This week, Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU) delivered Virtual Indigenous Training to the Board of Directors of the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum. Developed under the workforce development program, Build Together, this training is part of our ongoing efforts to address hidden and systemic barriers to underrepresented groups within the construction industry.
“Canada’s Building Trades Unions are committed to making a career in the skilled trades open for everyone. Virtual Indigenous Training will create an opportunity for our members and employer partners alike to increase their awareness and understanding of Indigenous Peoples, cultures and customs,” said Sean Strickland, Executive Director, Canada’s Building Trades Unions. “It is through this investment in education that we can more clearly understand the challenges that exist for underrepresented people that enter the skilled trades, or are seeking an apprenticeship.”
CBTU has been working to address systemic barriers for many years, Virtual Indigenous Training is one example. In addition, CBTU is a proud member of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion. Today’s session with the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum is one of many scheduled trainings taking place with industry stakeholders including members, contractors and partners.
France Daviault, Executive Director of the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum said: “CAF-FCA supports reconciliation by striving to eliminate gaps in education and employment in our national apprenticeship system between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians. Starting with our Board of Directors, our intention is for this awareness to filter down and inform all of the work the we do on behalf of the Canadian apprenticeship community.”
Virtual Indigenous Training is offered through four modules; each of which can be customized to a unique audience and region. The training will provide meaningful ways to improve understanding and relations in the workplace and explore ways to recruit the next generation of workers. The modules are meant to create a base line understanding of the history of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, provide context on current situations taking place within the construction industry, and prepare course participants with career development tools.
