- 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
Aboriginal people in rural or remote areas face special challenges in accessing training. Often the specialized training is not available in their location and they will need to travel or relocate to access the training they need. They can benefit from using a flexible and long-distance format of training designed for Aboriginal students. Successful cases of long-distance apprenticeship programs in rural and remote areas are listed below.
| Institution | Province /Territory | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Wahsa Distance Education Centre | Northwestern Ontario | http://www.nnec.on.ca/Wahsa |
| Keewaytinook Internet High School | Northwestern Ontario | http://www.kihs.knet.ca |
| Aurora College | Northwest Territories | www.auroracollege.nt.ca |
| Cree School Board and Heritage College | Northern Quebec | http://www.cscree.qc.ca |
| Headwaters Education Centre | Northern Saskatchewan | www.edcentre.ca |
| Northlands College | Northern Saskatchewan | www.northlandscollege.sk.ca |
| Kwadacha Nation, C.N.C. & B.C.O.U. | Northern British Columbia | http://www.kwadacha.com http://www.cnc.bc.ca http://bcou.ca |
Source: Bill McMullen and Andreas Rohrbach, Distance Education in Remote Aboriginal Communities: Barriers, Learning Styles and Best Practices, College of New Caledonia Press, Prince George, British Columbia, 2003, Pages 16-511
A university, community college, industry training centre, or technical institute offers other ways to study for the construction career of your choice.
- Some Provinces and Territories have universities that offer degree courses in construction and civil engineering
- Some Provinces and Territories have community colleges or technical institutes that offer Certificates, diplomas or degrees in construction and technology
- Click here to search the database http://oraweb.aucc.ca/dcu_e.html
On the Job Training – Some construction trades, such as labourer, do not require an apprenticeship. In these cases, it is common for workers to learn the needed skills while they are already working on the job. Keep in mind that employers who are hiring are looking for dependable and affordable labour. Be ready to consider smaller employers and entry positions – these are usually the keys to gaining experience and training.
- 1. Can be accessed electronically through http://www.cnc.bc.ca/__shared/assets/Distance_Education_in_Remote_Aborig... Retrieved 05 August 2010


