West Kootenay Service Area- Darryl H. - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
This has been an exciting year of growth with many truly fantastic achievements
for the Okanagan Training and Development Council.
Learn about all our success stories in this years annual report.
Vernon Urban Report Okanagan Training Development Council
Okanagan Training Development Council offers opportunities in employment and education. It takes from you commitment, dedication, and a sound plan.
In the past year I have had students funded to enter in Trade programs such as Welding, Carpentry, mechanics and Trade Sampler program. I have worked with students with School District 22 to help into trade programs to start their career right after graduation.
I have also had students enter into College programs such as Dental Assistance, Associate of Arts to enter into Human Service Worker, Early Childhood programs as well as others.
Most colleges offer a tour and spend the day options to be able to get a feel for your surroundings and programs or trades you want to attend. Great way to research your interest in attending college be able to hear what is happening in industry.
Working with employers to research the labor market helps us to place students and other into the workforce. Coreen Jenner, BCCDP
Class 1 Truck Driver - Employed
In the past year there have been approximately 15 applications funded for long term training plans.
Approximately 100+ people have been funded for short term training such as safety tickets, driving lessons, work gear, bus tickets to name a few.
I had an opportunity to take a tour of the BCIT Trade Department while attending the BCATeam TRADE Conference in Vancouver. OTDC offers in house training opportunities and conferences so we can keep informed about the Labor Market and be able to hear what is happening in industry.
Working with employers to research the labor market helps us to place students and other into the workforce.
Coreen Jenner, BCCDP
We also attend career fairs to introduce our services to potential clients as well as employers to keep abreast of current opportunities. Research the various career fairs that are being delivered in the community to gather information.
If you are interested in choosing a career rather than just a job, seek out our services that we offer at www.otdc.org.
Keep informed and research ideas and opportunities to help make a great plan and set goals to help achieve your passions.
Read our entire annual report in the: 
Vernon Urban Annual Report 2023-24
Past Reports
Thank you for all your support and efforts. I wouldn't have been able to have found F/T employment without you. The teamwork your staff puts forth is excellent. The only reason I accessed other Employment Services is because your technology did not equal theirs. Thanks for being available and flexible. I wouldn't have been this successful in Vernon w/o you. Emma Louie
When I moved to Vernon I had no contacts. I put my name to volunteer at the with FNES. Here I learned about community resources, met new people, updated my first aid and found employment. Volunteering builds self-esteem, adds to your resume, and may lead to a paying position. Linda Lee
The personnel at FNES are caring, great listeners, and a great source of resources. With their expertise, I was able to harness my skills and experiences and attain a position with the First Nations Friendship Centre. Lana Louis
Thanks to the FNES staff for help and support in obtaining employment that I am enjoying. They are also helping me look at my goal of starting my own business. (We are very pleased that the manager of London Drugs, Paul Matheson, has contacted us as a follow up to the December OTDC meeting.) Cathleen Broman & Paul Matheson
I wish to convey my most sincere thanks to FNES for all the hard work in capturing my job. I am so happy working where I am working as a First Cook, earning a very good salary for the first time in my life. I am respected and have recognition for my skills and capabilities. I look forward to working with them towards getting my apprenticeship. Russell Davis
A Big Thank You to the women at the FNES for all the encouragement, the support, resume writing, cover letters, the practice interviews and challenging employers who owed me wages and vacation pay. With their help, I secured a position with Interior Health. I thank you for all the help. Yvonne Lebedoff
Kelowna
Contact Employment Training Coordinator
The Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society (KFS) houses the Okanagan Training and Development Council (OTDC). OTDC’s mandate is in line with KFS:
To encourage self-sufficiency for aboriginal individuals by addressing local and regional labour market and community needs and priorities through the delivery of employment and training programs and services.
Okanagan Training & Development Council
Lower Similkameen and Area Annual Report 2023 – 2024
Contact Employment Training Coordinator
Another fiscal year has come upon us, I would like to thank you for allowing us to live, work, and play in the Smelqmix Territory. We have had many success stories in the last year and will highlight some for you. This year, 15 people took advantage of the Client Support program, which is short-term training such as OFA level 1, work gear, travel, etc.
