Life-changing experience

Dylan Ratt says that he was frustrated with being unemployed when he approached the Bridges and Foundations Career Development project.  “They opened a new door for me and gave me the opportunity to find employment. The experience has changed my life and made me realize there are people in this world who do care and will go that extra step in helping you,” said Dylan, now an exterior finisher with Global Exteriors in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. 

Canada’s Economic Action Plan invested $2.9 million in the Bridges and Foundations Career Development project through the federal government’s Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership (ASEP) program. The project will support major economic opportunities identified in the residential construction industry in and around Saskatoon. With training provided for up to 600 Aboriginal people in the region, it is expected that at least 400 participants will secure long-term jobs in construction.

“This has been a huge stepping stone for me. This program has made a huge difference to me and my family. I would certainly recommend the Bridges and Foundations program to others who are looking for assistance with getting into the trades,” said Dylan.

ASEP was initially launched in 2003 as an $85-million, five-year program supporting nine projects that resulted in over 6,800 Aboriginal people receiving training, with more than 3,200 of them finding long-term sustainable jobs. In 2007, the ASEP program was extended to 2012, with an additional $105 million supporting 16 more projects. Through Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Government is investing an additional $100 million over three years in ASEP to help Aboriginal people participate in the workforce and get the training they need to make the most of employment opportunities.