Mission Statement

The Wuskwatim & Keeyask Training Consortium (WKTC) is committed to working in partnership with northern Aboriginal communities:

  • To strengthen the training and employment prospects of northern Manitoba Aboriginal people arising from the construction and operation of the Wuskwatim and proposed Keeyask hydro electric development projects.
  • To assist northern Aboriginal communities to achieve their highest potential primarily through an innovative, dynamic, and progressive human resources development strategy.
  • To promote local control, administration and accountability over the design, development and implementation of training programs that prepares Aboriginal people for mega-project job opportunities.

 Purpose of WKTC

  • WKTC is a non-profit corporation (est.2004) to administer the $60M Hydro Northern Training and Employment Initiative (HNTEI).
  • The HNTEI is the first large scale Aboriginal human resource strategy in Northern Manitoba to be planned, designed and implemented by the Aboriginal Partner members.
  • The Aboriginal Partner members consist of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, Tataskweyak Cree Nation, War Lake First Nation, Fox Lake Cree Nation, York Factory First Nation, Manitoba Keewatinook Ininew Okimowin and Manitoba Métis Federation Inc.
  • The HNTEI is training and preparing individuals from the five First Nations communities, MKIO communities and MMF regions for employment on the proposed Wuskwatim and Keeyask generating stations.
  • The HNTEI is an innovative, dynamic, and progressive approach to workforce development through education and training

Objectives

To ready Northern Aboriginal people for employment on construction projects by:

  • Identifying and training residents in designated/non-designated trades, and construction support
  • Ensuring training meets acceptable industry standards
  • Maximizing business opportunities
  • Integrating short term training and employment opportunities with longer term development
  • Ensuring northern Manitoba residents are qualified to compete successfully for skilled construction jobs