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2001-2002 Youth Work Experience ProgramFinal Report

First Nations Education Steering Committee and First Nations Schools Association

#113-100 Park Royal South West Vancouver, BC V7T 1A2

P: (604) 925-6087 F: (604) 925-6097 www.fnesc.bc.ca

http://www.fnesc.bc.ca/

Introduction

Through the many diverse community-based initiatives, the 2001/2002 Youth Work Experience (YWE) Program encouraged First Nations youth to have valuable experiences, future employability, promote higher learning and education, promote long-term success and achieve their goals.

The YWE Program is one of four youth programs administered jointly by the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) and the First Nations Schools Association (FNSA), funded annually by the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs (DIAND). In 2001-2002, we received 40 proposals applying for the YWE Program funding, and were able to fund thirteen separate initiatives (representing fourteen First Nations), demonstrating a great demand on this resource.

The First Nations School Association was responsible for reviewing the YWE Program proposals. A sub-committee reviewed all proposals and selected the programs to be funded in the 2001/2002 year. The sub-committee also determined the amount of funding to be allocated to each successful applicant, ensuring that sufficient funding was allocated to foster success.

In order to ensure that the process is free from conflict of interest, any member of the committee whose institution or community submitted a proposal was ineligible to participate in discussions about or vote on that proposal. All applicants were informed of the committee’s decision.

Individuals eligible to participate in the program included youth between the ages of 17 and 24 who live on-reserve and are unemployed at the time a project begins. Exceptions were made for youth under age 17 if they have completed High School, or were for some other reason not legally required to attend High School.

A primary goal of this youth program was to provide unemployed and out-of-school First Nations youth with opportunities to increase their employability, confidence, and sense of direction. A local YWE Program might include workshops/components on job search skills, career counseling, work placements, academic upgrading, culture and personal counseling. Each year, there was a wide variety in the YWE Programs reflecting each First Nations’ efforts to address the distinct needs of their youth, and their communities.

This report is an edited collection of the final reports received from the 2001/2002 YWE Programs, and it features interim report details, selected appendices, and a summary chart.

2001/02 YOUTH WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM FINAL REPORT - -2

Program Report Highlights

Employment Skills and Training

The 2001/2002 YWE Program provided supervised work experience for out-of-school, unemployed youth in community service, community businesses, or other work experiences that contributed to long-term success of young people. The YWE Program helped participants to attain valuable job search skills and training they required to be employable.

The YWE Program objectives intended to:

Provide unemployed youth with work in a supportive environment, giving them valuable experience for future employability or encouraging them to return to school

Provide an opportunity for personal development for unemployed youth by helping them to develop individual plans to set direction for their future

Provide young people with an avenue to contribute to their communities through their work in service projects (if that approach is taken)

Allow communities to benefit form the energy, talents and creative strength of youth

Establish partnerships with public and private organizations to increase employment opportunities for youth

Workshops on job readiness, resume writing and covering letters; interview skills, and job search strategies were important components of all of the YWE Programs. Several YWE Programs also familiarized their participants with local organizations that would aid them in their current and future job searches.

Campbell River Indian Band participants were provided with Business Communication 160 course to help them when working for local employers.

The Chehalis Community School received training in worksite preparation before their work placements.

The Fort Nelson First Nation had their participants develop their own resumes and covering letters to reflect the job they wanted to secure. Job interview training allowed the youth to practice on each other and they actually went though an entire mock interview session as though it was a “real life” situation.


The Lower Similkameen First Nation participants had various workshops geared towards searching for careers that were suited to their personalities.

’Namgis Health Centre participants had an instructor for a Computer Training Program who was a previously trained in a Youth Employment Program that was funded by the FNSA/FNESC and the ‘Namgis First Nation.

The Osoyoos Indian Band had an Employment Training Officer who conducted a number of workshops in resume writing and job readiness, interview preparation and skills for their participants.

Saanich Native Heritage Society participants received a series of training programs and projects with an objective of providing them with employable skills, enriching experiences and lasting impacts.

The Skowkale First Nation participants were provided with cultural training that included sweat lodges, talking circles, healing circles, traditional games and smudging ceremonies.

Tl’azt’en Nation participants received personal enhancement through training, work placement mentoring, and life skills coaching.

Tl’etinqox-t’in Government Office participants entered into training contracts that provided advanced employability readiness training, personal life skills development and employment maintenance development.

The Tsawataineuk Band Council participants developed their Individual Learning Plans and set their goals for the YWE Program.

Ucwalmicw Centre Society participants visited an Employment Centre, set goals and established a contract agreement.

The Yechooche First Nation participants interacted in small group sessions with supervisors and counselors on a program of workplace foundation skills.

Hand-in-hand with job search training came employment/career counseling. The participants identified a career interest and in charting a path to attain this goal. Whenever possible, when selecting a suitable work placement for a participant his/her career direction was a contributing factor.

YWE Program participants participated in Super Host, computer tutorials, life skills and other training opportunities. In isolated communities, materials for program were often difficult to access. Resources that were available in urban centres, such as libraries, job search centres, and employment professionals, were often inaccessible and program facilitators worked hard to locate and adapt materials for their participants.


Work Placements

Each participant took part in one or more paid work placements under the guidance of a work placement supervisor. In several instances, work placements led to offers of employment or inspired the youths to undertake post-secondary study. For example was from the Campbell River Band was that one participant worked as a Fishery Guardian and now has moved onto Film Editing and First Nations Studies at Carihi School. The Yechooche First Nation used the their seven-month YWE Program to evaluate potential employees. For many more youth, the work placements greatly increased their job skills, work ethics, and employability.

The length and type of work/community placement activities varied with the level of education of participants and the unemployment characteristics of the region in which the First Nation is situated.

Job opportunities are often scarce in and around First Nations communities and, as a result, the work placement options were sometimes limited. Congratulations to all the YWE Program Coordinators for the creative solutions they found for their youth despite the challenges.

Academic Component

Most youth came to the YWE Program without the academic skills or credentials to enter post-secondary education programs. Through the YWE Program, many had the opportunity to upgrade their education and set goals for higher education. YWE Program Coordinators were required to develop Individual Learning Plans with each youth, determining the youth's personal education goals and the actions necessary to achieve these goals. In addition, many participants and participated in study skills training and completed academic assessment tests to identify their current strengths and weaknesses. For example, at the Lower Similkameen First Nation participants had an opportunity to write A Structure of Intellect (SOI) test and a General Competency Practice Test 2 (GCT2).

Academic upgrading, whether through the regular school system, adult education or distance education, was another common facet of the YWE Program. Many participants completed writing exercises and to keep an informal journal during their work placements.

The ’Namgis First Nation had their first sixteen weeks of their YWE Program based on academic upgrading, life skills, career/personal planning, and the development of Individual Learning Plans. A Collaborative Evaluation Model was established for each participant progress and tracking purposes.


Life Skills and Counselling

Many YWE Program leaders demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering the participants' growth and personal development. Group discussions, individual counseling, and personal development workshops were part of most YWE Programs and many program leaders expressed their intent to provide participants with support after the YWE Program ended.

The Campbell River Indian Band participants received academic, life skills and job skills through a combination of classroom training and on-the-job experiences.

