AUNDECK OMNI KANING—The Mnidoo Mnising Employment and Training (MMET) organization held a Success Celebration at the Aundeck Omni Kaning community centre last week, honouring participants who have enjoyed tremendous success in seeking careers across a wide range of opportunities.
The luncheon opened with an opening prayer by Elder Gordon Waindubence of Sheguiandah, followed by remarks by MC Mnidoo Mnising Employment and Training Chair Peter Nahwegahbo.
“I would like to welcome everyone who has taken the time out of their busy Saturday shopping schedule to come here and acknowledge the accomplishment and work of all those individuals, past and present, who have succeeded in their respective employment and training opportunities,” said Mr. Nahwegahbo. “As a member of the MMET board, I am excited, and as some of the board members can attest to, I like to speak highly of many of the successful applicants, especially those who I am familiar with from Aundeck Omni Kaning, who have seized and achieved their goals and are currently employed in their chosen field of work.”
Mr. Nahwegahbo thanked and acknowledged the MMET board of directors, the Ontario Works officers and band economic development officers “for their hard work and dedication providing the services to each member First Nation of the MMET.”
Keynote speaker Michael Jacko of the Whitefish River First Nation shared his experience with success in the program.
Mr. Jacko was working as receptionist following taking business courses when he noticed a brochure for a 15-week training opportunity as a ground crew support personwith Gezhtoojig Employment and Training in Sudbury. Recognizing a great opportunity knocking at his door, he didn’t waste a second. “I got on the phone right away,” he recalled. With the assistance of MMET he secured the training supports he needed in order to grasp the opportunity and has not looked back since.
“It was a great training opportunity,” he said, finding success before even having completed the course. “Two weeks before graduating I put my resumé up and within three hours I began to get calls,” he said. Two companies were vying for his skills and he elected to accept an offer from EPTCON. Soon he was helping to build transmission lines for energy projects across the province.
Getting the training is the first step in finding a rewarding career, noted Mr. Jacko, but it is only the first step. “Training gets you in the door,” he said. “It’s what happens when you are on the job that really makes the difference. You have to show up on time and work hard, but it’s a great feeling to be doing something you really enjoy.”
