeship Programs
- Job Seekers’ Frequently Asked Questions
- Section 4: Building the Foundation: Skill Development
- 1. Identify the skills required
- 2. Assess Current Skills
- 3. Explore available training
- 4. Access training
- Some Special Considerations – and Case Studies
- Examples of successful models
- Models of Success – In Rural Locations – Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies: Career Centres and Taking the Information to the Community
- Models of Success – In Remote Communities – Pangnirtung Community Economic Development Office, Nunavut
- Guide to the Tips and Tools
- Pathways to Apprenticeship
- How Training Works in the Construction Industry
- Examples of initiatives for urban areas
- Examples of initiatives for rural and remote areas
- Section 5: Linking People with Opportunities
- 1. Publicize the Opportunities
- 2. Target The Right Audience: Outreach Vehicles
- 3. Develop Solid Referral Partnerships
- Some Special Considerations – and Case Studies
- Models of Success – In Rural Locations – Grand River Employment and Training (GREAT) Six Nations, Ontario
- Models of Success – In Urban Centres – Squamish Nation Trades Centre, North Vancouver, British Columbia
- Models of Success – In Remote Communities – Cree Construction Development Company, Quebec
- Guide to the Tips and Tools
- Communicating Job Openings
- Where to Find Construction Job Opportunities
- Overview of Job Search Methods
- Tips for ASETS Holders and Other Aboriginal Agencies for Linking People with Opportunities
- Tips for Construction Employers for Linking People with Opportunities
- Aboriginal Agencies and Industry Contacts
- Aboriginal Training and Development Forums
- Section 6: Succeeding with Hiring and Retention
- 1. Understanding Culture
- 2. Getting the Job: A Culturally Appropriate Hiring Process
- 3. Hired! Ensuring Success and Avoiding Cultural Disconnect
- 4. Long-Term Success
- Some Special Considerations – and Case Studies
- Models of Success – In Rural Locations – Manitoba Floodway Project
- Models of Success – In Urban Centres – Partners for Careers, Manitoba
- Guide to the Tips and Tools
- What is Culture and Why Does It Matter?
- Tool: Uncovering My Culture and My Workplace’s Culture
- The Hiring Process in Canada’s Construction Industry
- Section 7: Tools and Resources
Why work in Construction?1
- You can take pride in the work you do and see the results every day.
- You can be part of a vibrant community that continually affects everyday life.
- There are many ways to build a long and rewarding career – you can move around from job to job, you can specialize in one trade, become a supervisor, get into planning or management ... or even start your own business.
- There are dozens of careers to choose from in four construction sectors – that means limitless opportunities to advance and plenty of chances to travel across the country and around the world.
- The industry is built on team work – you have the chance to work with many people you know and often also with some of Canada’s top professionals.
- Whether you’re a skilled construction worker or manager, you have impressive earning potential.
Did You Know That ...
The Construction Industry will be Short of Workers: From 2011-2019 the construction industry will have to attract close to 300,000 additional workers. New projects are starting all the time and many of today’s construction workers will be retiring in the next few years. That means a lot of opportunities for Aboriginal workers who are keen to get into the industry.
Many Companies Want to Recruit Aboriginal Workers: Federal departments as well as many companies give Aboriginal suppliers the first opportunity to supply goods and services in set-aside contracts: contracts servicing Aboriginal communities. Aboriginal joint ventures must be 51% Aboriginal owned, and in firms of six or more employees, 33% of full-time employees must be Aboriginal. This gives an advantage to Aboriginal workers looking for jobs within the construction industry.
Hiring Aboriginal Workers is Good Business: Employers in the construction industry are becoming more aware of the benefits of hiring Aboriginal workers in their company. To see ten reasons for hiring Aboriginal construction workers, click here.
Aboriginal Workers can get Training: Several different programs provide funding or training to Aboriginal workers to improve their skills for construction trades. Check with your local employment counsellor or Friendship Centre – one of these programs might be right for you.
For More Information ...
www.aboriginalconstructioncareers.ca
- 1. Adapted from http://www.careersinconstruction.ca/


