M’CHIGEENG––Providing trades and apprenticeship skills training for Mnidoo Mnising has been a long-time vision of Kenjgewin Teg (KTEI) and construction of the new Anishinabek Skills and Resource Centre is well underway. The new 9,700 square foot structure is located behind the existing Kenjgewin Teg location in M’Chigeeng.
“We’ve come a long way in a year,” said Dave Hall, KTEI trades, apprenticeship and skills manager. “This has been on the radar for a long time. It finally all came together with the appropriate funding and we were able to start the process.”
“We hired an architect and a contractor to design and develop the building and we have our internal capital team as well for the process of constructing the building. We are dealing with local distributors as much as we can,” Mr. Hall continued.” Construction began early last fall. “It’s a little behind schedule,” he said, “due to weather conditions and other things but we’re on track for construction to be completed mid-July.”
KTEI has partnered with Canadore College for the skilled trades programs. Mr. Hall is hoping the first intake of students will begin in September of this year. Both the welder fitter certificate and trades fundamentals are one-year programs and they are open to all students, First Nations and non-First Nations.
Successful completion of the welding certificate is equivalent to the Level 1 apprenticeship in-class portion. The trades fundamental program provides an introduction to common trades including electrical, plumbing, carpentry and motorcycle and small engine repair. “The beauty of trades fundamentals,” said Mr. Hall, “is it is a basic introduction to various trades. Someone might have their heart set on carpentry but find that they love electrical work.”
When completed, the facility will be equipped with new, modern equipment and technologies to enhance learning. The program is specifically designed to meet industry standards and will support well-paying career opportunities. “We’re open to all options,” continued Mr. Hall. “Our programs will adapt to changing industry needs.”
A unique feature of KTEI programs, including skilled trades, is the inclusion of language and cultural awareness training. “It’s intertwined within the curriculum,” Mr. Hall explained. “Students will be introduced to Anishinabek culture through language and history classes, for example, and sweat lodges and smudging ceremonies.”
A skilled trades and resources centre has been on KTEI’s radar for many years. This programming will provide skilled labour to meet Manitoulin labour force market needs and will also provide workforce readiness for local learners. “It’s great that you can now obtain a quality post-secondary education on Manitoulin Island without leaving home,” noted Mr. Hall. “Some students aren’t ready to go away and will do better in this environment. Others prefer to remain on the Island.”
Registration forms aren’t yet available but KTEI is actively recruiting throughout Manitoulin, the North Shore and Sagamok areas and a number of callers have expressed interest. “We’re trying to increase awareness and let people know we are opening a trades school but we’re also promoting our other programs.”
In addition to the two one-year programs, KTEI would like to offer some general interest courses. “There are hundreds of options,” said Mr. Hall. “Things like safety courses, maybe basic welding for beginners. Once we have the facility, the sky’s the limit.”
