News

Camosun Coastal Centre celebrates student success with marine industry training

SRELT Program YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BINrlP9FCI

January 24, 2018

Victoria, BC – Sixteen Indigenous students have recently graduated from the Ship Repair Entry Level Training Program (SRELT), a collaborative marine industry training program, at the Camosun Coastal Centre on Songhees Nation Territory.

Immediately following the completion of the program, over half of the class obtained jobs working in the Shipyard and more have received job offers.

The SRELT course was delivered as part of the Aboriginal Marine Training and Employment Partnership (AMTEP), and was run by the Coast Salish Employment and Training Society (CSETS) in partnership with the Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society (ACCESS).

“The goal of the AMTEP program is to provide Aboriginal people with certified training leading to employment and with the partnerships in place we were able to succeed in meeting the employment goals” says Reg Gladstone, AMTEP Officer for CSETS.

The SRELT program provides industry standard, entry-level training for people to enter careers in the marine industry. Students learn the skills necessary to work in industry, including safety, environmental awareness, and problem-solving skills specific to marine sector situations. They also acquire industry-recognized certifications.

“This course has given me the tools I need to move forward and build a career in the marine industry” said Tommy Paul, Tsartlip First Nation.

“Before this program I didn’t know anything about ships,” said Anter Elliott, Tsawout First Nation. “Now I feel like I’m comfortable in shipyards and I’m excited to work in one.”

Hands-on learning and industry immersion were key components of the three-months of training. The program was heavily supported by the local Shipbuilding and Repair industry. Seaspan Victoria Shipyards, the Fleet Maintenance Facility (FMF) Cape Breton and Point Hope Shipyards all provided a variety of facility tours, guest speakers, work experience, and even jobs for graduates.

 “Through this program I obtained employment at a shipyard,” said Nick Albany, Songhees First Nation. “As soon as I was accepted in the program I did everything I could to succeed. Now I have a career.”

 “The strong partnership between the Camosun Coastal Centre, CSETS and industry has proven to be invaluable when it comes to training and linking indigenous students with employment opportunities,” says Michelle Traore, Manager of Operations at the Camosun Coastal Centre.  “Students are obtaining life changing careers, this is what CCC was built to do.”

About the Camosun Coastal Centre
The Camosun Coastal Centre is a state-of-the-art training facility located on Songhees Nation Territory near the Esquimalt Graving Dock. At this satellite site, Camosun College offers both customized and open enrollment coastal and marine-related courses; creates customized programs for Indigenous communities; develops new Continuing Education courses; and offers space rental for local organizations and community groups.

About the Coast Salish Employment and Training Society
Coast Salish Employment & Training Society was created in 1997 through an agreement between 19 Coast Salish First Nations and 3 Aboriginal Friendship Centres, funded by Service Canada ASETS. The purpose of CSETS is to assist the member Nations so that they may gain employment training or attain funding that will allow them to be employable. Employment for our Nations is the main goal for CSETS.