Province expands KKETS program to include carpentry training
The Ontario government announced on Thursday that it will expand the Kiikenomaga Kikenjigewen Employment and Training Services (KKETS) training programs to include in-class apprenticeship training for carpentry.
The program is intended to provide jobseekers in Matawa First Nations communities with opportunities to get training in an in-demand sector.
“The expansion of the KKETS training programs will help connect more people in First Nations communities with good-paying, in-demand jobs in the skilled trades,” said Premier Doug Ford. “In Northern Ontario and right across the province, we’re developing the skilled workforce we need to deliver on our government’s plan to build the homes, schools, hospitals, roads, and other critical infrastructure our growing province needs.”
The training delivery agreement will provide accessible training for the nine Matawa First Nations communities, including five that are accessible only by air and winter road.
KKETS began in-class training this fall. The First Nations communities that will have access to the training include Aroland First Nation, Constance Lake First Nation, Long Lake #58 First Nation, Ginoogaming First Nation, Eabametoong First Nation, Marten Falls First Nation, Neskantaga First Nation, Nibinamik First Nation, and Webequie First Nation.
"We look forward to working together with KKETS to resolve our housing crisis by building capacity for our community members and acquiring more red seal carpenters and other trades in our community,” said Chief Bruce Achneepineskum of Marten Falls First Nation. “Providing our First Nation community members with the tools and training to build and maintain our homes would be leading our own way to prosperity, and sustainable growth."