Vancouver, BC

The Aboriginal Mentoring & Training Association (AMTA), formerly the British Columbia Aboriginal Mine Training Association, announced it is making its Aboriginal workforce development solution available to resource-sector industries across the province. This will open the door to increased Aboriginal workforce inclusion and contributions to Canada’s provincial and national economies

“Our mission, and the work we do, will not change,” says Laurie Sterritt, AMTA’s chief executive officer. “We remain committed to empowering First Nations to create economic health for themselves and their communities through skills training, education and career opportunities. What’s changed is that we’ll be working with a broader group of resource-sector partners and companies, with more potential job opportunities for AMTA candidates.”

Four years ago, representatives from industry, government, educational institutes and First Nations began AMTA with the goal of connecting Aboriginal people to jobs in BC’s exploration and mining industry. The resulting Aboriginal workforce development model has challenged assumptions about Aboriginal workers and has offered critical solutions for our industry partners.

“More than 200 employers have hired AMTA candidates because they are trained, certified to recognized industry standards and are ready to work,” continues Sterritt. “Our roots will always be in exploration and mining, but we’ve created a business solution other industries want to adopt; a solution that benefits many First Nation communities and our provincial and national economies.”

Companies working across the resource sector are looking for ways to respond to labour shortages within their own industries. Graham, one of Canada’s largest construction companies, with corporate headquarters in Calgary, Alberta, approached AMTA earlier this year, recognizing alignment in the two organizations’ approaches to workforce development.