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'Enlightening experience': Skills Ontario reaches out to Aboriginal youth

First Nations, Métis and Inuit students attend day of workshops on the skilled trades at Cambrian

A student at the Rainbow District School Board's alternative high school at the N'Swakamok Native Friendship Centre, 22-year-old Tyler McColeman has some lofty goals.

After spending several years in the workforce, he hopes to get his Grade 12 diploma within a year, and then enrol in Cambrian College's power engineering technology course.

But his eyes were opened to many new possibilities Feb. 15, during a mentoring event for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students organized by Skills Ontario.

Around 55 youth from several different Rainbow board high schools attended the event at Cambrian College, which included presentations and hands-on workshops on the skilled trades.

“I didn't know about half the stuff that I learned today,” said McColeman. “There's over 100 apprenticeship programs. I had no idea that was the case. I thought it was like millwright, electrician, bricklaying, ect., but it's a lot more than that.

“It showed me my options that I can consider afterwards, and it's giving me something to think about. It's a very enlightening experience.”

As an Aboriginal youth, McColeman said he appreciates that Skills Ontario is reaching out to his community. 

“The fact that they're reaching out to Native individuals is something I feel we actually need, as an Aboriginal myself,” he said.

“There's a lot of talent that's being squandered, especially in the Native community. That may be due to lack of direction or guidance. I feel that Skills Canada can actually reach out to some of those individuals, and maybe change a couple lives. So that's always a good thing.”

Neither of McColeman's parents finished high school. His dad is a trucker, and works long hours. 

“I guess the fact that they didn't go (to post-secondary school) is really motivating to me,” he said. “For like 20 years, I saw my dad get up at 3 a.m. and go to work until 10 p.m., and that's not a life I want.” 

Ashley Pszeniczny, First Nation, Métis and Inuit program manager for Skills Ontario, said the aim of the workshop is to spark an interest in the skilled trades among Aboriginal youth.

“We want the growing population of First Nation, Metis and Inuit youth to bring this knowledge back to our communities,” she said.

Similar workshops are held for female students, as women are underrepresented in the skilled trades, Pszeniczny said.


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Heidi Ulrichsen

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