TNDC gets funding from B.C. government for HEO program

DEASE LAKE, B.C. — The Tahltan Nation Development Corporation (TNDC) has received funding to support the second year of the Tahltan Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) program.

The funding will come from the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills – Indigenous Skills Training and Education Program.

The multi-faceted program is designed to build capacity in Tahltan communities across several different areas: drivers’ licences and driving for employment; developing new heavy equipment operators; and continuing to grow current heavy equipment operators into mentors, trainers and instructors.

The program supports Tahltans in acquiring their Class 4, 5 and 7 drivers’ licences in Tahltan Territory. Acquiring a driver’s licence is a significant barrier to employment in remote communities and is required to operate equipment, states a release, adding year two of the drivers’ program is expanding to cover commercial licenses up to Class 1, which enables access to employment in critical industries in northern B.C.

The inaugural year of the HEO program has already had an impact on the lives of several Tahltans, said Paul Gruner, CEO of the TNDC in a statement.

A total of 103 Tahltans completed training, including 70 drivers licence students, 29 mentors trained, and four heavy equipment operators successfully completed their Mining Industry HR Council Common Competencies and Skilled Trades BC Roadbuilders certifications.

“These four individuals also passed their TNDC technical verification of competencies and found employment for the summer season,” he said. “Building off the success of this inaugural year-one pilot, the HEO program is moving forward with its expanded program framework to increase the impact in enhancing skills capacity of Tahltan individuals. With the newly acquired funding, we are poised to extend the reach of the HEO program, with new programs and new partners, and magnify its profound and lasting impact. Inclusion of the Class 1 drivers licence shows our ongoing commitment to Tahltan members to enhance their skills and employability for future opportunities in the region and beyond.”