Slide 07

Aboriginal Principles

“BC Hydro will co-operate with Aboriginal Peoples and educational institutions to develop initiatives that support Aboriginal peoples in acquiring knowledge and skills that will prepare them for employment with BC Hydro and its subsidiaries.”

Two men outside working.

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Slide 08

Working Together

The Bridge River YTH Program is a pilot project in the early stages of development. The program aligns’ with BC Hydro’s long-term First Nations goal and is evolving in response to feedback from internal and external resources.

First Nations, Jeannie Cranmer, ‘Senior Aboriginal Relations Coordinator’ for BC Hydro is in the process of developing the Aboriginal Education and Employment Strategy that utilizes BR as a best practice.

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Slide 09

Overview YTH Program

The YTH Program was developed in 2004 for province wide participation to:

• Reinforce BC Hydro’s commitment to a skilled workforce renewal of trades and technical occupations (e.g. electrical, mechanical)
• Provide summer employment in the trades to a number of young people who are making the transition from school to work
• Foster continuing partnerships with educational, community and equity groups

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Slide 10

Bridge River’s Version of YTH

• Tailor program to be First Nations specific to increase First Nations participation in the workforce.
• Incorporate educational component that focuses on high school completion (skill development)
• Build program in collaboration with Stl’Atl’Imx Bands and School District

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Slide 11

YTH Primary Objectives

• Increase First Nations participation in the trades and technical occupations, and build a future pool of skilled talent in local community
• Provide educational mentorship to assist students with long-term capacity building to acquire knowledge and skills that will prepare them for employment
• Employ skilled individuals in remote locations to improve BC Hydro operational capacity (i.e. supply and demand of talent)

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Slide 12

Educational Development

Aboriginal population is the fastest growing in BC with 50% of the population under 25 years. Still, only 46% of Aboriginal students complete grade 12 compared to 82% of non-Aboriginal.

• BR has hired a (summer contract) teacher to work with YTH students, for half of each day, on high school courses.
• Throughout the course the teacher will benchmark with the students, whose levels range from Gr. 9-12, academic short and long term goals.
• Students will be expected to complete at least one high school course in the duration of the two months.

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