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NORTHERN BC COLLEGES TEAM UP WITH BC AMTA TO PROVIDE CAMP COOK TRAINING FOR ABORIGINAL STUDENTS

Prince George, B.C., January 21, 2014 – British Columbia Aboriginal Mine Training Association (BC AMTA), the College of New Caledonia (CNC) and Northwest Community College’s School of Exploration and Mining (NWCC SEM) announced today that they are in the final stages of a partnership to deliver a Camp Cook Assistant training program specifically for BC AMTA’s Aboriginal candidates.  All three organizations work collaboratively to meet the needs of industry across the province and this program has been developed with input from Summit Camps, the primary industry partner in the program.  Summit Camps will be offering students a work practicum to the successful candidates.  This will be the first time the three institutions have collaborated to provide training to Aboriginal students and the proposed program marks an exciting step in collaborating to meet the needs of northern BC’s resource industry.

The four week program plans to attract students from Nisga’a, Kitsumkalum, Gitanyow and Ft. Babine Nations and is expected to begin in early March.  The training is planned for delivery in an industry relevant camp-based setting near Smithers and will include camp cook education, safety training, employment readiness skills training, as well as cultural components to ensure student success.

In response to the planned training Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training, Hon. Shirley Bond said “it is collaboration like this between the BC Aboriginal Mine Training Association, the College of New Caledonia and Northwest Community College that will help address the shortage of skilled workers currently facing B.C.  The Mining Industry Human Resource Council in 2012 concluded that BC will need 13000-19000 new workers in the next decade.   I’m very pleased these three institutions are teaming up to help address this critical challenge for British Columbia.”

The Minister of Advanced Education, Hon. Amrik Virk, states “Aboriginal young people are the fastest growing demographic in British Columbia.  Our priority is to ensure that Aboriginal students have the opportunity to fill many of the one million jobs we expect to open by 2020.”

Laurie Sterritt, BC AMTA CEO, explains, “With the support and input of partners in government, First Nations communities, education and beyond, BC AMTA creates solutions that can be adapted to almost any First Nation community, regardless of the infrastructure or current experience level of the community. We work with post secondary institutions and industry to provide the best training experiences for our candidates. This program will unite the strengths of each organization to prepare the local workforce for upcoming opportunities.”

The Projects Administrator for NWCC’s School of Exploration and Mining, Danielle Smyth and CNC’s Associate Regional Director Scott Zayac state “For the past decade our institutions have delivered training programs which successfully transition graduates into employment. This is a welcome opportunity to be working together and with BC AMTA to proactively address the training needs of Aboriginal learners and the training needs of industry.

Background Information

BC Aboriginal Mine Training Association is a federally registered charity devoted to preparing Aboriginal candidates for sustainable careers with mining and mining support companies. For more information, and to view the Top 10 Effects of BC AMTA’s programs, visit bcamta.ca. BC AMTA's mission is to be the best team in Canada empowering First Nations to create economic health for themselves and their communities through skills training, education and career opportunities. In partnership with industry, governments and educators, BC AMTA provides training and support services to Aboriginal participants through a formal process of personal and professional development.