Integrating Essential Skills into Training - National Adult Literacy ...

Aboriginal Principles Working Together
“BC Hydro will co-operate with Aboriginal Peoples and
educational institutions to develop initiatives that support The Bridge River YTH Program is a pilot project in the early
Aboriginal peoples in acquiring knowledge and skills that stages of development. The program aligns’ with BC Hydro’s
will prepare them for employment with BC Hydro and its
long-term First Nations goal and is evolving in response to
subsidiaries.”
feedback from internal and external resources.
First Nations, Jeannie Cranmer, ‘Senior Aboriginal Relations
Coordinator’ for BC Hydro is in the process of developing the
Aboriginal Education and Employment Strategy that utilizes BR
as a best practice.
Overview YTH Program Bridge River’s Version of YTH
The YTH Program was developed in 2004 for province wide
participation to:
• Tailor program to be First Nations specific to
• Reinforce BC Hydro’s commitment to a skilled workforce
increase First Nations participation in the workforce.
renewal of trades and technical occupations (e.g. electrical, • Incorporate educational component that focuses on
mechanical) high school completion (skill development)
• Provide summer employment in the trades to a number of
young people who are making the transition from school to
• Build program in collaboration with Stl’Atl’Imx Bands
work and School District
• Foster continuing partnerships with educational,
community and equity groups
YTH Primary Objectives Educational Development
• Increase First Nations participation in the trades and
technical occupations, and build a future pool of
Aboriginal population is the fastest growing in BC with 50% of the population
under 25 years. Still, only 46% of Aboriginal students complete grade 12
skilled talent in local community
compared to 82% of non-Aboriginal.
• Provide educational mentorship to assist students • BR has hired a (summer contract) teacher to work with YTH students, for half
with long-term capacity building to acquire knowledge
of each day, on high school courses.
and skills that will prepare them for employment • Throughout the course the teacher will benchmark with the students, whose
• Employ skilled individuals in remote locations to
levels range from Gr. 9-12, academic short and long term goals.
improve BC Hydro operational capacity (i.e. supply
and demand of talent)
• Students will be expected to complete at least one high school course in the
duration of the two months.