Waywayseecappo focuses on Professional Development

Assiniboine Community College is offering a part-time certificate program for Education Assistants, in partnership with Waywayseecappo First Nation.

There are eighteen students currently in the program which is funded by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada’s Post-Secondary Partnership Program. Most are already working as education assistants in the district. This training is provided as a professional development tool where skills learned will be used in their jobs as Educational Assistants and childcare assistants.

The program started in mid-September 2015 and will be wrapping up this December. This Education Assistant certificate program includes nine courses with a two week practicum providing hands-on training.

This training is a great professional development opportunity for the region. “This way they can get a college credential to provide better education for the next generation of Aboriginal students,” said Wayne Jacobsen, Chairperson for Health and Human Services at Assiniboine Community College.

This program allows you to be part of an education team that helps children in the classroom and those with special needs. The Education Assistant program delivers the basic skills and concepts required for entry-level positions in the education system. Education assistants provide a vital role in classrooms, working closely with those students struggling with a physical or learning challenge.

“Employers have already seen a change in how the current students are performing their jobs on a daily basis and how they interact with students,” said Jackie McKee, Finance Officer at Waywayseecappo First Nation. “Once the Educational assistants have completed this program they will qualify for an increase in pay which in turn will be spent in the community supporting local businesses.”

Education provides opportunities that would be missed if not offered directly in specific communities. “If we did not have this program in our community the chances are they would probably not take this course on their own,” said McKee.

“With the training these people will be able to apply for jobs off reserve as they will be fully qualified. This training would give them more opportunities to work in other areas and broaden their field of opportunity,” said Colleen Clearsky, Director of Education Waywayseecappo First Nation.

There are ample opportunities for the graduates of this program. “Students who are working at the daycare centre may choose to apply for jobs at Waywayseecappo Community School or any other school division,” said McKee. “In addition others working in the daycare may transfer their credits into the Early Childhood education program.”

Community members - especially youth - are looking up to the participating students. “These students are a testament that you are never too old to go back to school,” said McKee. “Their children and grandchildren see that a person can also work full-time and take evening courses at the college level.”

“They become role models for the community and also for others who want to go into Education,” said Clearsky. The success of this program will benefit further training opportunities in the region.

“With this success hopefully funded agencies will direct more money to other programs we apply for,” said Clearsky.

Graduates find employment as classroom assistants in primary, middle and senior years schools, direct aides for students with disabilities, social service agency youth workers, and private assistants for children requiring extra help.