Motivating through experience
Society hopes program leads to jobs or additional schooling
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, October 23, 2013
NAUJAAT/REPULSE BAY
A training program in Repulse Bay is providing good results for its 15 participants and the community.
The participants of a work readiness training program being delivered in Repulse Bay are Jimmy Tegumiar (supervisor), Michelle Kringayark, Chico Qaunaq, Benjamin Niptayuk, Kevin Mablik, Charlie Uttak, Jamesey Siusangnark, Barney Siutinar, Curtis Immingark and Pio Kopak (supervisor), back row from left, and Tony Kidlapik, Morris Taqqaugak, Pierre Kipsigak, Travor-James Kringyark, Roy Kopak, Bobby Tinashlu and KJ Kusugak, front row from left. - photo courtesy of Katelyn Tatty
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Part of the Kivalliq Mine Training Society's (KMTS) mandate is to provide training for youths aged 16 to 30 who are not employed or do not attend school.
The KMTS creates a training program and then partners with a community for its delivery.
The partnership can be formed with either the private sector or the hamlet, itself.
The training is often focused on work experience, with the participants working on a project that their community actually needs, such as the one currently running in Repulse.
KMTS program development officer Evan Morrison said the work-experience component in Repulse has the youths building garbage bins for the community.
He said the Hamlet of Repulse Bay did have some funding allocated to the project, but didn't have enough money to finish it.
"We (KMTS) went to Repulse, invested some money into the project and created a training component," said Morrison.
"So, we managed to help the community while teaching some youths how to work with wood, use saws, learn basic math skills and things of that nature.
"Essentially, this program is giving the participants some basic skills for the work environment, and teaching them a bit about conflict resolution and how to operate properly and effectively in the workplace.
"The idea is to give them the basic skills they need to go out and find work."
Morrison said when the KMTS posted notices about the program in Repulse, it received more than twice the number of applicants it could accommodate.
He said it's a shame the KTMS could only accept 15 applications, when there were enough to fill two projects.
"It's no secret the problem we face is the fact we can train all these people, but where are the employment opportunities?
"It's tough, there's no doubt about it, but we do see some positive accomplishments that are a big deal for some of the kids taking part.
"We have 14 guys and one girl in the Repulse program and, on the first day when they began building the bins, she was very nervous and didn't want to touch the saw.
"But, by the end of that first day, she was using the saw better than most of the guys, so I was pretty impressed by that."
Morrison said the feedback he's received from the project indicates a high participation rate among a group of youths who are enjoying gaining some work experience.
And, he said, the impact on the hamlet from the bins being distributed around the community is substantial.
"They had garbage flying around all over the place in Repulse, and that's an issue with most of the communities in the region.
"Many of them are building bins, as well, but we partnered with Repulse to complete this particular project because there was a real need for them there.
"We had a target of 60 bins being built during the four-week portion of the program, but they hit that number in just three weeks.
"It's great to see them totally exceed their target."
The work-readiness program runs for eight weeks in Repulse.
After four weeks are completed, the youths move into a classroom setting for the balance of their training facilitated through Northern College.
Morrison said the instructor helps them develop their resume, and realize both their strengths and weaknesses.
He said he also stresses the importance of work readiness basics upon them, such as going to work every day and showing up on time.
"They complete their training with a driver-training program.
"So, they gain work experience, work towards getting their driving license, and receive hands-on training from an instructor during the eight weeks.
"This program is going to be really good for these youths and, we hope, after completing it, they will decide to either go back to school or go back to work."
Morrison said the KTMS doesn't leave participants on their own after a training program.
He said project officer Eugene Kabluitok follows up with them to see what direction they've chosen, and if there's any way the KMTS can assist them to obtain their goals.
"We have other programs we're focused on, which we're looking at for Repulse next year.
"There's a lot of opportunities available in the Kivalliq right now, including some great apprenticeship programs.
"If they can take this program and be motivated to continue their education or find a job, then our mission is accomplished."
