Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI and Province team up to offer training to adult learners

March 23, 2016

The Province of Prince Edward Island is excited to be working with the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI to offer essential skills training and GED preparation to adult learners in Lennox Island, says Minister Richard Brown, Workforce and Advanced Learning.“Education is so crucial in the development of workplace skills, and through partnerships like this one, we will continue to work together to instil the value of education, while providing an opportunity to enhance employability skills to grow a vibrant Island workforce that benefits both employers and employees alike,” said Minister Brown.

Essential skills training and GED preparation is currently being offered to 12 adult learners from the Lennox Island community. The 12-week program, delivered by Workplace Learning, began at the end of January and will continue to the end of April. Through the training, adult learners will increase their skills through a flexible in-class learning model for eight weeks, followed by a four-week work placement in the private sector. Partnership with employers will provide valuable insight into the skills employees need to succeed in the workplace, while ensuring participants are better prepared to transition into the labour market.

“We are very fortunate to have programs like this one offered to the community of Lennox Island. Individuals are preparing to enter into the labour market, advance in their present employment, or continue on to further education,” said Chief Matilda Ramjattan, Lennox Island First Nation.

Training participant, Remanda Mitchell, agreed and finds the program helpful for upgrading skills. She credits the training for assisting her in acquiring new skills and improving her literacy.

“As a Government we are proud to work closely with our First Nations communities to ensure individuals have an opportunity to enhance their skills and gain insightful work experiences leading them to future career options in the Island labour force,” said Premier Wade MacLauchlan, Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs.

Funding is provided by SkillsPEI, through the Department of Workforce and Advanced Learning, under the Canada-PEI Labour Market Development Agreement. Training partners include the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI; Lennox Island First Nation; and the Irving Foundation.

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