Minds on, hands on: Flexible learning for First Nations

The Cranbrook Workforce Improvement Planning class. Front row (left to right): Arlene Henry, Adrian Teneese, Morgana Eugene, Kevin Morgeau. Back row (left to right): Brady Goneau, Jacob Alpine, Frankie Alexander, Cordell Birdstone, Val Jimmy, Bradley Alexander, James Brazeau, Kelly Scout, Dillion Birdstone, Lee Pyper. Instructor Jesse Nicholas at the very back.

Students of the Workforce Improvement Planning (WIP) Program gathered in Cranbrook on February 3, 2011, for their graduation ceremony. This brand new, 12-week program is a partnership between College of the Rockies and the Ktunaxa Kinbasket Aboriginal Training Council. The WIP Program was offered at the Cranbrook, Creston and Invermere campuses and was open to any First Nations person with Aboriginal status.

Training covered a broad spectrum, ranging from public speaking, to computer skills, to a variety of trades. Certifications such as Forklift, WHMIS and FoodSafe give students the qualifications they need to find jobs in today’s competitive workforce.

Surrounded by family and friends, the very first WIP graduates proudly accepted their certificates, shaking hands with College of the Rockies’ Dean of Instruction, Laura Cooper. Graduates and representatives from Ktunaxa Nation and College of the Rockies celebrated with lunch in the Class Act dining room, prepared by students in the College’s Professional Cook Training program.

Campus Managers are thrilled at the outcome of the first WIP Program. Invermere Campus Manager Doug Clovechok feels the program was “an overwhelming success with measurable results—an example of the success that can be achieved when communities decide to work together toward a common goal.”

Overall, the program provides a giant step forward for its 30 graduates, some of whom plan to pursue further college studies through College of the Rockies, and others who are returning to complete the Adult Graduation Diploma.

For more information contact Codie Andrew at 250-489-2464 or College of the Rockies at 250-489-2751 ext. 3516.