The Aboriginal Workforce Development Initiative (AWDI) is a public-private partnership between the Government of Canada, Province of New Brunswick, First Nations of NB, and private sector. It aims to address labour shortages by providing accredited training and employment programs to First Nations people for work in energy, natural resources, construction, manufacturing and environmental technology sectors. AWDI assists First Nations job seekers with skills assessments, training placements, and helps connect them with employment opportunities throughout NB. Some recent projects have included carpentry training and jobs in the mining, forestry, and manufacturing industries.
2. AWDI Overview The Aboriginal Workforce Development Initiative is a public-private partnership. Partners: Government of Canada, Province of NB, First Nations of NB, and the private sector. Goal: to address labour shortages and emerging trends in the energy, natural resources and allied sectors such as construction, manufacturing and environmental technology. AWDI is the organizational link between the labour demand in the targeted industry sectors, and the labour supply in the First Nations.
3. AWDI Overview (continued) Incorporated as Aboriginal Workforce Development – N B Inc. (AWDI) on April 20, 2009 Supports provincial goal of achieving self-sufficiency by 2026 through training and employment development Focus on Accredited education and training programs (e.g., degree, diploma, certificate) Offers a strategic and collaborative approach to Aboriginal workforce development in New Brunswick
4. AWDI Partners Government of New Brunswick Joint Economic Development Initiative First Nation Human Resources Development Corp. Human Resource Skills Development Canada Mawiw Tribal Council New Brunswick Aboriginal People’s Council North Shore Micmac District Tribal Council St. John River Valley Tribal Council Enterprise Network First Nations Business Liaison Group Other business and Aboriginal organizations
5. AWDI Location and Staff AWDI is located in the Kchikhusis Commercial Centre, St. Mary’s First Nation (2nd Floor) Staff: Executive Director: Karen LeBlanc Business Development Officer: James Arnold (Jimmy) Employment/HR Coordinator: Stephanie Bolger Office/Communications Manager: Mark Taylor Part-time Bookkeeper: Janet White
6. AWDI 2009-2010 Highlights Result highlights for 2009-2010 are: 40 business development meetings; 35 interventions; 35 assessments; 18 Aboriginal people receiving training; 15 Aboriginal people employed at businesses across New Brunswick; an 83% training-to-employment rate.
7. 2009-2010 Highlights to date Business development meetings; 80+ interventions; 156 assessments; 40 Aboriginal people receiving training; 32 Aboriginal people participating in employment placements throughout NB (wage subsidies/OJT)
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9. Clients from Elispogtog and Bouctouche employed at IMG in Richibucto and Systemair in Bouctouche.
15. Dozens of jobs available at manufactured home plants across NB.
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17. Projects Must fit in one of our sectors (Energy, Natural Resources and Forestry). Whether community or employer focused, must have employment at the end. Financial partners are required. AWDI may assist with funding up to 50%.
18. Benefits Develop a skilled and diversified Aboriginal workforce in New Brunswick. Enhance the capacity and self-sufficiency of First Nation communities. Provide access to new labour markets and business opportunities. Provide links to the business community and to industry partners. Personal satisfaction, increased confidence, potential to increase earnings and independence.
19. Next Steps AWDI, JEDI and NBAWES are working on a one-stop website. Contact IV training occurred on September 28th. AWDI’s AGM will be held on Wednesday, October 6, 2010 at the Delta Fredericton. Everyone is welcome! AWDI’s Strategic Planning process will be held on Thursday, October 7, 2010. David Paul and Cecil Cameron of Aboriginal Resource Consultants are facilitating this session. Strategic partners and a member from each First Nation community are invited to attend. Please see Karen for more information.
20. Next Steps (Continued) AWDI is interested in expanding its sectors by applying for the Strategic Partnerships Fund (SPF) with HRSDC. The sectors we are considering are: Information Communications Technology (ICT) (proposal due October 1!) Arts and Culture And other sectors TBD For more information, please see Karen LeBlanc or Mark Taylor.
