Industry-leader in Aboriginal mine training coming to Nicola Valley Institute of Technology
MERRITT, BC 04/12/13 – First Nation students across B.C. will soon be able to access mine training courses thanks to a new partnership between BC Aboriginal Mine Training Association (BC AMTA) and the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT). BC AMTA — which has trained and placed 500 Aboriginals into employment across B.C. — and NVIT will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Friday, April 12, at 11:15 a.m. at NVIT’s Merritt campus.
The MOU recognizes the two educational organizations’ common interests in providing first-class training and education to Aboriginal students, and seeks to promote co-operation in a more structured fashion. The scope of activities outlined in the MOU include the development of entry-level mine training programs and future collaborative programs of mutual interest and benefit, with a focus on supporting Aboriginal students.
“NVIT is very excited to be signing a memorandum agreement with BC AMTA,” says John Chenoweth, NVIT Dean of Community Education and Applied Programs, “BC AMTA has played a significant role in the training of Aboriginal people to prepare for the looming skill shortage in the mining industry. NVIT is pleased to be working in partnership with an organization that shares the same core values and shares the same organizational goals of educating and training First Nations students that will in turn strengthen Aboriginal communities across B.C.”
“NVIT is definitely the Aboriginal post-secondary institution of choice for BC AMTA to align themselves with when it comes to training to employment for Aboriginal students interested in the mining sector,” says Pat Gagnon, BC AMTA program manager, coach and advisor.
The MOU signing on Friday, April 12, at 11:15 a.m. is an open event and journalists are invited to attend. Following the signing, there will be time for photos and interviews.
BC AMTA’s mission is to become the best team in Canada empowering First Nations to create economic health for themselves and their communities through skills training, education and career opportunities. In partnership with industry, governments and educators, BC AMTA provides training and support services to Aboriginal participants through a formal process of personal and professional development – a process that leads to sustainable careers within the full cycle of mining including exploration, mine development, operations and reclamation. www.bcamta.ca
As the HOME of Aboriginal public post-secondary education in BC, NVIT’s student body represents over 70% of the Aboriginal communities across the province. NVIT invites students from around the country to further themselves with over 300 courses and programs ranging from trades training to Bachelor of Social Work. With campuses in Merritt and Vancouver, online courses and community-based deliveries throughout Canada, NVIT serves more than 1,400 students annually. www.nvit.ca
-30-
For more information, please contact:
Michelle Nahanee, Marketing and Communications Specialist,
BC Aboriginal Mine Training Association
604.681.4321 ext. 121 778.870.5411
mnahanee@bcamta.ca
John Chenoweth
Dean of Community Education and Applied Programs
Nicola Valley Institute of Technology
250.378.3331
jchenoweth@nvit.bc.ca
This article comes from NationTalk:
https://nationtalk.ca
The permalink for this story is:
https://nationtalk.ca/story/industry-leader-in-aboriginal-mine-training-coming-to-nicola-valley-institute-of-technology
Comments are closed.