College program pathway to work for many people

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"A journey of 1,000 miles begins with one step," says an ancient Asian proverb, which applies quite well to the 25 Native people taking part in a federally-funded training program at Hobbema.

Most of the people taking part in the eight-month-long clerk-typist upgrading program funded by the Canada employment and immigration commission are single mothers and people who want to enter work force or to continue their education at Maskwachees Cultural College, said director Brenda Scott.

Potential students have to be 18-years-old, out of school for a year and unemployed for 20 of the previous 30 weeks.

"About 90 per cent of the clients are employed on the offices of the reserve (after graduation)," said teacher Ada Ashton. "I really think it's a great starting base."

Red Deer College administers the program, designed to give people a new start in life. Every day, students are reminded of their learning potential because classes are located on the top floor of Maskwachees.

Students receive fees for every day they show up as well as a daycare supplement for their children, if they have any. The fees are not much, but it helps," explained Scott.

"We have a great grandmother enrolled," she said, noting most students are women; only three men are enrolled.

The program is 21-years-old and was originally guided by Alberta Vocational College, until Red Deer College took it over in 1976.

Many people have benefited from the program, according to a recent survey of graduated from 1969 to 1984. Scott said 70 per cent of those surveyed found work after completing the program. Similar results are being reported from a survey spanning 1985 to 1989.

For many people, financial independence means a long journey to gaining the skills needed to get a job. The Red Deer College upgrading and secretarial program is helping many people begin that journey.