Pre-Employment Training for Inuit with Disabilities
PMC is delivering a comprehensive, experiential 12-week pre-employment training program for 16 Inuit with disabilities in Baker Lake, Nunavut.
Funded by the Government of Nunavut’s Department of Family Services (DFS) through the federal-territorial Labour Market Agreement for Persons with Disabilities (LMAPD), the goal of this project is to prepare 16 Baker Lake Inuit to enter the local workforce on either a part-time or full-time basis.
The program provides work experience, builds core employability competencies, helps participants gain confidence, and make a difference in their community.
Competencies developed during the program include:
- Teamwork, Communications and Client Service
- Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and Decision Making
- Reading, Writing and Document Use
- Financial Literacy and Social Enterprise Fundamentals
- Computer and Digital Technology Use
- Personal Resiliency and Stress Management
The program includes engagement with and visits to local employers, as well culture-based teaching, including activities on the land and in the community, and involvement from local Inuit Elders and guest speakers.
Participants are also actively involved in the planning for a social enterprise for the community that would sell recycled clothing and toys. The thrift shop would employ Inuit with disabilities, creating jobs for those who face the greatest barriers to employment while providing a much-needed service to the community.
PMC is working with many enthusiastic supporters in Baker Lake as well as the Nunavummi Disabilities Makinnasuqtit Society (NDMS) to find funding for the enterprise.
Follow the story so far, from the perspective of PMC’s Erin Strachan in Baker Lake.
The Inuit Learning and Development Project (ILDP)
For federal or territorial public service organizations in Nunavut to reflect the makeup of the population in their workforce, more Inuit need to be hired and/or developed, especially at the managerial levels. One program supporting that goal is the ILDP, a collaboration between the Government of Canada, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI), and the Qikiqtaaluk Corporation (QC).
ILDP participants take part in four 4-month paid work assignments in different positions in the public service to gain first-hand experience working in federal and Inuit organizations. The participants are also matched with a mentor to assist them throughout the program, as well as an on-the-job coach to help contribute to their success. Based in Iqaluit, the project also takes into account Inuit culture and lifestyle and encompasses a balanced approach to working in the public service.
In the fall of 2016, PMC delivered training in a variety of communication competencies to participants in the ILDP.
- Business Writing
- Communication and Relationship Building
- Self Leadership
- Personal Effectiveness in the workplace and beyond
- Critical thinking
- Resume writing
- Presentation Skills
Click here for more information on the ILDP.
For more information on any of our services or past projects, contact us today.