The youth selected as participants at the Skowkale First Nation were all high-risk youth and this program was a great opportunity to provide guidance and training in an “understanding their needs” environment.

Some of the youth coming to the YWE Programs needed large quantities of attention and coaching to make lifestyle changes and to help them stay in the program. Young parents, in particular, often needed significant support to help them balance the responsibilities of work and family.

Community Participation

To varying degrees, guidance from community members shaped the YWE Programs in each participating community. Whether by sitting on a program advisory team, steering committees, acting as work placement supervisors, or leading workshops, a wide range of community members worked to make the program successful.

The Fort Nelson First Nation was an example of how strong community support was, as their was a huge willingness to assist the YWE Program by the community at-large, Band staff, job placement supervisors and the Northern Lights College.

The Osooyos Indian Band participants were able to unite with other native communities for a better understanding of the cultures of other Nations.

The community participation was evident at the Skowkale First Nation by an end result of the participants contribution to a painted community playground, gate building, repaired rearing tank and community involvement in an egg take of approximately 60,000 eggs for a community fishery hatchery. They also assisted in the planning and organizing of community events, community garden and delivered community food hampers.


Conclusion

The FNSA/FNESC extend our appreciation to all the local coordinators, steering committees, advisory teams, community support and volunteers for leading such valuable 2001/2002 YWE Program. As demonstrated in the program reports and summary table (located at the end of the final report) were encouraging indications that many YWE youth proceeded to new education and employment challenges after completing their YWE Program.

FNESC and the FNSA appreciate the wealth of experiences that these reports represent and hope that this compendium will be a useful resource for future Coordinators and YWE programs.

We look forward to the continued future growth, support and needs of the First Nations youth in our communities.


Campbell River Indian BandCampbell River, BC

Introduction

The primary program goal of the Campbell River Youth Work Experience (YWE) Program was to empower First Nations youth so that they were able to find and maintain employment and/or pursue training in a specific career field.

The program objectives were:

Provide four unemployed youth between the ages of 17-24 with practical work experience, life skills, personal growth and development to maintain long-term employment;

Provide classroom and practical training to improve employability and integration into the labour market;

Provide each participant with the opportunity to develop knowledge, skills, and attitudes which will enhance his/her ability to be better prepared for future career training, post secondary education and on-the-job training;

Demonstrate and encourage positive interpersonal skills;

Facilitate appropriate job search, resume, interview work experience activities;

Assist in the research and organization of further training as required by the participant to meet employment goals;

Allow the community to benefit from the energy, talents and creative strength of the youth; and

Establish partnerships with public and private organizations to increase employment opportunities for youth.

Program Outline

The one-intake 24-week program operated on the philosophy that employability is skilled based. Academic skills, life skills and job skills were taught through a combination of classroom training and on-the-job experiences. The YWE Program operated from September 2001 to March 2002.Program Participants


There were five males and one female participant in the YWE Program. The youth participant ages ranged from 18-24 with a Grade 12 education

Program Implementation

At the beginning of the YWE Program the participants prepared a collage of their lives, followed by two workshops, Life Skills training, Residential Schools, Virtues and Drug and Alcohol. The second session included arts and crafts, computers, language, writing skills and communication skills. The final part of the eight-week training continued with Life Skills, Super Host, First Aid, Food Safe and Culture Awareness workshops.

Work Placements

Participants received 2-four week of an eight-week on-the-job work experience placement with employers who offered exposure to the participant of work relevant to their area of chosen career field.

The work experiences were in the form of job shadowing or work experience depending on a specific job/career choice. Efforts were made to place the participants with at least two different employers. The participants were self-marketed to those employers who had indicated an interest in participating in the YWE Program. When necessary the participants were assisted in broadening their approach to other employers who had not specifically been asked if they were interested in participating.

The employers were asked to assess the participant’s performance while at their workplace in a format established by the YWE Program. The Coordinator was available to discuss with the employers any areas of concern or improvement for the benefit of the participants and the program.

The employers that provided work placements for the participants were:

Peoples Drug Mart Divine Creations Radio Shack Atlegay Fisheries Carhi High School Unittex Construction Music Plant

Employer Position Duties


Peoples Drug Mart Assistant Pharmacist Weighing the number of prescriptions needed to supply the patient needs

Divine Creation Beauty Attendant Hair dying, perms, manicures, hair washing

Radio Shack Radio Equipment Repair Stereo and car equipment repairs and inventory of store equipment

Atlegay Fisheries DFO Fishery Guardian Checking all streams, rivers for fish stocks

Carhi High School Film & Editing Assisted Grade 10-12 in film production

Unitech Construction Construction Worker Building Construction Training

Music Plant Music Sales Representative

Retail Sales, learning how to use music equipment and inventory of supplies

The Project Coordinator was responsible for arranging the work experience placements for each participant. The employers kept records of attendance and dealt with employment issues as they arose at the workplace. The Project Coordinator was available for the youth participants in case of emergency and was also available for the employers. The employers completed a weekly evaluation on the participant’s performance at the workplace.

Workshops

The workshops and training that the participants completed during the YWE Program included:

Life Skills training Brief Windows 98 Computer Training How to Create a Successful Career and The Shape of Things to Come Kwakwala Language Emergency First Aid and WCB Level Virtues Project and Residential School Issues First Nations Treaty Negotiations Business Communication 160 Food Safe level 1 and Super Host Certificate Culture Awareness Museum Practice and Research on Archives and History of First Nations Carving and First Nations Art Work and Designing Practicing Native Plants and Herbs


Native Medicine Wheel Native Practice on Healthy Foods Elders - Bannock and Bread Making

Program Evaluation

The Campbell River Band was very supportive with the First Nations YWE Program. The program was a great success and being the second year for the program, the results and outcomes definitely benefited the youth, especially from the work experience.

The Band recommended the program continue as it benefits the youth and their ability to partner with off-reserve businesses for work placements. The participants expressed that it was worthwhile to carry on with this type of program. The YWE Program was a catalyst for some of the participants to further their education and proceed to a post-secondary level. One particular success story was that one of the participant’s was hired permanently in a construction business. This participant had worked very hard and came a long way in the program. The Band was very proud of this participant’s accomplishments and noticed a totally improved self-esteem and was recognized as an exemplary employee at the construction site.

Other program outcomes for example included one student worked as a Fishery Guardian and now has moved onto Film Editing and First Nations Studies at Carihi School. The position will be a Teacher Assistant for Grade 10/11 classes for the remainder of the work training. The participant who worked as an Assistant Pharmacist was pursuing to take courses at a university towards a Pharmacology degree. Another participant was hoping to pursue hairdressing by hoping to attend Hairdressing School in September 2002. Overall, a total of five out of six students will possibly continue to post-secondary studies.

The YWE Program encouraged the participants to carry on in pursuing their education and employment options. This type of programming benefits the youth and promotes the importance of higher learning, education and potential employment.

Chehalis Community SchoolAgassiz, BC


Introduction

The Chehalis Community School Youth Work Experience (YWE) Program goal met the academic needs of community youth through a combined program of general education studies and computer support learning strategies. A program goal was to meet the personal needs of youth through counseling and other support services to aid youth in overcoming personal and societal difficulties. A second goal was to provide youth in the community work experience placements that will lead to potential full-time employment. A final goal was to enhance the YWE Program through exposure to community services and office with the goal being greater exposure and opportunity for youth.

