MHC offers no-cost pre-trades program to Aboriginal people

Medicine Hat College has partnered with SAAMIS Aboriginal Employment and Training Association to offer a tuition-free pre-trades certificate program to local Aboriginal people. Participants gain an understanding of various trades, including welding, carpentry, and pipefitting, as well as introductions to math and sciences. In order to qualify, individuals must be unemployed, underemployed, or facing unstable employment; a high school diploma or GED is not required to gain entrance to the program. The program is made available through funding from Community Futures Treaty Seven, Alberta Works, and Rupertsland Institute Métis Centre of Excellence. "Our goal is to assist the Aboriginal population in becoming more competitive in the labour market,” said Anita Neefs, Executive Director for SAAMIS Employment. Canada recently announced funding to study Aboriginal participation in the workforce, which is expected to identify areas of high demand of workers near Aboriginal communities. MHC News Release