We provide leadership and support for the development of policies and learning programs to address challenges and barriers faced by Aboriginal students.
Here are some of the programs and initiatives the Ministry has recently supported.
Aboriginal Training for Employment Program
The Aboriginal Training for Employment Program assists in the transition of Aboriginal people into sustainable employment through job-related training and support services.
The initial round of request for proposals (RFP) in 2010 resulted in 17 Aboriginal organizations providing training and employment to approximately 600 Aboriginal people. 11 of the 17 contracts were renewed for an additional 18 months.
The program has directly connected Aboriginal people to job opportunities in:
- Culinary arts
- Tourism
- Health care
- Social services
- Mining
- Constructions
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for this program, participants must be:
- Aboriginal
- 18 years of age or older
- Unemployed
- Not an EI client (have not established a regular EI claim in the last three years and have not established a maternity or parental claim in the past five years)
- Legally entitled to work in Canada
- Living in B.C.
- Not a student
- Not participating in another Labour Market Agreement (LMA) funded program
What does the program offer?
- Services that are reflective of Aboriginal perspectives, values and beliefs.
- Group and individual programming, short-term training and work experience that prepares participants for new employment or, when appropriate, further training.
- Group activities, including assessment, life skills, and employability skills (job search, basic skills upgrading, computer training, and short-term skill training).
- Further skills training and/or work experience during the remainder of the program includes employer, community-based or volunteer work experience. This provides the opportunity for participants to learn skills to assist their search for paid employment.
- Up to six months of follow-up support provided for those who need additional help to find and maintain employment or to attain employment if they lose a job.
Where and when is the program offered?
ATEP programs are located in the following regions and communities, and may also be accessed by Aboriginal residents in nearby communities.
As programs start on various dates leading up to March 31, 2013, please contact the service provider directly about services.
| Location |
Contact Information |
| Fraser Valley |
Métis Provincial Council of British Columbia
Tel: 604-582-5434 / Toll free: 1-800-582-5434
|
| Nemiah Valley |
Xeni Gwet’in First Nations Government
Tel: 250-398-2646 |
| Interior region of BC |
Shuswap Nation Tribal Council
Tel: 778-471-8200 |
| Prince George and surrounding area |
Prince George Native Friendship Center
Tel: 250-564-3568 |
| Metro Vancouver region of B.C., specifically within the Richmond, Vancouver and Vancouver North Shore areas |
ACCESS
Tel: 604 922-4077 |
| Musqueam Reserves and adjacent urban communities of southwest Vancouver, Richmond and the downtown eastside |
Musqeum Indian Band
Tel: 604-263-3261 / Toll free: 1-866-282-3261 |
| Tla’Amin (Sliammon) Reserve and the City of Powell River |
Tla'amin Community Health Board Society
Tel: 604-483-3009 / Toll free: 1-888-271-5555 |
| Vancouver Coastal region of B.C. |
Tsleil-Watuth Nation
Tel: 604-929-3454 |
| Vancouver, North Vancouver and Squamish First Nation |
NEC Native Education College
Tel: 604-873-3772 |
| Port Alberni and the Nuu-chah-nulth Territory |
Port Alberni Friendship Center
Tel: 250-723-8281 |
| Capital Regional District (Victoria) and specifically Pauquachin, Malahat, Tseycum, Songhees, Tsouke, Tsartlip, Pacheedaht, Esquimalt, Tsawout, Beecher Bay, and the Southern Gulf Islands |
Victoria Native Friendship Center
Tel: 250-384-3211 |
A second RFP process is anticipated for the Fall 2011 and will be posted on the BC Bid site.
The ATEP program is funded through the Canada-B.C. Labour Market Agreement.
Aboriginal Special Projects Fund
The Aboriginal Special Projects Fund was in place from 2000-2009 and provided $17.5 million in funding to over 300 projects during the course of its existence.
The purpose of the fund was to pilot innovative programs and courses for Aboriginal students in public post-secondary institutions. The type of projects included:
- cultural education,
- student support,
- transition programs, and
- student recruitment activities.
Aboriginal Service Plans
Aboriginal service plans are 3-year rolling strategic plans. They are developed and implemented by public post-secondary institutions and Aboriginal communities, institutes, and organizations. The Ministry of Advanced Education provides funding for the implementation of Aboriginal Service Plans.
The goals of the plans are to:
- Increase the access, retention, completion and transition opportunities for Aboriginal learners.
- Strengthen partnerships and collaboration in Aboriginal post-secondary education.
- Increase the receptivity and relevance of post-secondary institutions and programs for Aboriginal learners, and provide support for initiatives that address barriers.
Institutions with Aboriginal Service Plans:
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