The program objectives:

Address the academic needs of youth through GED, Success Maker Computer Program, core subject areas: English, Mathematics, General Science, Social Studies and Cultural Teachings;

Provide Life Skills teachings, personal development, and relevant workshops in an effort to meet and exceed personal needs;

Promote self-esteem growth and self-discipline through relevant academic training;

Plan student personal goals with the assistance of a school counselor;

Provide students with access to counseling sessions for personal and lifestyle counseling;

Allow students to be able to address personal issues, such as alcohol and drug abuse, with a counselor;

Provide unemployed out-of-school youth an opportunity to participate in a variety of work placements;

Provide support for work placements of the youth’s choice whenever possible;

Provide several work placements per term;

Encourage participation of various Band and community departments in the YWE Program;

Recognize YWE participation in a variety of events in the school and community.


Program Outline

The YWE Program was implemented with the identification of the youth between the ages of 17-24 determined though a cooperative effort between the school and the band office membership department. There were two semesters from August 29, 2001 to January 30, 2002 and February 1, 2002 to June 30, 2002. The semester system organization of the program allowed for additional students to apply for and participate in the YWE Program. All the applications received a selection team determined a short list for interviews and criteria for selected youth. The candidates were selected for interviews were asked to respond to topics that related to their short and long-term goals, program and participant’s objectives, expectations of the program, and employer expectations.

Program Participants

There were two male and three female participants in the YWE Program. The youth participant ages ranged from 17-24, four with Grade 12 diplomas and one with a Grade 10 education level.

Program Implementation In September 2001 four candidates were selected and enrolled in the program for Semester One with an option of applying for re-enrolment in Semester Two. In late September 2001 a fifth candidate was added to the group. The successful candidates participated in the following:

Program Orientation Program Tour Computer Orientation Program Review Personal Growth Plans Academics Worksite Preparation Work Placements Student Expectations Work Placement Evaluations

Students enrolled in the YWE Program had access to support services during and following the program such as a School Counselor, Human Resource Counselor and a Community Health Nurse.

Work Placements

Employer Position Duties


Chehalis Community School

Teacher Aide Classroom

Chehalis Band Office Village Maintenance Grounds Keeping

Chehalis Early Childhood Center

Child Care Worker Child Care

Students were provided with a clothing allowance to offset the costs of such relevant work items as steel-toed boots, work boots, rain suits and coveralls. Students that worked with children had a Criminal Record Check as mandated by the Ministry of Education.

Program Evaluation

The employer/supervisors, employee and self- evaluations completed their evaluations. Participants answered a program question about what their future goals were after the program. Their responses were:

Participant One

“My goal for the next two years was to be accepted into a Fashion Program and graduate. After this, I would like to branch out and specialize in Interior Design. I hope to eventually own my own business. I will be taking courses in College.”

Participant Two

“I want to go back to school and study tourism.”

Participant Three

“I see myself having a good paying job working as a mortician. I would like to get my schooling to be a bartender as a backup plan. I also would like to attend college and obtain as much education as I can to help me achieve and keep a job.”


Participant Four

“I would eventually like to work with young people in a counseling role. This would involve going to college to get a Social Work diploma or degree. In the meantime I would be interested in taking Acting and maybe being in a few shows.”

Participant Five

“Having two children has made a difference in my plans to become an Early Childhood Education Worker. I still plan on going to college to finish my program.”

Participant Six

“Get to college and learn about big machinery, do some kind of training to get a certificate in high tech machinery operation.”

Participant Seven

“My future goals are to attend BCIT for the Fish/Wildlife and Recreation Program. When I graduate I might be able to get a government position.

The following recommendations for changes to the program format and the students enrolled were:

A registration agreement was currently signed by students in the YWE Program and needs to be revisited to amend and implement a more effective means of ensuring student accountability.

The inclusion of the policy manual regarding employees will provide valuable information to students. Some areas of concern that had arisen were to include students not informing employers of missed days and students being unaware of policy affecting them as employees.

In youth readiness, it has been noted that some youth were not prepared for the work world of a full days work with expectations for performance. With this in mind the school plans to implement an orientation workshop prepared by the Community Human Resource Counselor, this workshop will prepare students for the demands and expectations of the full workday. In Life Skills preparation, this will be supplemented with information on being prepared personally, physically, and mentally.


Fort Nelson First NationFort Nelson, BC

Introduction

The goal of the Fort Nelson Youth Work Experience (YWE) Program was to provide the youth of the community and opportunity to begin their personal journeys to strengthen, holistic health, pride and self-reliance by exploring career opportunities within a First Nations community.

The youth were assisted to prepare for the world of work and/or further education and training. The youth gained knowledge and experience about employment and gained a frame of reference to formulate their career goals.

The program objectives for the youth:

Gain an understanding and appreciation of work, acquire knowledge, skills and attitudes needs to be successful in the world of work;

Develop a better understanding of work habits and the importance of flexibility in dealing with change and challenges in the workplace;

Develop the employability skills and job readiness to access and meet the demands of the workplace;

Gain experience in the workplace and develop an understanding of personal potential in order to reflect on and make career decisions;

Develop and individual long-term career goal based on the knowledge and experiences they have gained about themselves and career options;

Appreciate the need to develop self-reliance, self-direction, and confidence necessary for effective employment practice.

Program Outline

The duration of the YWE Program was a total of seven months. There were three components of the program and the breakdown was as follows:

Education - September 2001 to December 2001The program started with the youth attending the Northern Lights College to upgrade their education and personal skills.


Community Involvement - September 2001 to March 2002The group was involved with community involvement initiatives throughout the program.

Job Placements – January 2002 to March 2002The youth were provided with job placements opportunities in areas of interest and exploration.


There were two male and seven female participants in the YWE Program. The youth participant ages ranged from 17-29, four in Grade 8, four in Grade 9 and one in Grade 10 education.


Education – September 2001 to December 2002

The YWE program was scheduled to begin in July 2001. It was a challenge to recruit a coordinator from the community. The program started with educational assessments and preparation, program planning and an introduction to Fort Nelson First Nation operations, programs and services

Regular meetings were held with the college students to discuss upcoming events, group issues and some personal issues, expectations, timelines and good/bad experiences. Individual meetings were held with all the youth participants in the program. Students explored issues and were assisted or referred to appropriate personnel. Students were referred to community counselors, funding agencies, reference manuals and material community groups and other students.

The youth that applied to the program had not experienced success in a formal education and none of them had completed high school. The need for personal development activities became very obvious over the course of the program. There was a dearth of effective communication skills and this lead to difficulties between the students, and between the students and the coordinator, and between the students and other instructors. This was addressed by providing relevant workshops. The Education Development and Career Planning at the Northern Lights College also contributed to building awareness and identifying issues to assist with personal development. The participants watched Personal Development videos on Emotional Stress and Anger Management.


Community Involvement – September 2001 to March 2002

A community involvement component was implemented for a playground improvement project. The youth were reluctant to participate at first but their attitudes changed when the children from Chalo School shared their appreciation for their efforts.

A Hot Lunch Program was implemented that allowed parents and community members to cook a healthy and balanced lunch for the children. Each youth had a lead role in coordinating a hot lunch.

