YukonU to receive $1M to support community training
MAYO – Yukon University will receive more than $1 million from Employment and Social Development Canada to support community training needs.
The Community Retraining of Workers Project (CROW) will address the challenges from the mass layoffs at Victoria Gold’s Eagle Gold Mine. This program will build a collaborative workforce through community engagement by bridging the gap between impacted workers and community employers. It will facilitate work experience opportunities, skill development and career pathway guidance.
CROW will be funded under the Canada Retraining and Opportunities Initiative. Announced earlier this week, the project is part of a $50 million Government of Canada initiative to expand the social safety net to support more workers and communities.
This project will prioritize workers impacted by the Eagle Gold Mine layoffs while also extending outreach to other Yukon community members who no longer have the opportunity to work at a mine, but are actively seeking employment opportunities. Training will be tailored to address skill gaps within local First Nations Governments and business sectors; from housing, administration to catering. By integrating on-the-job training throughout the program, the goal is to ensure that participants are well-prepared to meet employer expectations upon completion, while local businesses benefit from access to a skilled and ready workforce.
“In Mayo, we are partnering with the First Nation of Na-cho Nyäk Dun, who has played a key role in developing this program. They have also committed to supporting its implementation by providing paid work experience. A significant program component is the safety and trades sampler, designed to introduce participants to various trades and provide introductory skills and certifications. Safety training will cover certifications such as FoodSafe, First Aid, WHMIS, TDG, and Chainsaw Safety.”
- Sandy Washburn, Yukon University Mayo Campus Coordinator
We are grateful to receive this $1M investment for skills training. Yukon University’s Mayo Campus is uniquely positioned to support workers impacted by the Eagle Mine disaster wishing to re-skill, or increase their certifications so they can find employment and opportunities that fit their goals. We are ready to meet learners where they are at – we have a strong commitment to community education and serving the needs of the territory.
- Dr. Lesley Brown, Yukon University President and Vice-Chancellor
“By providing training and support to Yukon workers affected by layoffs, we’re strengthening our critical sectors, addressing workforce demands, and empowering more Yukoners to sustain their livelihood and support their loved ones.”
- Member of Parliament for Yukon, Brendan Hanley