“In the last few years, we have been doing a concentrated effort to promote and engage First Nation people and trying to encourage them to get into the trades.” – JOAN HARRIS-WARREN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FIRST PEOPLES DEVELOPMENT INC., to get into the trades,” Harris- Warren says. “We know there’s a demand, and we're here to bridge the gap. It's a win- win for the program, for the employer and for our students.” Raising awareness about the variety of available trades careers is an impor- tant first step. First Peoples Development Inc. not only educates and promotes the programs available but also what the actual available jobs are. Often, people aren’t aware of just how many roles there are to fill, she says. “We want to make sure people are aware of what’s available to them, and people are definitely gravitating toward the trades,” she says. “Our ulti- mate goal is to ensure that they have sustainable employment.” Despite ongoing chal- lenges and growing demand, industry leaders say progress is being made. Employers and training institutions are working to better align workforce needs with post-secondary program- ming, while consultations are underway to streamline the apprenticeship system. ■
“It’s showcasing the viable career options and the amazing Manitoba employers we have,” Stuart says. Joan Harris-Warren, execu- tive director of First Peoples Development Inc., says her organization is working to con- nect First Nations communities with training and employment opportunities in the trades. “We have been doing a concentrated effort to promote and engage First Nation people and trying to encourage them
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