Masset, B.C. – A memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed between the Industry Training Authority and Old Masset Village Council (OMVC) in B.C. to support trades education and apprenticeships for First Nations.
“I think this is a great project to help us meet our training needs in our Village and Nation to create employment opportunities,” said Elected Chief Duffy Edgars, Old Massett Village Council, in a press release. “By investing in our community with local training opportunities, we are creating a stronger future for ourselves; that is what this MOU can help bring to us.”
The agreement allows the OMVC to sponsor of apprentices working on local projects to provide local employment. Officials also noted that it will create “an appropriate cultural approach” to an apprenticeship pathway and experience. As an apprenticeship sponsor, OMVC has the responsibility to register apprentices, track their hours, and work within their community’s Community Benefit Agreements to ensure contractors are hiring registered apprentices.
“Our government’s commitment to reconciliation is embedded in our daily work,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training. “The rights of First Nations communities to be leaders in their economies, skills training, and employment opportunities speaks to UNDRIP article 21.1. With 71,000 trades jobs expected in B.C. in the next decade, it’s important First Nations people have access to skills training and apprenticeship opportunities to be part of these good-paying, family-supporting careers.”
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