The group participated in community Council and Public meetings. The youth participated in two sessions of a Language Program. They also participated in a Bike Rodeo and Residential Healing workshop and an Elders meeting on how parents were affected by their children being taken away from them to attend residential schools.

Work Placements

Employer PositionDeh’Zona Daycare Childcare Worker

Illusions Family Haircare Salon Hairdresser Assistant

Fort Nelson First Nation Receptionist

Chalo School Receptionist

Chalo School Teacher Assistant

Deer River Enterprise Bookkeeper

Northwest Plumbing and Healing Sheet Metal Fabricator Assistant

Fort Nelson First Nation Data Clerk

Fort Nelson First Nation Youth Recreation Assistant

Fort Nelson First Nation Elders Homemaker Assistant

In January 2002 the youth prepared for employment and researched areas of interest related to their job placements. They identified at least three potential jobs they would like to work at. The youth developed their resumes and covering letters to reflect the job they wanted to secure. Job interview training allowed the


youth to practice on each other and they actually went through the entire interview process as though it was a “real life” job.

Each job placement was monitored and ensured that both the employee and employer were happy. Brief meetings were held with the students and supervisors after each week to assess the meaningfulness of the job placement.

Workshops


Personal Identification Humor and Wellness Assertiveness Basic Communication and Crisis Intervention Emotional Stress and Anger Management 2002 Focus Healing Conference Personal and Social Healing Residential School Healing Elders Meeting

Program Evaluation

The YWE Program was a success! The youth that participated gained personal development and insight, and were more confident than before. The confidence that the youth have invested, their commitment and energy will help them succeed with their future goals. There was a huge willingness to assist the program by the community at-large, Band staff, job placement supervisors and the Northern Lights College.

Transportation was a major issue for all students. The youth was assisted with securing alternative transportation. Childcare was also a barrier in the beginning of the program. The youth with children arranged for childcare and were more able to concentrate on their career and education goals and objectives.

The Coordinator of the YWE Program was very proud of the youth and their personal growth. The program has made a big difference in the lives of several individuals and would like to see another program like this in the community.


Lower Similkameen First NationKeremeos, BC

Introduction

A goal of the Lower Similkameen First Nation Youth Work Experience (YWE) Program was to provide training, instruction, work experience and mentoring that will encourage the youth to take control of their own future and to supply them with the tools to do so.

Program Objectives


Target youth at risk, defined in labour market terms as those who lacked work-related skills and faced barriers to employment;

Establish partnerships with local public and private organizations to increase employment opportunities for the youth;

Target specifically the youth’s areas of career interest;

Develop training plans to respond to possible collective as well as individual training and educational needs;

Provide the youth with training history and cultural workshops in finding out about their history and their own identity.

Program Outline

The YWE Program consisted of twenty-four weeks of training, instruction, work experience and mentoring. The program operated from June 18, 2001to November 30, 2001.


There were three participants in the program and one supervisor. There were two males aged 21 and 22, and one female aged 19. All the participants attended Secondary school and had some credits to complete their Dogwood certificates. The 25-year old supervisor had excellent communication skills. It was our goal to assist him in the area of management and to provide an opportunity for him to increase his leadership skills.



The participants did a variety of job training skills such as St. John’s Ambulance First Aid, resume writing and cover letter writing. There were cultural field trips to the Enowkin Centre in Penticton, BC. The participants completed Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft FrontPage, Microsoft Word, Internet skills such as tripod, and surfing the Internet.

Career opportunities were brainstormed, as well as the trainees visited the Career Cruising website to assist with career direction. The participants had the opportunity to write the Structure of Intellect (SOI) test. Trainees also had an opportunity to write a General Competency Practice Test 2 (GCT2).

Participants were monitored twice a week by a supervisor and twice throughout the three-week job placement period. A collaborative relationship was maintained and the supervisor was under clear direction to support the students.

For final assessments of each job placement the participants and their employers completed a number of questionnaires. The key to assessment and monitoring was to extract as much information as possible for the participant to look into retrospect as to what he/she had accomplished. Most importantly being able to use that information for a better understanding of his/her career goals and direction.

Work Placements

Employer PositionSchool District #33 Tutorial Assistant

Theytus Books Publishing Intern

Keremeos Review Newspaper Journalism

Okanagan Nation Alliance Fisheries

Kelowna Friendship Centre Youth/Volunteer

Lower Similkameen Indian Band Cultural Coordinator

Upper Similkameen Indian Band Bookkeeper

Tee Pee Tot Daycare Daycare Assistant


Participant #1 was working with Theytus Books in Penticton, BC. The participant performed duties such as data entry for inventory, shipping/invoices of books, filing and other related tasks. This participant was very conscious of being on time and had learned to be more assertive in the work environment.

Participant #2 was working at the Kelowna Friendship Centre with a Volunteer Management Program/Youth Coordinator. The participant performed assistance to the Manager in a number of different events and had an opportunity to use communication skills with the public and supporting the clients that accessed the services of the Friendship Centre.

Participant #3 was working with a Cultural Coordinator and attended various meetings with Elders and other meetings related to the traditional area of the Nation. The participant also was involved in canoe building, and learned about the duties of a Cultural Coordinator.

Workshops


Personal Communications Learning Style Exploration Culture and Perception Evaluating your Cant’s

The participants had various workshops geared towards searching for careers that were suited to their personalities. They used their workshops and brainstormed sessions to form ideas for job placements. From there they had evaluated their ideas, narrowed them down to a few potential job placements that best suited their personalities, skills, interests and their needs.

Program Evaluation

The conference call that was held by FNESC for the YWE Program with the other project leaders had an impact on program planning and the students they may be recruiting. The responses we had from the different organizations were fantastic and we had created better networking throughout the Okanagan area.

This pilot project has been a learning experience and can definitely seem some changes that we will have to make in any future programs. I would like to see future programs set in phases for example, Phase One, the participants would be provided with skills specific to a key area of interest and Phase Two would be actually on-the-job training for a longer period of time. This would provide the continuity in a specific area of interest.


The participant’s feedback indicated a more thorough development in the planning area for work placements. A projected three weeks was a sufficient timeframe for the participants to gain experience with their specific placements, but in the end a longer period of time was required.

This was an important building block for the community and it showed where the strengths and challenges lie and also where we need to make future changes to be certain that the needs of the organization, and more importantly, the participants. The successes outweigh the failures in the sense that learning from the participants help make better programs for future generations.


‘Namgis Health CentreAlert Bay, BC

Introduction

The ‘Namgis Health Centre goal was to provide an opportunity for youth to participate in a culturally based work experience and theoretical training for a period of thirty weeks. The Centre created opportunities to develop skills and gain meaningful work experience to create a pool of human resources in the community and decrease employment barriers affecting young people.

Program Objectives


Provide unemployed youth, between the ages of 17-24, with a supportive academic environment that will stimulate interest in developing individual academic goals and to further apply this learning to the workplace;

Gain the knowledge and skills and attitudes needed to be successful in the world of unemployment;

Develop effective work habits and be able to work in a changing and challenging workplace;

Develop self reliance, self motivation and confidence necessary for effective teamwork, lifelong learning and work place success;

Develop employability skills and job readiness to be able to see and take advantage of career opportunities;

Allow for youth to develop skills that will benefit themselves and the community through skills training and work experience initiatives.

