THUNDER BAY – Two new skilled training programs will help match 200 people to jobs in the forestry industry.
Provincial representatives on Friday announced a combined $2.4 million for projects delivered by Oshki Pimache O Win: The Wenjack Education Institute and Confederation College to provide training and placement experience with employers to prepare participants for their future careers.
Ross Romano, the minister of training, colleges and universities, said the programs are an incredible opportunity for northern communities to ensure people are getting the training they need to work.
“With so many jobs, we don’t have the people to fill them right now,” Romano said. “What we’re doing is investing in people. We’re investing in their potential so we can make sure they have access to those jobs and we can fill those jobs for the employers.”
Oshki-Wenjack’s Nishnawbe Forestry Operation and Sawmill Training program, through SkillsAdvance Ontario, began in July with 56 participants from five First Nations communities. Participants have already completed an introductory component at the Ogoki bush camp north of Nakina along with tours of harvesting and sawmill operations and are currently working through qualifications training. The final phase will conclude with direct occupational training.
Gordon Kakegamic, Oshki-Wenjack’s innovation and training coordinator, said the program works in collaboration with industry partners to identify training needs.
Kakegamic said the program can serve as an introduction to the forestry sector.
“There’s no opportunity for them to be exposed to these types of industries,” Kakegamic said.
“Industry needs to accommodate our people, especially our youth. Industry needs to allow our community members to live in their communities and at the same time to fly out to the work sites.”
Raymond Shebagabow, from Long Lake 58 First Nation, decided to participate the program after it was advertised in his community.
“It brings a lot of hope,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity. I see a future to support for my family.”
Romano, who represents the Sault Ste. Marie riding at Queen’s Park, said the programs will bring significant benefit to the region.
“We want to make sure these people have that opportunity to not only find work, but find work in their own backyard and be able to stay home and stay with their families and give back to their communities,” Romano said. “It gives us an opportunity to not only satisfy the needs within the skilled workforce but also the needs within the communities of being able to retain our people.”
Confederation College will provide its program to 144 people, focusing on mechanical harvesting equipment operator, wood processing basics, control systems and life skills training. Training will take place in Thunder Bay, Kenora, Nakina and White River. The program will also include paid job placements.
