Ontario Construction News
Skills Ontario says it is hosting today the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Student Conference for Indigenous youth.
The purpose of the virtual conference is to give Indigenous youth the opportunity to learn about the career paths in the skilled trades and technologies, while celebrating a shared cultural heritage and the success of Indigenous youth across Ontario.
As Indigenous youth represent a growing demographic of the Canadian population, and could form a significant part of the future skilled trades and tech force, Skills Ontario is seeking to preserve Indigenous culture and keep youth connected to who they are through the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Student Conference.
The conference will include speakers and mentors representing Charger Foods, UA Canada, OPG, Hydro One, Enbridge, CBRE, and the Aboriginal Apprenticeship Board of Ontario (AABO). This conference is also supported by the Government of Ontario and the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries (OCNI). Among the agenda of events, Elder Barbara Nolan will be leading traditional opening and closing remarks.
“Skills Ontario has worked to ensure that we are continuing to bring skilled trade and tech career exploration opportunities to students in these current challenging circumstances,” Skills Ontario CEO Ian Howcroft said in a statement.
“Through our #SkillsAtHome initiatives, we deliver virtual resources to our audiences, including the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Student Conference. This conference, originally scheduled to be held in-person during the 2020 Skills Ontario Competition, is now virtual and accessible to Indigenous youth while staying safe at home. We’re looking forward to sharing the message that the skilled trades and technologies offer fulfilling opportunities!”
The conference will start at 10:00 AM (EDT) and will be held on WebEx. The link to register for the Skills Ontario: First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Student Conference can be found at skillsontario.com/fnmi.