Assiniboine offers Piping Trades training in Peguis

Assiniboine partnered with Peguis Employment & Training, Fisher River Human Resource Program, Peguis Surrender Trust, and Manitoba Education & Training to offer Piping Trades Level 1 in Peguis First Nation.

Written by Daphne Flett

Ten students began their studies in November 2016. By early October 2017, students who have achieved a WPGA of 3.0 or higher will be granted credit towards level one plumbing theory plus 900 hours of practical time towards their apprenticeship.

Students will then be able to sign-up with a Red Seal Plumber to complete their remaining 900 Apprenticeship hours after which they will be eligible to begin Level 2 training—currently offered at both Assiniboine Community College and Red River College.

Nine students attend classes Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. The benefits of basing the program in the community allows students to remain close to their families, stay involved in community activities, and continue working in part-time jobs.

“The Piping Trades program gives me the opportunity to join with other trades and build a career in my home community,” said Ralph Cochrane, a student in the program.

One challenge that some students face is having to balance college classes with other roles and responsibilities in their lives. Sheldon Stevenson is one of these students. “Aside from attending the program full time, I also have a young family. I care for my grandmother, and I work a weekend job,” said Sheldon. He says his family is a great support system and they motivate him to continue in the program each day.

There are four staff members on-site that motivate and support these students. Clayton Johnson instructs Math, Heather Helgason is the ELA instructor, Glen Gatin is the instructor of all Piping trades courses, and Daphne Flett is the Job Coach/Educational Assistant for the program.

One of the highlights of the program is the use of information and communication technology (ICT) which greatly benefits the students. Instructor Glen Gatin, a Red Seal Journeyperson in both Pipefitting and Plumbing Trades, also has a doctoral degree in media studies with a focus on the use of ICT in education. Participants in the program make extensive use of web-based resources like Google Docs, YouTube and electronic portfolios to support their learning and to document their progress.

There are a variety of skills being taught in this program from piping trades to math to information technology skills. “The variety of instruction styles has had a positive impact on my learning,” said Ralph. In one of his Trades courses, he is learning how to create a blog which will be helpful as he looks to build his business and career when he has completed formal training.

A major program goal is to prepare individuals to be independent, self-sustaining, life-long learners through digital fluency which is achieved and required by most occupations, particularly technology related trades.

Most of the students wish to further their education by completing the program and to continue on to receive their Red Seal. “I hope to develop and share my knowledge with others and give back to my community,” said Ralph.

Sheldon encourages individuals in the community to take advantage of the training available to them. “It’s never too late to do anything, no matter how old you are. You just have to have a positive mindset and you must want what you are working for,” said Sheldon.

[L to R]: Ralph Cochrane, Gilbert Stevenson, Sheldon Stevenson, Clayton Stevenson, Irvin McPherson, Walter Daniels-Mercredie, Leslie Prince, Matthew Spence, Nicholas McPherson Missing: Jason Meldrum; students pictured in the classroom.