Ryland Davoren's indigenous background hails from Wet’suwet’en Territory near Smithers, BC. Ryland has completed his apprenticeship as a Residential Construction Electrician. He found that his interest is in the Commercial sector, so he is now in the Industrial sector. He hopes he will one day open his own company using the skills and experience he acquired through apprenticeship training. I am confident that he will make his dream a reality. You are a success story, Ryland.
This young lady is a true success story. Kalika started her healing journey in January ’23. She went and completed her treatment program and came home. She is a single mom to 4-year-old Kali. Growing up on a ranch and doing outdoor work, she decided she needed a change. She started as an on-call receptionist but was asked to come in every day to the Health Department. She loves her job as a receptionist. She took the RISC training, got her PAL, acquired her license, and bought herself a reliable vehicle. She is working full-time now
The Adult Education Department partnered with Okanagan College to bring the “Fast Track to Office Training” to the community. She took the training, and this picture tells it all. Congratulations Kalika!
Tish Elkink, a single mom to 2 children, who had requested funding to attend the “Fast Track to Office Training” as she will be taking over the business end of her family’s ranching due to the health issues of her parents.
Before this, Tish had been on the threshold of completing her language diploma. I commend her on doing this training for the sake of her family. She knows that in the future, she will complete her language diploma. She can get things done. Right now, she is adding to her skill set and this office training will always be useful in her everyday life.
Good luck Tish in your endeavours in the business side of ranching.
Joseph Raphael is an LSIB member, who is part of the Community Garden project as a wage subsidy program for 6 months, and part of the program is that the individual should be hired by the applicant. Before working on the Community Garden project, Joseph was working seasonal jobs. This project taught him many skills such as constructing two pump houses, cultivating the soil, and planting crops. Another skill that Joseph learned is how to operate farm machinery and maintenance of the machinery.
On a personal level, Joseph will be going to treatment as part of the healing process and his job will be there when he completes his journey. What an accomplishment Joseph. Keep moving forward positively!
Read our entire annual report in the: LSIB Annual Report 2023-24
Okanagan Indian Band
Contact Okanagan Indian Band Employment Training Coordinator:
The Okanagan Indian Band and Okanagan Training Development Council support Indigenous clients to explore job or career opportunities, educational aspirations and help to advance training or aid in sustainable employment by offering support and funding opportunities.
We have had an extremely busy year and have had many successes within our community that deserve to be highlighted and celebrated. The first I’d like to highlight is Jenelle. Please read below what she had to say.
“I chose to take my Masters Certificate in Project Management because project management became an interest of mine while I was taking my degree. I always look ahead to plan my next steps, and I have a personal five- year plan that I update every year. While I was taking my business degree, I was looking at careers, project management is something that caught my interest. I tried to include it in my professional development at work, but it was denied. When I began working for myself, I started investigating ways to get the training. The reason I chose this program is because a professor of mine suggested it, and I was able to learn from numerous project management professionals that had decades of experience. I have been working towards the goal of getting my Project Management Professional designation for 7 years.
Remember, not everything goes perfectly to plan but if you set a goal and consistently work to achieve it, you will get there. Don’t give up!”
The Okanagan Indian Band has also had a considerable success with aiding a bunch of varying individuals throughout the year. Some of our accomplishments are as follows:
Another member who I would like to showcase is Aidan Lawrence, with his JIBC Youth Career camp & Emergency services. Read below for what Aidan had to say.
Success & Inspiration- B Y A I D A N L AWR E N C E
“As a kid I always looked up to emergency services, my family has some emergency services background as well so once I saw the JIBC camp I knew I had to attend. So, I sent in my application and after about a week JIBC got back to me asking for more information regarding where I'm staying while attending the week- long program. We got our funding from the OKIB/OTDC and JIBC both pitching in. The first challenge I faced when going to the camp was the unfamiliarity and awkwardness of being in a quiet room with a bunch of people I don't know. That challenge soon faded as we all started to warm up and began to talk to each other. The last challenge was trying to find interest in careers that didn't interest me as much as the others. The solution I found to these challenges was starting up conversations about where we're from and comparing how our reservations look and the social life of them. The solution to my second challenge was having a mindset that every emergency service is important even if you aren't actively on the field. The results that I obtained is a new sense of respect and meaning behind emergency services. I learned a lot about the process of becoming a police officer or paramedic and that is useful knowledge I hope to use later on.”
