Lethbridge College partners with Saamis Aboriginal Employment and Training Association to support a Power Line Technician intake for the Aboriginal Community

Sept. 16, 2015 – Lethbridge College is pleased to announce a new collaboration with Saamis Aboriginal Employment and Training Association (SAETA) and their partners to support a Power Line Technician program intake specifically for the Aboriginal community. The program is unique, with essential skills training aimed at increasing the success of participants while in the program and their employability following completion of the program. This opportunity is made possible by generous funding from Rupertsland Institute Métis Centre of Excellence and Community Futures Treaty Seven.

“This is an exciting new initiative for Lethbridge College.” says Director of Corporate and Continuing Education at Lethbridge College, Greg Peterson. “Historically, the graduates from this program have been very successful in gaining employment with employers who recognize the quality and depth of the hands-on skill development the students receive.”

“This is a wonderful opportunity for Aboriginal people in the Lethbridge area to take part in the Power Line Technician program,” says Executive Director of SAETA, Anita Neefs. “Along with Lethbridge College, our partners include Rupertsland Institute Métis Centre of Excellence and Community Futures Treaty Seven. This industry-supported partnership is a first of its kind for this program and is a fantastic opportunity for individuals to get into a high demand career. We’re very excited about this program and looking forward to getting started.”

The partnership is another way in which the Rupertsland Institute works to provide its clients with an opportunity to obtain a long-term career in a high demand trade. The institute plans to continue these kinds of partnerships in the future.

Power line technicians are looking at bright outlooks in the years ahead. Because the industry is facing a high retirement rate over the next five years, they are in-demand and well paid. Employment of power line technicians is projected to grow seven per cent from 2012 to 2022.

“This is a great opportunity for our clients,” says Community Futures Treaty Seven, Labour Market Consultant, Shay Yellow Horn. “We’re excited to work alongside our partners and industry in this exciting new collaboration.”

Lethbridge College’s Power Line Technician/Power System Electrician program is specifically designed to enhance career opportunities in the utility electrical field. Participants receive extensive hands-on and theoretical training related to overhead and underground distribution installation, making students attractive to potential employers.

Recruitment for the program is currently underway. Interested First Nations in the Lethbridge area and Métis in Alberta are encouraged to apply. The deadline for applications and assessment is Sept. 18, 2015.

The program will begin in October and conclude in March.

To learn more about the program, please contact Anita Neefs, Executive Director, Saamis Aboriginal Employment and Training Association by phone at 403-504-4056 or email at a.neefs@saamisaboriginal.ca.

NT5