KIIKENOMAGA KIKENJIGEWEN EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING SERVICES PARTICIPATES IN PANEL AT NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP CONFERENCE
THUNDER BAY, ON: Kiikenomaga Kikenjigewen Employment and Training Services (KKETS) announced that at 4:00 pm EST today they participated in a panel at the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum’s (CAF) National Apprenticeship Conference showcasing the work the KKETS Employment Integration Services Program has been undertaking in the area of Indigenous apprenticeships within the Matawa region over the past 2 years.
CAF’s annual event highlights initiatives, programs and strategies that contribute to Canada’s apprenticeship system including innovative on-the-ground approaches that reflect how traditional models and methods are evolving. This year, it is highlighting innovative approaches to training, workplace and mentoring activities, and the engagement of under-represented groups and youth. More than 500 delegates are expected to participate in the conference taking place from June 10 – 12 in Montréal, QC.
Andrew Regnerus of the Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC) and Karen LeBlanc of the Joint Economic Development Initiative joined Andy Nieweglowski of KKETS in the panel entitled, “Initiatives to Engage Indigenous Apprentices” which was around finding innovative ways to engage and retain Indigenous apprentices.
As part of the panel, KKETS discussed how they were able to identify and address common challenges by developing a culturally appropriate approach. They also discussed challenges/barriers faced when working with Indigenous communities, factors contributing to success, measuring results and their experience in relationship building with key industry and training organizations mostly in Northern Ontario.
This is the first time that KKETS has participated in this manner in the CAF.