Qualified trainers sought for program

Page 5

There is a need for qualified trainers of all occupations in the Native Community.

Born out of frustration and a need for these trainers at the Nechi alcohol and drug abuse training centre, a new program has been designed there to "teach potential trainers".

Program training coordinator at Nechi, Butch Wolf Leg, says there are a number of unqualified trainers not doing a sufficient job at training people in the Native community, no matter what occupational subject is being taught.

The new program called "Training of the Trainers" is to begin this year and is open to those who are interested in teaching others about their own occupations.

Wolf Leg points out not all trainers have their facts straight. Experience and factual information is needed to be a qualified trainer, he adds.

The program will begin training a maximum of 20 individuals, interested in entering the training field, in November. It is aimed at people in any sector of the work force, including economic development, administrative management and counselling services.

However, applicants must have at least two years experience at their job and they must also have a sponsor. This will enable them to start training others when they finish the program.

Wolf Leg says a large number of organizations have expressed interest in sponsoring applicants and making a permanent position as a trainer available to graduates of the program. He listed some of the interested groups: The Medical Services Branch, Attorney General's Office, Friendship centre, Indian Affairs, correctional institutions and band offices.

Program trainees will learn how to motivate and draw out hidden capabilities of the people they train.

Following 25 days of classroom instruction, program trainees will receive practical experience as a trainer from a sponsoring organization.

When the one-year program ends, the then-qualified trainers will be invited to evaluation workshops, where suggested changes to the program will be examined.

Funded by the Canada Manpower Innovations Branch for the next three years, the program will accept the applications until this September. Call 458-1884 for more information.