Program Outline

The YWE Program consisted of ten weeks of pre-employment training, education and upgrading followed by ten weeks of work experience. The program operated from October 29, 2001 to March 15, 2002.



There were six participants in the YWE Program. There were two males aged 20 and 21, and four females aged 19. During the first part of the program all participants were assessed at School District #85 Continuing Education Centre to identify their present education level. Participants were then placed in appropriate courses according to their grade level.


The opportunity to participate in the YWE Program was advertised and applications were received and applicants were interviewed. The existing curriculum and materials related to life skills, personal development and career preparation was developed according to the participant skill and education level.

All selected participants received clarification and an overview of the ‘Namgis Health Centre. All of the participants attended a Continuing Education Centre where they were working to achieve a Grade 12 certificate. The participants also assisted with a major Big House event.

The first 16 weeks of the YWE Program was based on academic upgrading, life skills, career/personal planning, and the development of an Individual Learning Plan. A Collaborative Evaluation Model was established for each student for progress and tracking purposes. This model included the employer, trainee, the participant, the work based training location employer and the ‘Namgis First Nation Band Council.

Work Placements

The ‘Namgis First Nation Youth Employment Program Coordinator was responsible for negotiating work-based placed training sites with the owners/operators and/or the First Nation departments involved. Contracts and job descriptions were developed for each participant and for the work placed training host that everyone was clear about expectations.

The participants completed their work experiences at the following locations:

Port Hardy RCMP Amlilas Daycare Centre U’Mista Cultural Centre ‘Namgis First Nation Treaty Office Evergreen Savings Credit Union ‘Namgis First Nation Public Works Department


The Youth Employment Coordinator completed weekly visits to the work placements sites and checked the student’s progress and to ensure there was a good working relationship with employer and the youth placements. Each participant had at least two different work placements during the program.

The instructor for the Computer Training Program was a previous trained in the Youth Employment Program that was funded by the First Nations School Association (FNSA) and the ‘Namgis First Nation. This was really inspiring to the new participants in the program.

The evaluation of the program performance and analysis of the effectiveness of the program’s components were incorporat4ed into the on-going program evaluation. Personal interviews with each of the participants proved the best way to receive and give feedback on issues participants faced weekly. The program was evaluated by the work placed-based employers, the students, the instructors and by #85 School District.

Workshops


Firearms FAC Course First Aid CPR Course Super Host Training WCB Legal Services Training WCB Job Safety PowerPoint Presentation Resume Writing and Cover Letters Job Search Skills Career Decision Making Cultural & Potlatch History Research ‘Namgis First Nation Legends Computer Training ‘Namgis First Nation Treaty Overview Self-esteem and Skills Development

Program Evaluation

The energy, enthusiasm, and the commitment this group shown was astounding. This was a very diverse group of youth who were so interested in learning everything that they could in the program.


Osoyoos Indian BandOliver, BC

Introduction

The Osoyoos Indian Band’s goal was to provide the youth with experiences they will need to become self-sufficient in choosing a career in obtaining employment. The Youth Work Experience (YWE) Program provided life skills, problem solving techniques, and work experience.

Program Objectives


Provide pre-placement activities including group workshops to work together on goals and to understand what the community has to offer them;

Complete a resume and to set-up interviews with employers and completed a computer training component;

Have the Coordinator worked together with the employer and participant to set-up interviews and to set-up interviews with an Employment Training Officer;

The Employment Training Officer worked with the participants to establish a collaborative relationship;

The Coordinator worked with the participants to develop an Individual Learning Plan, and assessed work-related skills and assisted with other requests from the participants

Program Outline

The YWE Program consisted of twenty-four-weeks of training, instruction, work experience and mentoring. The program operated from June 18, 2001to November 30, 2001.


There were four participants in the YWE Program. There was one male and three females aged 17-24. There education grade levels ranged from Grade 10 to Grade 11.



Each participant in the program had their own achievements, while working with each employer and employee it became apparent that how important it was to gain experience in the life skills components. The participants were able to unite with other native communities for a better understanding of the cultures of other Bands.

Pre-placement activities included group workshops to work together on goals and understand what the community has to offer them. Each participant completed a resume and set-up interviews with employers and completed a computer-training component.

A Coordinator worked with the employers and participants and set-up interview schedules and established a collaborative relationship. The participants developed individual Learning Plans with the assistance from the Coordinator. The participants received Level I First Aid and Computer Training.

Work Placements

The participants completed their work experiences at the following locations:

Inkameep Gas & Convenience Store Inkameep Community Services OIB Administration

Each participant received training in customer relations, time management, and what was expected of an employee in the work place. The participants also gained experience in individual jobs that they had been hired to do.

A Coordinator worked with the employer and the youth employees and met with them on a regular basis to discuss issues that may have arisen during their work placement periods. The participants also met with the Coordinator and reviewed a progress report together.

Workshops

An Employment Training Officer conducted a number of workshops for the participants such as:

Resume Writing and Job Readiness Interview Preparation and Skills Life Skills Computer Course

Program Evaluation


The quality of the program has become stronger every year and strived to maintain excellence. Having comments form both employees and employers allowed to work on issues that needed more attention. An agreement was to work together to provide youth an opportunity to work in the workforce.

This program has been in operation for more than three years and has been able to provide services by the Osoyoos Indian Band. There were a number of community support services available to the participants and employers that were used throughout the program. Inkameep Health Services, Inkameep Daycare, Human Resources, and the Employment Training Officer were just some of the services available.


Saanich Native Heritage SocietySaanich, BC

Introduction

The Saanich Native Heritage Society goal was to provide a mentored Youth Work Experience (YWE) Program for a period of nine months. The focus of the program was for a community and watershed stewardship. The youth worked with community, government, and non-government organizations on projects that fostered environmental awareness and restoration of watersheds. The vision of the program was to develop a solid and flexible working model that was adaptable to the needs of other First Nations communities as well.

Program Objectives


Facilitate training and work experience placements in environmental sciences with an emphasis on watershed and community stewardship;

Participants trained in stream and shoreline monitoring techniques which they can use to conduct stream and shoreline surveys;

Training in principles of environmental awareness and watershed restoration;

Increased awareness of local environmental and heritage issues;

Stimulate interest in the pursuit of further education and foster a broadened outlook on possible career choices;

Participants learned productive and meaningful ways to contribute to their creativity and energy to their community;

Participants gained exposure to important environmental issues through training and work experience placements with government, non-government and community organizations;

Participants training and experiences in marine and freshwater species identification, mapping and surveying, data collections, a variety of computer programs, watershed restoration and environmental assessments;


Participants to develop personal and communication skills in the SENCOTEN language, report writing, interviewing, learning and educating.

Program Outline

The YWE Program consisted of thirty-six weeks of training, instruction, work experience and mentoring. The program operated from June 15, 2001to March 15, 2002.


There were four participants in the YWE Program. There were four males aged 17, 20, 22 and 24. All of them were out-of-school and unemployed, at the time the program started. None of these participants finished their high school education. Therefore, participation in this program proved a value for the long-term development of these youths, professionally and personally.


