News

The Aboriginal Workplace Readiness Program is a success at IMTARC

From October 4th to October 18th ten hardworking individuals took part in the Aboriginal Workplace Readiness Program at the Industrial Marine Training and Applied Research Centre (IMTARC) in Esquimalt, BC. 

The objective of this preparedness program was to help participants learn about, and adjust to, workplace culture.   This was the first program of this nature to be taught at IMTARC.  IMTARC is located on Songhees land and therefore the first pilot program was open to Songhees and Esquimalt Nations.  IMTARC hopes to continue this course in the future with all nations.

Participants in the course learned the workplace skills that are required to succeed at employment.  They developed an understanding of the workplace, established positive work habits and attitudes, explored a variety of careers and understood the educational opportunities available to pursue in a chosen career. They also created an up-to-date resume, developed interview skills, completed applications to desired companies and/or educational providers and established professional contacts. By the end of the course each student had applied to a minimum of five jobs or had applied for education.  

One of the main benefits of the course is the continued support at IMTARC for each participant.  IMTARC has created an open door policy with the participants in the program so that they can drop by the Centre to work on their resume or receive assistance as much as they like. 

Michelle Traore, Manager of Operations of IMTARC, was the course instructor and developed the curriculum for this program.   "It was an honor to teach such hard-working dedicated individuals " says Michelle, "each participant in the program learned the value of determining their strengths and pursuing a career that they are passionate about".  

There were strict guidelines in the course that stated each participant must be present for each day of the program.  The course was structured similar to the reality of being in the workforce.  Not one of the participants from the program missed a single day of the program.  This shows the hard work and dedication the participants had when given the opportunity.   Without the commitment of each participant, staff, family and friends none of this success would be possible.  

Future courses will be taught and opened up to additional nations once funding streams are determined for future courses.  We look forward to continuing to teach this course to students to increase success within the aboriginal community.

Please click here to watch the students completion video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JBodhr3L1s