Essential Skills Programs

Essential Skills Program: Wit’at (Fort Babine)

Lake Babine Nation is partnering with Northwest Community College to offer an Essential Skills Program in the community of Wit’at. It is anticipated that this program will begin early this spring.

The North West Community College (NWCC) description of the Essential Skills Program includes: The Essential Skills for Work Certificate (ESWK) program is a unique community-based program that integrates employment exploration and preparation skills with personal self-investigation and development with a strong cultural component, all of which contribute to learners’ increased capacity for personal development and satisfying employment. Practical skills in computer competency and effective and solution-based communication are also integral components of the program. A significant aspect of the program is the opportunity for students to practice newly acquired or enhanced skills and behaviors in both typical and atypical work environments.

The program is based on a holistic perspective and is committed to working with adults who have a genuine interest in self-development and developing skills for both meaningful employment and community participation. Learners will address issues that can act as barriers to employment.

The Essential Skills for Work program combines in-class instruction with practical work experience, emphasizing the development or maintenance of skills that may be used in employment situations or continued education and training. The program is designed to permit and encourage learners to incorporate additional practical Mathematics and English skills into their program schedule. (www.nwcc.bc.ca/Programs/eswk.cfm)