MHCA-Indigenous engagement efforts put people to work
The MHCA has trained 56 people in introductory heavy equipment operation in the last six months. The graduates of the simulator-based introductory program came from the Manitoba Metis Federation and the University College of the North.
“We have another four-week course fully booked with UCN for Thompson in August,” said Phil McDaniel, MHCA’s Indigenous Engagement Leader. “We are really encouraged by the take-up and the results of our training in cooperation with northern and Indigenous communities.”
The MHCA signed on to the Winnipeg Indigenous Accord this year, an effort led by Mayor Brian Bowman to advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. The association is focusing on skill development, and is preparing a credit course in heavy construction for Grade 12 students, in conjunction with the Manitoba Construction Sector Council and Southeast Collegiate. Course graduates would be ready for entry level heavy construction jobs.
The efforts build on a lengthy history MHCA and the WORKSAFELY™ program have with Indigenous organizations and communities to build skilled labour forces that have been educated in safety and health protocol. WORKSAFELY™ advisors deliver training in all regions of the province, including in remote and isolated northern communities. MHCA’s WORKFORCE program is also preparing a series of in-seat training courses for heavy equipment operation at a number of Indigenous communities. Past courses have been held in Dawson Bay and Sandy Bay.
Further, for more than a decade, WORKSAFELY™ has delivered safety or COR training to Indigenous people and communities working to maintain Manitoba Infrastructure’s winter road system.
