In an attempt to create training and employment opportunities for aboriginal residents, the City of Vancouver and the City of Surrey this week signed a memorandum of understanding with the Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society (ACCESS).
The partnership looks to help aboriginal applicants become job-ready through a customized training program for clerical positions at the two municipalities.
“The City of Vancouver is one of the region’s largest employers and a strong supporter of improving opportunity for our urban aboriginal community,” said Mayor Gregor Robertson.
Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts noted that Surrey has the largest population of urban aboriginal youth in the region.
“It’s very important that we create employment and training opportunities that meet the needs of our aboriginal population so they can participate in the labour market in a full and meaningful way,” she said.
The initiative, facilitated through ACCESS’ Essential Skills for Aboriginal Futures program, commits both cities to guiding and assisting applicants through a nine-week training program that will teach clerical, administrative and library circulation skills.
Following the training, students will be interviewed for positions the municipalities have identified at the City of Vancouver, City of Surrey, Vancouver Public Library, Surrey Libraries and the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation. Applicants will be considered for employment if they meet the required qualifications.
Vancouver has the third largest urban aboriginal population among Canadian cities.
