CAPE BRETON, NS, Oct. 12, 2021 /CNW/ -- Mi'kmaw Economic
Benefits Office (MEBO), Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey (MK) and Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC), along
with IBM (NYSE:IBM) today announced they are partnering to deliver
the Unama'ki P-TECH School Model (Pathways in Technology, Early
College High School) to the Indigenous youth in Nova Scotia. This event will mark the opening
of the first ever Mik'maw P-TECH school. The school program will be
based in Eskasoni with the first
cohort of students being from three Unama'ki communities.
The Unama'ki P-TECH model offers integrated high school and
college curriculum focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering and
Math (STEM). It will enable the Unama'ki students to graduate with
a high school diploma, and a tuition-free, industry aligned,
two-year college diploma, with workplace experiences within six
years or less. Hallmarks of the program include industry one-on-one
mentoring, workplace visits, paid summer internships, and be
considered as first-in-line for interviews regarding IBM open
positions. The Unima'ki P-TECH program will incorporate technical
proficiency such as programming, while fostering professional
skills, including critical thinking, problem solving, communication
and adaptability for new-collar jobs. In addition, aspects of
Mi'kmaq culture, language and other Indigenous teaching such as
their guiding principles of "two-eyed seeing" will be part of this
school's P-TECH model.
"I am very excited that our students are able to take part in
the P-TECH program. The field of technology is growing
exponentially with each passing year. This program is able to
provide our students with the type of programming and experience
that gives them the advantage to move right into the field after
graduation. We are very happy that we are able to host this program
right here in Eskasoni for high
school students from around Unama'ki," said Chief Leroy Denny, Eskasoni First Nation/Chair for
Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey (MK).
"The digital economy of the future is in need of new types of
workforce skills and both public and private sector partners must
work together to address this skills challenge," said
Claude Guay, President and
General Manager, IBM Canada. "The P-TECH model has reinvented
the approach to education, training, re-skilling and recruiting and
is a great example of how we can come together to prepare our youth
for jobs of tomorrow. We are proud to partner with the Unama'ki
community and NSCC to build a competitive and diverse workforce for
the future."
The Indigenous population is Canada's fastest growing demographic and there
is a need to prepare the Indigenous youth with the digital and
technological skills required for the changing workforce. This
model will prepare Indigenous youth to fill the skills gap and to
find employment in the Cape Breton
and Nova Scotia's growing sectors
of technology, healthcare and applied sciences.
"The Mi'kmaq leadership in Unama'ki see this initiative about
preparing the next generation for new technology and a new business
future. This is about a private-public partnership that is outcome
based and results-driven," states Alex
Paul, Executive Director for MEBO. "We look forward to
providing this unique model for our Unama'ki youth interested in
STEM careers and working in partnership with industry to fill the
gaps in the local workforce," he added.
Andrew Lafford, NSCC Dean,
Technology and Environment said, "As Nova Scotia's
community college, we are always looking for ways to connect
students to industry and cultivate events, activities and pathways
that will augment their educational pursuits. This is a perfect
example of one of those important partnerships. We're thrilled to
work with IBM, MEBO and MK, supporting the P-TECH program
participants from the Unama'ki First Nation communities as they
continue on their journey towards success."
The P-TECH model provides participants with work experience with
employers in the ICT sector that addresses industry's need to have
new grads with experience along with well-developed professional
workplace habits. For the Indigenous participants having mentors,
and connections to employment built into this program addresses the
need for real opportunities. This program allows participants not
just to dream about opportunity but more importantly they are able
to realize those dreams.
"P-TECH is like a bridge to opportunity. It gives me a chance to
show what I can do, and to grow and prosper. I love P-TECH because
it gives people who are unfortunate (money wise) to have a chance
of being great, and show what they can really do", said Presley
Bernard, Wagmatcookewey, Wagamatcook who enrolled for the PTECH
pilot program.
"A way for me to get a degree and a decent job at age 19", said
Zachariah Gloade, Eskasoni, another student who is enrolled
in PTECH program.
About MEBO
The Mi'kmaw Economic Benefits Office
(MEBO) is a not-for-profit organization established in 2007 and
located in Membertou, Nova Scotia.
MEBO has developed a strategic, results-driven approach to
engagement, always focusing on the importance of diversity and
inclusiveness in the workplace. Since 2008, MEBO has delivered a
very successful series of training programs in Mi'kmaq communities
and has worked with community members wishing to receive trades
training with apprenticeship placements. This has resulted in the
creation of hundreds of jobs for Indigenous peoples in Nova Scotia.
About MK
Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey is a unified team of
chiefs, staff, parents and educators who advocate on behalf of and
represent the educational interests of Mi'kmaq communities and
protect the educational and Mi'kmaw language rights of the Mi'kmaq
people. Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey (MK) continues to work on improving
the quality of education, while remaining vigilant in maintaining
and revitalizing the Mi'kmaq language. Armed with inspiration from
the youth, and the guidance and leadership from the Board of
Directors, education directors, schools, staff, and partnerships,
MK has forged ahead, exploring new opportunities for academic
excellence, and re-visiting and enhancing existing operations and
programs.
About NSCC
NSCC is committed
to building Nova Scotia's economy
and quality of life through education and innovation, transforming
Nova Scotia one learner at a time.
NSCC offers more than 140 career-oriented programs throughout the
province at our 14 campuses, including our online eCampus. Programs
are offered through five academic schools – Access, Education and
Language; Business and Creative Industries; Health and Human
Services, Technology and Environment; Trades and Transportation –
and reflect the labour market needs and opportunities in
Nova Scotia. NSCC's primary goal:
student success. An annual survey of NSCC graduates shows that 82%
are employed one year after graduation, most in their field of
study, with 94% of those employed living and working in Nova
Scotia.
About IBM / IBM Education
IBM's longstanding
commitment to education has been core to the business since its
founding years. 10 years ago, IBM launched its ground breaking
program P-TECH, a revolutionary public education model launched to
address the high-tech skills gap. Additionally, the company has
created customizable upskilling and retraining programs for
individuals in every stage of their learning journey. With online
toolkits available for cybersecurity training, to resume building,
marketing design, or cognitive AI modules, IBM offers a mix of
hands-on and virtual programs to provide training tools
globally.
Media Contact:
Ruhee Dhar
IBM Canada External Relations
ruhee@ibm.com
SOURCE IBM Canada