CNC and PGNAETA to Sign Agreement

By 250 News

Prince George, B.C. - The College of New Caledonia and Prince George Nechako Aboriginal Employment & Training Association (PGNAETA) are teaming up to provide Aboriginal students better access to trades training.

The two groups are signing a Memorandum of Understanding agreement today.  Under the deal, the college will provide trades math and multi-level Career College Prep English courses at PGNAETA. Once students complete the foundation courses, they're eligible to apply and enter the first year of one of CNC’s trades programs.

The details of the agreement are still being hammered out, but the goal right now is to have between 36 and 48 Aboriginal students who want to become trades apprentices and will help fill the trades shortage in a variety of industries.

PGNAETA executive director Karin Hunt says the group is thrilled with the development.

“This is the first of its kind in B.C. We are totally excited and this is long overdue.  “It's our goal to place more Aboriginal students in trades programs. The college is preparing our People to get into CNC.”

CNC President John Bowman says meeting the needs of Aboriginal learners is key to the college.

Two intakes of students will occur, the first in September, 2009 and will last four to five months. The second intake begins in January, 2010.

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