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30 SUMMER 2024 FIRST PEOPLES DEVELOPMENT INC. (FPDI) F irst Peoples Development Inc. (FPDI) is a local organization that serves as a conduit to support SMEs, students and sub- agreement holders. The primary role of FPDI is to implement an Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) agreement with Economic and Social Development Canada (ESDC). They also implement additional select programs as they become available. FPDI has recently worked on several programs meant to encourage individu- als to go into nursing, trades — even robotics and drone training. Joan Harris-Warren, executive director of FPDI, is thrilled to work in this field. "Working on programs and projects that assist participants realize their edu- cational and employment goals is ex- tremely rewarding," says Harris-Warren. Inspiring students to see training for work in a practical and accessible way is important in this economy — not just for employees, but for employers too. With an unemployment rate that hovers around five per cent, finding depend- able employees is a challenging task. Working with an organization such as FPDI can offer a priceless advantage. Their services can be especially use- ful in attracting Indigenous, women, newcomers and 2SLGBTQ+ students to roles that traditionally seemed less inviting to them. While other organiza- tions tasked with an ISET program exist, FPDI has a strong and recognized record of success. "The ISET program improved the quality of life for 17,003 participants since 2010," says Harris-Warren. "The two-year Apprenticeship Support Program registered 1,930 Level 1 ap- prentices nationally." Their most recent venture encour- aged SMEs to hire apprentices in varied Red Seal trades through the Apprentice Support Project. Funds were available for companies to entice first-year apprentices to work in their organizations in order to learn a trade. Students also received funds. And they were thrilled to enter careers that allowed them to earn much more than they had in the past. It was a win-win — overseen by FPDI. Many of the initiatives are meant to encourage Indigenous students to consider new opportunities. Manitoba has the second largest Indigenous population in Canada. It makes sense to work diligently to ensure the best training is available, especially with northern groups who sometimes lack the same resources as their southern counterparts have. This is where FPDI seamlessly fits. The organization collaborates dili- gently with members of their 28 sub- holder agreements across the province. These members are encouraged to participate in both ongoing and new training in non-traditional fields. FPDI's most recent project has just been announced — it's called LauncHer into Trades. It is designed to promote the recruitment and retention of women in the Red Seal trades within Manitoba. The project will help women to navigate challenges and barriers that impact progression in attaining a journey-person designation in a Red Seal trade by providing mentorships, networking opportunities and other key supports for women. It will follow and guide women on their journey to success! The LauncHer project will continue to elevate the employment status of women in Manitoba by providing them supports they may need to get a Red Seal certification. "We would love to work with employ- ers who are interested in the same goal," added Harris-Warren. ■ For further information on FPDI or the LauncHer project, go to https://fpdinc.ca or call 204-987-9570. FPDI, HELPING TO GUIDE STUDENTS ON A PATH TO SUCCESS Joan Harris-Warren, FPDI executive director, with a student SUBMITTED PHOTO The LauncHer project will continue to elevate the employment status of women in Manitoba by providing them supports they may need to get a red seal certification.

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