Yukon initiative prepares workers for job opportunities

What started as a small industry initiative has resulted in a $9.3 million program to train Aboriginal workers for jobs in Yukon mines.
Dubbed "Partnership, People, Production: Get Into It", the project provides skills development, support and training, and aims to provide employment for approximately 500 Aboriginal people leading to at least 296 long-term employment opportunities in the Yukon. Total funding could reach above $19 million over five years leading to lasting benefits for communities, families and individuals.
The initiative resulted from a partnership between the federal government and the Yukon Mine Training Association, whose members first envisaged it back in October 2005. In early 2006, a foundation meeting between Yukon First Nations chiefs and Yukon chief executive officers resulted in an Aboriginal and industry partnership in developing a northern work force.
According to Chair of the Yukon Mine Training Association, Bill Dunn, "The resource industries are on the rise in the Yukon and they require a lot of skilled labour. We want to ensure that Yukon's First Nations people will be ready to actively participate. The YMTA is pleased to contribute almost $8 million for this project through the contributions of the partnering First Nations and companies." Yukon Premiere Dennis Fentie added, "The Yukon government continues to support the Yukon Mine Trading Association as it works to train local residents to have the skills they need to access jobs in their region."