Squamish Nation Partners to Train Construction Workers

MEDIA RELEASE FROM SQUAMISH NATION AND VANASEP
For immediate release
August 8, 2008

(NORTH VANCOUVER, B.C.) Responding to trades labour demands and a growing youth Aboriginal population, the Squamish Nation, Kwantlen University College, and VanASEP (Vancouver Aboriginal Skills Employment Society) signed an agreement to train Aboriginal people in construction trades.The partnership commits to annually add 72 full-time apprentices in joint trades training programs at Kwantlen in Industry Training Authority (ITA) standardized programs. This trades training agreement will first offer the millwright program in fall 2008, and then add other trades like electrical and plumbing. Courses will offer bridging and laddering into other academic programs offered by Kwantlen.

“All industry sectors tell us they need skilled workers, and we know we have Native and Indigenous people looking for a chance to start a career,” said Chief Gibby Jacobs of Squamish Nation. “Our involvement in VanASEP, and experience with Kwantlen and the ITA tells us partnering results in success.”

VanASEP Co-Chair Chief Kim Baird (Tsawwassen First Nation) says, “The Squamish Nation Trades Centre and this
agreement are legacies of the hope and vision of Squamish Nation, VanASEP, Kwantlen, ITA and our partners. It is the
reason VanASEP exists.”

This agreement furthers the achievements these partners have realized together. Since VanASEPs inception in March 2005, North Vancouver/Squamish has registered 169 clients with VanASEP. Overall VanASEP has supported 553 (42%) clients with securing and maintaining construction trades employment, and a further 289 with registering apprenticeships. Many clients are working on construction projects associated with the 2010 Winter Olympics, Independent Power Projects – Run of the River,
Sea-to-Sky Highway upgrade, and more.

Squamish Nation offers employment and education programs to its members. It is a memeber of the VanASEP society that includes the ITA, the VRCA and BCCA, as well as construction industry partners to create sustainable employment for Aboriginal people in major economic initiatives through collaborative partnerships, leading to lasting benefits for Aboriginals.

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For more information, contact:

Chief Gibby Jacobs
Squamish Nation
Cell: 604.982.0510

OR
Linden Pinay
Executive Director
VanASEP
Cell: 604.329.9329

Beverley O’Neil
Media Relations Advisor
Cell: 604.729.3805