Pathways to Success
A partnership between the federal government’s Strategic Partnership Initiative (SPI), BC Aboriginal Mine Training Association (BC AMTA), Seabridge Gold (SBG) and New Gold Inc. (NG), the Pathways to Success (P2S) program will run over a 3-month period; candidate assessments will determine the training plan for each participant.
The BC AMTA-P2S is an unique program that provides prospective candidates access to a number of learning tools and resources to enhance their overall employability including Essential Skills Assessments, a combination of classroom and on-line instruction for Essential Skills Upgrading and continuous Program Coaching.
Approach
P2S focuses on workplace based training, job readiness, skills enhancement and academic upgrading. At the outset, candidates will complete an essential skills assessment, which provides a snapshot of individual strengths and learning needs. Once the candidate’s skill levels are determined, as they relate to identified job opportunities, an individualized program will be developed to meet the candidate’s unique learning requirements.
For general “job readiness", learning plans will focus on literacy skills including reading, writing and numeracy instruction.
Students geared more towards occupational training will get support for attaining pre-requisites.
Resources
- BC AMTA and its partners will provide access to computers and technology for the online skills
assessments, qualified instructors and coaches, and all of the books and supplies needed for this program. - P2S is planned and delivered with a combination of in-person and online instruction so travel and accommodation costs are minimized.
- A train-the-trainer component is included whenever possible so the P2S approach is continually utilized in the community.
- Industry representatives will attend as guest lecturers to present opportunities and high-level orientation to minerals exploration, mine development and mining.
Real Life Stories
Jennifer Camille
Jennifer, a 53-year old member of the Skeetchestn Indian Band, had never been employed anywhere other than with her Band. She was frightened and nervous about working off reserve, but very determined to do so. In the spring of 2010, Jennifer completed an application with the BC AMTA, wrote the Test of Workplace Essential Skills (TOWES) Assessment, completed a month of Essential Skills Upgrading and spent a great deal of time speaking with BC AMTA program coaches about her fears of entering into an unknown workforce.