The inaugural month of August 2001 of the YWE Program proved to be very intense and enjoyment, and provided a solid foundation for the months to come. Activities during this phase of the program provided a comfortable transition into the program, and facilitated a team building process.

Work Placements

The participants were employed by the Saanich Native Heritage Society, and provided with a series of training programs and projects, with the objectives of providing them with employable skills, enriching experiences and lasting impacts.

Workshops


Stream and Shoreline Monitoring and Assessment Environmental Careers Orientation workshop Shores keepers training Vocab and Vocab Language Lab Programs Digital Video and Film Editing


Program Evaluation

The program was evaluated by the Program Coordinator, a Steering Committee, and also by the youth participants. The evaluation consisted of written answers and comments that were reviewed and the information can be utilized when implementing another program with other youths from the Saanich community. The youth were videotaped in interview format, where they were allowed to give their impressions and thoughts about the YWE Program. This multimedia information will be drawn upon when this program is reformulated by the steering committee for program implementation in the future.


Skowkale First NationChilliwack, BC

Introduction

The Skowkale First Nation Youth Work Experience (YWE) Program goal was to assist the youth in personal development of individual plans for setting their career directions. The program was divided into two categories: training hours and work experience.

Program Objectives


Provide an opportunity for unemployed youth between the ages of 17-24 to access training and work experience;

Provide youth work and personal skills required to help them obtain full-time employment;

Raise self-esteem, self-wroth and self-value of the youth to help them to be more confident committed and gave them the potential to maintain full-time employment.

Program Outline

The Skowkale YWE Program started on October 2, 2001 and ended on April 5, 2002. The program had four participants and a Coordinator. The Coordinator was employed for ten months, and one of those months was used for the program development. The participants took part in training for the first two months, worked for six months and returned for training for the final month. During the first month the Coordinator had an idea of what fields the participants would like to participate in, and coordinated possible employers for participant placement for a five-month term. The participants had one week to regroup during the middle of a work session to share their experiences and voiced any concerns about the program.


There were four participants in the YWE Program. There were four males aged 17-24. Each participant had Grade 10 education level and most of them had young children at home.



The YWE program consisted of seven weeks of training and twenty weeks of work experience. Due to the availability of facilitators the training was spread out throughout the program duration. This also gave the participants time to regroup with each other for support.

The program included training that consisted of visits to local colleges, resume development and job search techniques. The participants checked in with the Coordinator on a regular basis. The Coordinator visited the participants at their job sites to see their progress and kept in contact with their job supervisors.

Work Placements

The employers that provided work experience for the participants were:

Sto:lo Nation KelMor Enterprises Royalwood Golf Course JR Bulldozing SPCA Skowkale First Nation

One of the participants was placed in Maintenance for the Band, and the other three participants were placed at Sto:lo Nation in the Maintenance department.

The Coordinator checked in either with the supervisors or the participants on a daily basis. Timesheets were verified with the supervisors. The Coordinator monitored the progress of the participants to assist in resolving any problems, which may arise, or to encourage the participants.

For community participation the participants painted a community playground, built a gate, repaired a rearing tank and participated in an egg take of approximately 60,000 eggs for the community fishery hatchery. They also assisted in planned and organized community events, community garden and delivery of community food hampers.

Workshops

The participants completed the following training workshops:

Standard First Aid Food Safe Super Host Team Building Resume Writing


Work Search ALMR Coops and Coops Testing Basic Computer Training Community Participation Days Cultural Training

The cultural training included sweat lodge, talking circles, healing circles, traditional games and smudging ceremonies.

Program Evaluation

The YWE Program helped the participants to be more comfortable and confident in a workplace environment. For one participant this was a first placement of employment, another participant was previously employed through the Band office. The other two participants had experienced off-reserve employment opportunities.

The youth selected to be participants were all high-risk youth and this program was a great opportunity to give them guidance and training in an “understanding their needs” environment.

This program proved to be valuable experience and successful for the participants as they gained beneficial and useful training, experience and /or employment. The Coordinator of the program also gained valuable skills and knowledge through the coordination of the program.

Two out of the four participants returned to formal education, one has secured full-time employment and one participant was currently seeking full-time employment.


Tl’azt’en NationFort St. James, BC

Introduction

The Tl’azt’en Nation Youth Work Experience (YWE) Program goal was to provided unemployed, out-of-school youth between the ages 0f 17-24 with valuable tools to gain employment or further their education.

Program Objectives

The program objectives were to give the youth an opportunity to realize their potential through building their confidence and self-esteem to reach the goals and aspirations they had set for themselves.

Program Outline

The Tl’azt’en Nation YWE Program interviews were conducted on September 21, 2001 and employment for the four youth participants started September 24, 2001 and concluded on April 5, 2002.

The program had personal enhancement through training, work placement mentoring, and life skills coaching. The program outline included:

Job Readiness Skills First Aid with Transportation Endorsement Serving it Right Certification First Host & Food Safe Computer Skills Training Supervisory Skills Budgets and Budgeting Individual Learning Plans Adult Basic Education Post-Secondary Sponsorships (Sept 2002) Supervised Work Placements Career Planning and Setting Goals Writing Resumes and Covering Letters Teach Basic Language and Culture Telephone, Fax and Photocopying Training Word Processing Entrepreneurial Training College and University Tour Life Skills Coaching



Each participant was unique and brought different experiences to the group dynamics. The ages of the participants ranged from 18-22. Three of the participants were parents and all were mature young adults with eagerness to learn and grow.

Each participant made exciting new discoveries about their ability, and so each had learned so much more with this opportunity to improve their lives. It was inspiring to see that the youth in the program had made great strides at setting goals for a higher education with specific deadlines to complete.


The Tl’azt’en Nation YWE Program hired four of the ten applicants based on the criteria of the program, with an emphasis on selecting youth in most need of employable skills.

With high unemployment and low academic levels, the youth in Tl’azt’en Nation needed the opportunity to gain skills and experience for their transitions into the labour market. Few options were available for employment unless you work within the Forest industry and that is only seasonal work. Most youth were discouraged when they found out they don’t have the academic ability to further their career interest. This program was aimed at trying to change the status quo by giving our youth the confidence they need to succeed at work or school.

Work Placements

The first work placements started on November 13, 2001 and concluded on December 21, 2001. The second work placements started on February 18, 2002 and concluded on March 15, 2002. The participants were matched with departments that provided work experience in the area of participant’s career interest.

Participant Career Interest Placement

One Carpentry Public Works Department/Private Renovation Contractor

Two Early Childhood Education

Eugene Joseph Elementary School/Sum Yaz Daycare

Three Youth Worker/Accounting

Education Department/Finance

Four Early Childhood Education

Sum Yaz Daycare/Training


Workshops

The participants completed the following training:

Serving it Right Certification Office Equipment Office Skills Proposal Writing First Aid & Transportation Typing Tutor Dress for Success How to Budget Money Word for Windows Publisher Microsoft Excel Internet Career Planning

Program Evaluation

The program, although some growing pains, still met the mandate of providing relevant career interest placements for the participants. The bigger obstacle is not enough career planning sessions to assist the youth in determining their careers so early so that their chances can increase.

Overall, the program was a success and assisted many of the youth in defining their career. While the majority of the youth worked to achieve their academic prerequisites to enter the College of New Caledonia, some did not complete all the courses and would have to continue to attend an Adult Education Centre to complete the courses, which they were willing to do after their employment ends.

