b'REGIONAL SPOTLIGHTTRAINING & EDUCATION Attracting tradespeople to the North is aWhetheritsremediationproj-Training and education are key tocomplicated matter. Its not as simple asects, diamond mines or renew-creating a future workforce, and in theoffering jobs, as there are plenty alreadyable energy projects, the North North there is evidence of progress inavailable. Similarly, wages are competitive,has opportunities for everyone this area. There are growing numbersalbeit against a higher cost of living. Butwith the right skills and training. of Indigenous peoples in the regionfor those tradespeople who already liveThe regions extraordinary beauty completing their high school education,in the region, there is an enviable bountyand hospitality are just bonuses for positioning them well for further tradesof opportunity. And for those who dont,working in one of Canadas stron-training and apprenticeships. In 2021,there are many reasons to make the move.gest job markets. for the first time ever, over half of the countrys Inuit students eligible to grad-uate earned their high school diploma, marking an increase of 4.7 per cent from 2016. Other Indigenous groups have seen similar growth patterns: the number of Mtis students completing their high school studies was up 4.6 per cent and First Nations up 5.5 per cent during the same period. Ensuring a continuous pipeline of skilled tradespeople in the North begins with education. High schools, trade schools and private training programs all have a key role to play in developing the talent needed. Similarly, working with nearby First Nations is key to creating robust employment pools and building capacity for localcommunities.Lewis says its critical to make young people aware of the opportunities when they are just starting to decide about their future, and hes a firm believer that the message needs to be communicated in schools. One of the things that Im pushing for is to get into high schools and show them what we can offer, Lewis explains. We have an environmental consulting firm, we have construction, we have hospitality, so we can let them know that there are viable careers here within your owncommunity.Deton Cho has already implemented initiativestoattracttradeworkers, speaking at schools and offering training programs. We work closely with them on implementing different training programs, like a heavy equipment operator training program right now, says Rebecca Connolly, the companys vice president, strategic engagement. We really look at developing employees within the North, even more so than trying to attract from the south. Aboriginal BUSINESS REPORT 19'