THUNDER BAY — Remote First Nations will now have easier access to pre-employment education through a new training service.
Kiikenomaga Kikenjigewen Employment and Training Services, or KKETS, officially opened its new offices in Thunder Bay on Thursday.
Located in the Matawa First Nations building on Algoma Street, KKETS will be able to offer short-term education programs in person, in the community and virtually, said executive director David Neegan.
Educators will be able to use the new space to teach classes virtually to students who are located in remote First Nations, Neegan said.
"We bring the trainer here in Thunder Bay, and then we'll be able to simultaneously provide training directly in our First Nation."
"A lot of these individuals have young families and because of that, they don't want to leave home. So, it's very important for us to deliver programs directly in their First Nation," he added.
Neegan also said this type of in-community education is a step towards bringing in income to these First Nations through the labour force and KKETS paying to use the space.
"We were able to direct and lease them to the community just exactly like every other company does here in Thunder Bay, so then what'll happen at the end of the day is that each First Nation would have a viable long-term tenant in terms of, not only jobs, but economic opportunities."
Thunder Bay-Superior North MP Patty Hajdu, who is also the Minister of Jobs and Families, said she is happy the federal government is supporting initiatives like this through funding.
"[KKETS] also received significant funding through the green infrastructure fund to renovate this beautiful building that was unused and, actually falling into disrepair," she said.
"But also, they have support — financial support — to be able to reach into community through virtual training opportunities using all kinds of digital tools to ensure that people in remote communities who often can't leave their homes because they have family, they have other obligations, can actually still access those skills training opportunities."
KKETS currently offers a range of programs, including carpentry courses, water treatment plant operator courses, and small engine repair.