A new pilot program that will employ 20 Aboriginal students at the Irving shipyard, has launched in Halifax. The program will be offered through the Nova Scotia Community College in the field of metal fabrication.

Students will study metal fabrication at NSCC Akerley Campus. (Google Streetview)

"We're working with Irving Shipbuilding and a large group of partners along with the Mi'kmaq Friendship Centre to focus on 20 Indigenous students to help prepare them for long term employment with the Irving Shipbuilding team," said Kathy MacLean, vice-president of learner and college development at NSCC.

"The college will offer its shops and classrooms and instructors as part of their two year path," she said.

The program for Aboriginal students will start with a 14-week introduction course that will focus on preparing students for two years in the metal fabrication program. When the students graduate, the 20 most successful graduates who meet employment eligibility criteria, will be offered employment with Irving Shipbuilding.

Diversity in the workplace

The program focuses on encouraging diversity in the workplace. A spokesperson for J.D. Irving Limited says they have also recruited two current First Nations employees to work with the students.

"One is currently working at the shipyard as an ironworker and we have one woman who is a fourth-year welding apprentice at the Halifax shipyard," said Irving spokesperson Mary Keith.

"We're very pleased to have their support in working with First Nations students and really making the most of the learning opportunity and hopefully the career that they'll see at Irving Shipbuilding Limited."

Community partnership

The Mi'kmaq Friendship Centre in Halifax is one of the community partners for the program and will be facilitating the recruitment process while providing support services for students in the program.

"It's a great opportunity for individuals to gain access to other avenues, in particular with regards to the shipbuilding and procurement project initiatives," said Millbrook First Nations Chief, Bob Gloade.

"The more opportunities we can create for First Nations members across the province and our region, the better."

The program starts next January at NSCC Akerley Campus, in Dartmouth.