Education

6 SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2022 EDUCATION GUIDE MANITOBA INSTITUTE OF TRADES AND TECHNOLOGY T here is a unique hub of educational and cul- tural activity in Winni- peg, and it's happening at Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology's (MITT) cam- pus on Main Street. Walk through MITT's Aazhogan Training Centre and you will find young Indigenous community members sharpening their skills in construction, learning more about being employment ready, and having an opportunity to ex- plore and learn more about their culture. MITT's Construction Labourer Certificate Program is an Indigenous-focused program training students for an exciting career in the construction indus- try. "It's great to see students com- ing every day to our campus, ex- cited to learn and ready to take on new challenges related to construction," says John Einars- son, manager of MITT's Aazhogan Training Initiatives. "It's heart- warming to foster the growth of these individuals as they take im- portant steps toward a better fu- ture for themselves, their families and their community." The Construction Labourer Cer- tificate (CLC) program is open to Indigenous individuals between the ages of 18 and 30. It is ideal for students who enjoy working with their hands, have the strength and stamina that is necessary for physical work, and are equally comfortable working indepen- dently and/or in team settings. The five-month program equips students with the skills they need to enter the construction work- force. It starts with the basics of proper usage and storage of tools and supplies and advances them to specific elements of the con- struction industry, including Con- struction Fundamentals, Fram- ing Fundamentals, Indigenous Focused Trades math, Success@ Work (MITT's own essential skills preparation course for Construc- tion), and Construction Labourer Work Practicum. CLC's roots were established in 2014. Originally a pre-employ- ment carpentry training program, the nature of CLC changed as MITT adapted to a changing work environment. "We now focus on preparing stu- dents for careers in construction and the transition has been very successful," Einarsson explains. Along with training in con- struction practices, students also participate in academic classes. Among these is the Indigenous Focused Trades Math program. Developed by Christine M'Lot, a Winnipeg-based Anishinaabe ed- ucator, curriculum developer and consultant, the course incorpo- rates mathematic principles that are vital to construction while building connections to Indig- enous heritage. "We discuss Indigenous culture, community, ways of knowing and relate it back to mathematics," Einarsson says. "The curriculum and its material allow our students to see themselves as an integral part of assignments and encour- ages them to engage in learning." Students also have an impor- tant resource at the Main Street campus — a dedicated student support and retention worker. This individual guides individu- als who need assistance navigat- ing through challenges or barri- ers that may affect their success in CLC. Student retention is an important component of the role, working to ensure overdue class work is front of mind and best practices are taught to mitigate other issues that arise. "Students are empowered by the support and retention worker to take ownership and receive valu- able feedback every step of the program journey," Einarsson ex- plains. "This staff member works closely with instructors and staff and is an integral role to the pro- gram." Building education, community opportunities for Indigenous learners at MITT SUPPLIED PHOTO CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 204 953 2030 | MITT.CA /ALC

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