AAMB Hosts Another Successful Pre-Employment Training Program

Submitted by Pathfinders Consulting

The 12-week pre-employment training program held at the Akwesasne Area Management Board & facilitated by Pathfinders Consulting, is designed to increase a participant's employability and improve their chances of acquiring meaningful and gainful employment by providing six weeks of in-class training and six weeks of on-the-job experience.

The objective is to improve the quality of our local workforce and to connect industry to our qualified job seekers. The training addresses pre-employment skills including but not limited to, teamwork, interactive communications, personal development, computer technology, continuous improvement combined with soft skills and certification. Participants need to complete six weeks of job placement to complete the requirements of the training and need support from local and surrounding employers to achieve this component of their training.

CAA Management is among the employers who have and are currently providing direct support, assistance, guidance and opportunity for participants to expand, grow and develop their skills. CAA Management is a private management company in Akwesasne that owns and operates a diverse portfolio of businesses including Twinleaf Gas and Convenience Stores, Twinleaf Diners, Traditional Lacrosse, Jreck's Subs, Sweet Treats I & II, Akwesasne Earth Movers, Smoker's Warehouse, the Akwesasne Trading Post, and other projects.

CAA has welcomed placements on multiple occasions, providing them with opportunities to expand and develop their professional skill set. Each placement participant was provided with a framework for their respective six-week stay that was tailored to address her/his interests. CAA's goal in participating in the program is to create opportunities for community members to enhance their workplace skills and, as a result, become more competitive and marketable job candidates. Participants were given the opportunity to explore various parts of CAA businesses to learn about business development, planning, regulations, food management and handling, customer service, business management and more.

"We're happy to be able to create the opportunities for others to develop their skills through our businesses," CAA President Carey Terrance stated.

Other employers/organizations to accept job placements include Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, Akwesasne Dental Clinic, Independent Grocers, Native North American Travelling College, Iakwa'shatste Youth Fitness, Partridge House, Akwesasne Mohawk Board of Education and Project Good Mind.

The Akwesasne Area Management Board's goal is to assist Akwesasronon with job/career training and attain long-term employment and it will take the collaboration of the community to achieve this goal as we continue to work towards a trained workforce.