With the maturity level of the participants, some would continue to work on their work ethics to secure future jobs. There was only so much that this program can teach them to be successful, but in the end it was their choice that determined their success at work or school. In the end, it was important just to assist them in developing a healthy self-esteem so that they can feel confident in proceeding further.


Tl’etinqox-t’in Government OfficeAlexis Creek, BC

Introduction

The Tl’etinqox-t’in Government Office Youth Work Experience (YWE) Program was to provide unemployed youth work in a supportive environment.

Program Objectives


Provide valuable experience for future employability or encouraging youth to return to school with an Individual Learning Plan;

Provide young people with an avenue to contribute to the community through work in community service projects, band government operations and affairs;

Establish partnerships with public and private organizations to increase employment opportunities for youth.

Program Outline

Candidates for the 2001/2002 YWE Program were selected from a Pre-employment and Life Skills Development Program who were currently unemployed and residing on-reserve, within the ages of 17-24. The participants identified career objectives, which can be met in partnership with community organizations and local businesses interested in providing relevant work experience.

The Project Leader was selected from the community who ensured that the youth receive mentoring and support needed to develop life skills and work skills. Training contracts were entered between the Tl’etinqox-T’in Government office and with specialized trainers in the Williams Lake area that provided advanced employability readiness training, personal life skills development and employment maintenance development throughout the duration of the program.



There were seven participants in the YWE Program. There were four females and three males aged 17-24. The participant’s education levels ranged from Grade 10 to Grade 12.


The program implementation included:

Identification and selection of a Project Leader;

Selection of youth for the program;

Development of Individual Learning Plans;

Identification and scheduling of trainers and training components;

Pre-placement orientation activities with identified employment trainers;

Matching of youth with employers and signing of workplace agreements;

Job interviews techniques, interview readiness, job application and resume preparation;

Adult Basic Education;

Advanced Employment Maintenance and Career Counseling;

Job Placements;

Program Assessments.

Work Placements

Participant Employer Position

Participant 1 Athletes World Sales Associate Assistant

Participant 2 Tl’etinqox School Teacher Aid

Participant 3 Punky Lake Wilderness Camp

Office Assistant

Participant 4 Tl’etinqox-tin Gov’t Office Office Assistant

Participant 5 Sage Training Receptionist Assistant


Administration OfficeParticipant 6 Riverside Forestry Office Forestry Assistant

Participant 7 Tl’etinqox-T’in School Teacher’s Aid

Workshops


Super Host Serving it Right Customer/Public Relations Life Skills Employment Readiness Adult Basic Education

Program Evaluation

The YWE Program evaluation consisted of evaluation reports, participant self- evaluations. There was program strategic planning for future youth work experience training programs. The participants training on the job gave them a broader view of their education and how to reach their future goals. A number of the participants plan to return to educational studies when the program completed.


Tsawataineuk Band CouncilKingcome Village, BC

Introduction

The Tsawataineuk Band Council Youth Work Experience (YWE) Program provided a six-month training program for four youth between the ages of 17 and 24 who were not in school and unemployed. The program consisted of 40% Life Skills workshops and training sessions and 60% work placements.

Program Objectives


Provide youth with life skills training and work placements to give them employable skills;

To address a high number of youth that are in need of employment and training opportunities;

Train youth to take on leadership roles and thereby having them take an active role in vital services for the community;

Support and provide some direction for youth that are currently not working constructively towards any goals.

Program Outline

A Project Coordinator was hired for the YWE Program and was provided with an overview of the program objectives and requirements. The Program Coordinator supervised the participants in the program and also organized workshops, arranged work placements, maintained the program budget and monitored the work placements.

The participants were tested and enrolled at an Adult Education Program at the Tsawataineuk Band School. Two hours was set-aside in each workday so that the participants could work on their coursework.

Participants developed their Individual Learning Plans and set their goals for the duration of the YWE Program.



There were four participants in the YWE Program. There were two females and two males aged 17-24. The participant’s education levels ranged from Grade 8 to Grade 12.


The YWE Program implementation included:

Hired Program Coordinator; Program Coordinator contacted potential employers, Program Coordinator enrolled participants; Youth tested and enrolled in Adult Education; Life Skills workshops; Emergency Response Training Job Placements; First Aid certification; Group Wrap Up; Final Reporting

Work Placements

A few of the work placements took place in the nearest town, Alert Bay, approximately two hours away by boat. These work placements provided a more varied employment experience and different environment to help the participants determine what career area they were interested in. The work placements were short with at least one-week break for the participants to return to the main group for a debriefing session.

Employer Type of Work DutiesKwicksutaineuk OfficeTsawataineuk Band Office, Health Centre & School OfficeNunwakola Cultural Society MTTC & KTCF Office,‘Namgis Health CentreDanaxdawx Office

Office/Clerical Reception, Answered Phones, Faxed, Filed, Photocopied, Word Processed, Business Letter Writing, Research and Documentation, Mapping, Bookkeeping, Report Writing, Basic Office Work

Umista Cultural CenterNunwakola Cultural Society

Cataloguing/Archiving Training in Cataloguing Material, Archived Information and FilesGreeted Tourists Research

Tsawataineuk Health Center Office Assistant Basic Office Skills


‘Namgis Health Center Medical ReceptionBooking ClientsAppointments

Tsawataineuk Health CenterTsawataineuk Band Office

Recreation Assisted a Recreation ProgramOrganized Sporting Events

Tsawataineuk Band Office Cultural Research on Culture and Traditions

Tsawataineuk Band Office Emergency Response

Training in Various Aspects of Emergency Response for Kingcome Inlet

Cormorant Island Services Ltd

Cashier Cashier, Serving Customers, Taking Orders, Serving Food

Big House Construction Construction Trainee Construction Work

Workshops


Life Skills Leadership Workshop Wilderness First Aid Job Readiness Workshop Public Speaking Workshop Capacity Initiative Workshop Food Safety Course

Program Evaluation

It was hoped that by providing the YWE Program and getting the students started on their education, partnered with life skills and work placements that the students became enthused and focused to continue on with their studies after the program was finished. The program was important to the community as a whole.

Ucwalmicw Centre SocietyLillooet, BC


Introduction

The Ucwalmicw Centre Society Youth Work Experience (YWE) Program goal was to provide a holistic supportive learning environment involving life skills, pre-employment training, work experience, personal development and cultural training for unemployed youth between the ages of, 17 to 24 years.

Program Objectives


Hire a Project Coordinator to develop training and work plan to supervise youth between the ages of 17 to 24 years;

Develop a holistic, supportive, learning environment involving life skills, pre-employment training, work experience, personal development and cultural training for unemployed youth;

Support the youth in identifying blocks that may have prevented a barrier to completing education or further training and to move beyond these blocks to achieve success;

Provide an array of resources that were available to the youth that may assist the youth in goal setting and achieving success in one’s life;

Teach unemployed youth between the ages of 17 to 24 years of age the skills, attitudes and behaviors that were successful and acceptable in a work and training environment.

