GDI is a Saskatchewan-based educational, employment and cultural institute serving Métis across the province
Oct 23, 2019
Posted in: achievement, Adult Basic Education, employment, health, Training and Employment
Gabriel Dumont Institute Training & Employment (GDITE) programs and services have received a long-awaited and much-needed face lift with the transition to the new Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) Program.
The ISET Program focuses on supporting Métis in developing skills and pursuing training for higher-quality jobs by recognizing their distinct needs, with the ultimate objective of closing the employment and earning, and education gaps between Métis and non-Indigenous people; this is a major shift from the rapid reemployment goal of the previous Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS).
The new agreements are less prescriptive than before and allow greater flexibility to design and deliver programs and services tailored to the unique needs and circumstances of Saskatchewan’s Metis, fulfilling the GDITE model of relentless support.
In January, GDITE reconvened the Policy Recommendations Committee, which was then tasked with reviewing and recommending changes to GDITE programs and policies to ensure client needs are met under the new ISET Program. As a result, GDITE Programs have been reorganized and renamed to match the criteria of the ISET Program, and basic client eligibility has been expanded to allow for upgrading, upskilling, and professional development.
The cap on tuition has been raised to $12,000/year to accommodate the increased cost of 1A Driver Training, and other high-cost programs. Travel amounts for bus passes and parking has been increased to $600/year; and apprentices are now eligible for up to $600 in employment related supplies.
GDITE is also now offering two completion bonuses to clients, the first is a $100 bonus available to clients who successfully complete their program and submit course completion documents (such as final transcripts or a copy of their tickets/certificate/diploma/degree) within 4 months of completing their program, and is available for each intervention. The second is a one-time $300 Employment Transition allowance available to clients who successfully find and report employment to GDITE within 6 months of completing their program.
Approval processes have also been updated, allowing for greater flexibility to meet client needs. The majority of client applications will still go through the blind adjudication process at the regional Selection Committees, but Employment Services Managers now have the authority to approve client applications with up to 10 active training days with a total cost of less than $2,000.
GDITE now has 8 distinct programs available:
The Career Assessment Program (CAP) provides career research and exploration, diagnostic assessment, and employment counselling. The CAP also aims to assist eligible Métis clients who require monetary assistance to acquire documents necessary for admissions into approved training or employment.
The Pre-Career and Skills Development Program aims to assist Métis clients to transition towards being ready, willing, and able to work; or to pursue post-secondary education or training. Both accredited and unaccredited programs are eligible, and will typically result in either a Grade 12 equivalency (such as Adult Basic Education, GED, Upgrading) or an increase in Essential Skills (such as financial literacy).
The Occupational Skills Training Program (OST) aims to assist Métis clients to prepare for the workforce by attending recognized provincially or federally accredited institutes that will help them obtain and maintain long-term, quality employment. OST initiatives will always include a recognized and accredited education or training component. Programs must be student loan eligible or industry recognized, and will typically result in a ticket, certificate or diploma. The financial support for eligible clients may include tuition, mandatory books and supplies, income support, day care reimbursement, travel, special needs, and living away from home.
The Work Experience Program (WEP) aims to assist Métis individuals to transition to career related employment to develop marketable skills and experience. This program offers Wage Subsidies on a part-time basis for full-time students, over the summer for clients expecting to return to further education, and to all Métis transitioning into permanent employment.
The Indigenous Apprenticeship Program assists Indigenous individuals to secure apprenticeship positions with employers to help them develop marketable skills and experience with a plan leading to journeyperson status. Candidates are screened for their commitment and ability to work in a trade, qualified candidates are assisted through the apprenticeship system with supports for employment, indenturing, technical training, testing and licensing. Financial support to the employer can include a wage subsidy for a maximum of 52 weeks.
The Pathways for Entrepreneurship assists Métis clients to prepare for, create, maintain, and/or expand a personal business with a goal of increasing Métis entrepreneurship in Saskatchewan. Clients may be eligible for a variety of supports including: business related training, Blue Seal training, industry related training, business plan assistance, mentorship, professional services, workforce development, a self-employment transition allowance, and milestone awards.
The Employment Maintenance (EM) program aims to assist Métis clients who require assistance to start, or to keep their job, including monetary assistance and upskilling. Clients with a written offer of employment are eligible for a one-time Employment Transition allowance for expenses such as work boots, fuel, bus ticket, appropriate work attire, medical examination, etc. Clients who are recent graduates from a GDITE sponsored intervention are eligible for professional development supports for programs under 24 hours of instruction.
The Partnership Program gives GDITE the ability to contribute to partnerships with other organizations to improve training and employment services to Métis clients in Saskatchewan. Usually partnership programming involves a memorandum of understanding (MOU) or partnership agreement. These partnerships build innovate approaches that further the objectives of the ISET Program.
GDI is a Saskatchewan-based educational, employment and cultural institute serving Métis across the province
