The federal government and the Gabriel Dumont Institute are partnering together to bring more skilled Aboriginal employees to the workforce.
Western Economic Diversification Canada is providing GDI with a $3.1 million investment to help train 150 new Aboriginal apprentices in trades experiencing a shortage of skilled workers.
These trades include machinists, electricians, plumbers, power line technicians and several more.
“Our government is pleased to invest in trade apprenticeship opportunities for Aboriginal peoples through the Gabriel Dumont Institute,” said Conservative Member of Parliament Kelly Block while making the announcement Friday morning. “This program helps address the need for qualified individuals across a wide variety of in-demand trades, while also helping to bridge the gap from skills training to employment for Aboriginal peoples.”
All of the funding will go toward the Gabriel Dumont Institute.
“I would like to thank the government for the support,” said GDI Vice Chair Glenn Lafleur. “The new funding will enable us to partner with businesses across Saskatchewan to take on more Aboriginal apprentices who will have opportunities to acquire marketable skills and get well-paying jobs.”
GDI began its own Aboriginal Apprenticehip Initiative in 2011 — and since that time, 223 Aboriginal employees have found work in Saskatchewan through the program.
Pinehouse Mayor Mike Natomagan was also on hand for the announcement.
“This funding announcement today is a major push forward for all of us, especially in the north,” said Natomagan. “Many people will be retiring from the mine sites close to Pinehouse, so this is where we need to step in. This announcement brings us opportunity for our young people in the north.”
Natomagan is also the President of Pinehouse Business North, a close working partner with GDI.
According to Employment and Social Development Canada, the overall employment rate in Saskatchewan was at 3.9 percent for 2014.
The unemployment rate wth the province’s off-reserve Aboriginal population was 10.9 percent.