Program Outline

The Ucwalmicw Centre Society advertised for a Program Coordinator, conducted interviews and hired the successful applicant. The program outline included the following steps:

Contacted local Band offices to discuss training with education and social workers to recruit potential applicants;


Contacted and arranged guest speakers, special training such as cultural, consensus building, team building, pre-employment training, learning skills training;

Applicants for work place trainee positions interviewed by a hiring committee;

Participants commence work an discuss work place trainee positions that were available and confirmed;

Cultural training that included Medicine Wheel training, spirituality, sweat lodge and drumming/singing;

Assisted Elders with berry picking, fishing, canning and drying;

Participants attended a five-day intensive personal development training -Choices Adventures of a Lifetime;

Trained in pre-employment, resume writing, preparing for an interview, work ethics, self confidence, time management, financial management, goal setting, and First Aid;

Other related training such as consensus building, anger management, left brain/right brain theory, conflict resolution, and teambuilding;

Participant work placements;

Participant developed personal development and career plans;

Training session on employment insurance;

Group evaluations

Participants organize and plan a celebration of program completion;

Project Coordinator arranged program evaluation with input form the work place employers.


There were four participants in the YWE Program. There were two females and two males aged 17-24. The participant’s education ranged from Grade 9 to Grade 12 completed levels.




The Program Coordinator met with members of the Board of Directors to discuss expectations and options for the program;

Participants began to visit an Employment Centre, got to know each other, set goals and establish a contract agreement;

Visit Adult Education and review courses for participants to complete their Grade 12;

Visit a Friendship Centre so that participants became familiar with support services in the area;

Work Place discussions, video and pamphlets on Worker’s Compensation Board of British Columbia;

Art Therapy workshop, Kamloops Motivational workshop, Elders luncheon at a Friendship Centre;

Letters of Introduction for work placements;

Tour of UCC Campus;

Produce Student newsletter, Agriculture workshop in Kamloops;

Choices Program – Part 1

Participant update to Board of Directors;

Youth Residential School workshop, Healing Ceremony, First Aid Level 1

Monthly reports, newsletter and medicine wheel;

Walter Leech presentation;

Choices Program – Part 2

Choice Program –Final

Tribal Police presentation to participants

HRDC presentation on participant options;


How to complete Revenue Canada Income Tax forms;

Sharing Circle

Employer Expectations;

Mock Interviews and Evaluations;

How to Start your Own Business presentation;

Participant evaluations and articles for final newsletter;

Coordinator final reports and evaluations.

Work Placements

The employers who provided work placements:

Lillooet Friendship Center Society Springs Café Stacy’s Construction

Workshops


Art Therapy workshop Kamloops Motivational workshop Choices Program Youth Residential School workshop First Aid Level 1

Program Evaluation

The community made many positive comments about the Coordinator, participants and the program. The participants were positive in their attitudes and outlooks for the future. It was apparent that they gained confidence and self-esteem demonstrated in their interviewing styles during mock interview exercises.

The employers found the participants to be a pleasure to work with and many still would like the participants to continue working for them. A recommendation for future program would be to have the participants more involved in community workshops and programs.

Yekooche First Nation


Fort St. James, BC

Introduction

The Yekooche First Nation Youth Work Experience (YWE) Program goal was to assist four (4) out-of-school, employed youth between the ages of 17 and 24 to successfully complete a seven (7) month Youth Work Experience Program.

Program Objectives

The program objectives were for the participants to have:

Acquired an understanding of their personal aptitudes;

Identified their personal interests and temperaments;

Identified potentially satisfying and appropriate careers by cross-referencing their personal interests and aptitudes with appropriate occupations;

Determined what occupational field they wish to pursue;

Received career counseling with a focus on their specific strengths, aptitudes, interests and temperaments;

Identified the education and training required to pursue their chosen occupation;

Completed an adult education program designed to address immediate individual needs;

Developed an individual action plan to pursue their educational/training and employment goals;

Developed their own resume;

Acquired an understanding of job search skills;

Experienced the demands of the work environment and expectations of an employer through the work experience placement.

Program Outline


The YWE Program components were highly participatory, practical and experiential. As the employee and participants developed their skills, they were supported and provided with positive constructive feedback throughout the program. The training was based on the belief that young adults learn best in a relaxed and friendly environment. Each component was designed to include all the participants and ensured each individual benefited from the program.

The work place supervisors, facilitators, instructors and the program coordinator provided mentorship, encouragement and support to the participants while they were working their way through the following components:

Orientation Workplace Foundation Skills Career Exploration and Development Skill Development Modules Life/Employment Skills Work Experience


There were four participants in the YWE Program. There were four females aged 18-22. The participant’s education ranged from Grade 9 to Grade 11 levels.



Four participants were chosen and an Orientation Program was conducted;

In small group sessions through interaction with supervisors and counselors, a program of workplace foundation skills was delivered;

Participants attended an individually designed Adult Education Program offered through the Jean Marie Joseph School in association with the Central Interior Distance Education School;

The participants were in a three skill development modules- Occupational First Aid Level 1 with Transportation Endorsement, Work Safe Program and Introduction to Computers;

During the seven-month YWE Program, the immediate supervisors and the YFN Wellness Team provided encouragement, support and counseling to the four participants.


Work Placements

Employer PositionJean Marie Joseph School Assistant CookJean Marie Joseph School Student Support WorkerEarly Childhood Education Centre Early Childhood Education AssistantAdministration Office Administrative Assistant

Workshops

The participants were in the following training:

Canadian Occupational Interest Inventory (COII) CHOICES – Computer Assisted Career Exploration Program Career and Educational Counseling Individual Action Planning Job Search Techniques Adult Education Program Occupational First Aid, Level 1 Transportation Endorsement Work Safe Program Introduction to Computers Life Skills Program

Program Evaluation

Evaluation was an integral and ongoing part of the YWE Program. All the stakeholders were interviewed. Participant performance and program effectiveness was informally and formally evaluated. Personal interviews proved to be the best way of obtaining clear and accurate information form the participants and other stakeholders.

The four participants completed the seven-month program and continued to work for Yekooche First Nation. Their supervisors recommended they continue their employment with a requirement that they continue their academic upgrading.

Council used the seven-month program to “evaluate” potential employees. Therefore, concern was raised over the participants reaction to their work, whether they wanted to continue in their positions, if they were willing to continue their education while working, how they perceived their immediate supervisors, their reaction to their salaries, and what they would like to do in the future.Feedback from the all the stakeholders, participants, supervisors, instructors, participating Elders and the Education Steering Committee members and the Chief and Council was an essential component of the process. All reported that the YWE Program was a success. During evaluations interviews, all the supervisors reported that the participants were invaluable.



Appendix ACampbell River Indian Band


Appendix BChehalis Community School


Appendix CFort Nelson First Nation


Appendix DLower Similkameen Indian Band

Appendix ENamgis Health Centre


Appendix FOsoyoos Indian Band


Appendix GSaanich Native Heritage Society


Appendix HSkowkale First Nation


Appendix ITl’azt’en Nation


Appendix JTl’etinqox-t’in Government Office

Appendix KTsawataineuk Band Council


Appendix LUcwalmicw Centre Society


Appendix MYekooche First Nation


Documents

Introduction€¦ · Web viewAlexis Creek, BC. Introduction. The Tl’etinqox-t’in Government Office Youth Work ... Filed, Photocopied, Word Processed, Business Letter Writing,