Celebrating achievement was the reason for the gathering on April 7 at Kenosee Inn. White Bear Post Secondary held its Residential Renovation and Construction Program 2011 graduation with 11 students, three women and eight men, successfully completing program requirements. The program began on Jan. 17, 2011 and focuses on the basics of the construction trade.
The 12-week course included a diverse number of course components including electrical, plumbing and drywalling to name a few. As a result of their program, graduates also received certification in Fall Protection Training, Intro to Safety Training, Confined Space Entry Training, Level A CPR/AED training and WHMIS. Additionally, students completing the program are granted 300 trade time hours. In order to provide such a diverse course to the students, a number of community members provided their knowledge. Instruction for the program was led by Almer Standing Ready who is an inter-provincial journeyperson. He stated that his favourite thing about the program "was getting along with the students and teaching them what construction and hard work is really about." Additional guest instructors included Gordon Littlechief with his journeyman electrician background, Justin Lonechild, a certified computer tech and; Arlie Altweisser, a journeyman plumber, each of whom spent one to two days with the students.
The main source of funding for this program was obtained from Bridges and Foundations, a federal organization aimed at assisting First Nations with trades and training programs. Vince Morrissette, SIIT Trades and Training Coordinator, contacted White Bear Post Secondary to inform them that the initiative was available. Vince stated that "the objective of the program is to introduce these students to varied and different aspects of trades. Therefore, the course touches on a number of things. The goal is to introduce the students to different trades and from there, they can choose to proceed to the next level and obtain apprenticeship for their chosen trade." Vince was on hand to present the graduates with their certificates alongside Diette Kinistino, Coordinator of WBPS.
Proceeding to the next level may come sooner than later as Diette Kinistino hopes to offer the Level 1 Carpentry Program in September or January if funding becomes available. WBPS offers courses to their students on a rotational basis. Diette stated "We try to alternate between an academic program and a trade program. That way, it ensures that both types of programming are made available to our students." In the past, programs that have been offered have included business administration, oil and gas safety tickets and a firefighting program to name a few. While these courses occur on a rotational basis; year-round programming is available from the organization as well. Continuous courses include distance education programs through universities, adult upgrading programs, as well as life skill programming.
This is the second time this particular course has been delivered through WBPS and judging by the success of the initiative and the feedback from students, it will not be the last. Skye Maxie took the program because he knew he would learn more about not only the carpentry trade, but other trades that the program would touch on such as electrical and plumbing. He said that the program allowed him to "gain more confidence working with wood and tools. The class is a very good introduction class and the instructors were knowledgeable. They were always willing to help you out."
Jana Standing Ready, graduate of the program, stated that she "learned a lot from the program. Building something from the ground-up was a pretty neat experience. And I will be able to use what I have learned in this program at home as well." Jana is one of the students that would be interested in continuing her education and hopes that Level 1 Carpentry will be offered through WBPS.
Graduate David Littlechief, enjoyed the program most because it allowed him to learn about "all facets of carpentry, from framing to drywalling, roofing to windows and doors. Any repair that I need to do in my house, it is easy to do now. I have taken carpentry previously, but with this course, they covered everything."
If anyone is interested in taking courses through White Bear Post Secondary, they are encouraged to contact Diette at 577-2491.
