Assiniboine partners for Indigenous YouthBuild Canada program

Assiniboine Community College is a proud partner of the Indigenous YouthBuild Canada (IYBC) program led by Algonquin College, a National initiative which helps Indigenous youth gain trade skills and education.

As a part of the IYBC program, Assiniboine is delivering a 26-week Applied Building Construction program at the Parkland Campus from January 11 to August 27, 2021 for 10 Indigenous youth from Treaty 2 Territory. This program is accredited with Apprenticeship Manitoba and students who graduate with an average of 70% or better will receive credit for year one technical training and 900 hours towards the on-the-job component of their carpenter apprenticeship.

“Our goals are to teach and support students during the program and ultimately to provide meaningful, practical training that leads to jobs upon graduation,” said Dean School of Trades, and Access Programs Kate Pelletier.

“We’re proud to continue providing new opportunities for Indigenous youth to develop their skills and experience to find gainful employment during this pandemic,” said Pelletier.

Part of the program includes students putting their new skills into practice by building sheds among other construction projects. Students will also complete a six-week work practicum placement providing them with invaluable workplace experience. Graduates of the program will be prepared to enter the workforce with technical training and hands-on experience in the construction field.

The program team includes a full-time instructor and an Education Assistant, both who hold their Red Seal in the skilled trade.

The three-year $7 million project, funded by Employment and Social Development Canada, is mandated through Indigenous YouthBuild Canada, a national job-readiness program that brings First Nations communities together with educational institutions, government, and corporate partners to help Indigenous youth acquire job-ready skills while extending their education.

Assiniboine has a strong history partnering with communities and Indigenous organizations to develop and deliver place-based education. In conjunction with the partners of the IYBC program, Assiniboine will help to offer nearly 360 Indigenous youth training opportunities throughout 2021.

Other Indigenous YouthBuild Canada program partners include:

• Akwesasne Education & Training Institute in southwestern Quebec
• Atoskiwin Training & Employment Centre in northern Manitoba’s Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation
• the Manitoba Institute of Trades & Technology in Winnipeg
• Assiniboine Community College in Brandon, Manitoba
• Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, B.C.
• Nicola Valley Institute of Technology, an Indigenous public post-secondary institute in Merritt, B.C.