The OKIB Employment & Training Coordinators office has been extremely busy this year and is going to remain busy as we look toward the coming year. We have identified that there is a strong need for Trades, Early Childhood Educators and Health Care personnel for our Labour Market within B.C.
We will happily continue to assist any who walk through our door, and try to create as many opportunities as possible for our band members to continue to grow and move forward.
Submitted by Kaity Laverman and Chris Ross (OKIB Employment Services)
Read our entire annual report in the: OKIB Annual Report 2023-24
Past Reports
Oliver
Contact Employment Training Coordinator
OSOYOOS INDIAN BAND EMPLOYMENT SERVICES - ANNUAL REPORT 2023/2024
2023/2024 has been another successful year in the Employment and Training Department. The Osoyoos Indian Band/Okanagan Training and Development Council have serviced 50 individuals through this department in various areas such as, Bachelor of Social Work year 3, Makeup Artistry, H2S Alive, OFA Level 1 First Aid, Indigenous Mapping, Nsyilxcen Fluency Degree, Business Administration, as well as travel, and accommodation to attend various trainings, to name a few.
CARPENTER FOUNDATION/DUAL CREDIT
Bishop Baptiste and John Peace, both Grade 11 students at Southern Okanagan Secondary School successfully completed the 30-week Carpenter Foundation Program at Okanagan College. In Partnership with Southern Okanagan Secondary School this is a Dual Credit Program allowing Bishop and John to obtain the level 1 Technical Training Credit and 450 work-based hours, as well as credits toward their Highschool Graduation. This program provided them with the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to seek employment as a carpenter apprentice in the constriction industry. The program introduced them to all aspects of the trades including use of hand tools, portable power tools, and other equipment used my carpenters. The focus is on developing practical skills in the construction workplace.
JOB FAIR
In collaboration with Work BC, our annual Job Fair was once again a huge success. We welcomed 30 employers from various industries who set up their booths for job seekers. It was a great recruiting event during which employers met with job seekers to discuss job opportunities, and an on the spot hiring process. We had approximately 150 job seekers in attendance, and had many successful applicants matched with their acquired job.
YOUTH WAGE SUBSIDY
The Employment and Training Department provides youth with the necessary employment skills for future goals in the work force, by providing a wage subsidy to employers. This year we provided Nk’MiP Desert Cultural Centre wage subsidy for 2 individuals. These individuals were employed full time as Interpreter Hosts where they played a key role in Nk’MiP Desert Cultural Centre’s public programs, acting as tour guides, and answering questions about the cultural and natural features of the desert landscapes. They both successfully completed their employment.
CLIENT SUPPORTS
The Employment and Training Department not only provided training, but also assisted in job starts supports, 12 individuals were provided with the necessary gear/supplies, travel monies, driver training lessons etc. This allowed them to be successful in gaining full time employment.
It was once again a productive and successful year! Thanks for everyone who contributed to the success and thank you to the OIB reps for their continued support.
Jarrah Feist
Contact Employment Training Coordinator
Read our entire annual report in the: OIB Annual Report 2023-24
Past Reports
The Penticton Indian Band and the Employment Assistance Services (EAS) Department experienced a remarkably busy and successful year in 2023-2024.
Contact Employment Training Coordinator
Funding from Service Canada, channeled through the Okanagan Training and Development Council (OTDC), supported various initiatives spearheaded by the Penticton Indian Band Employment and Training Department. In October, the department welcomed Jackie Stewart as the new OTDC training and employment coordinator. Jackie is currently enrolled in the Career Development Practitioner Program at Douglas College. Throughout the year, the department has provided extensive funding for training and education, including driving lessons to help students obtain their driver’s licenses.
Other Training
Grayson Eneas Electrician Level 2
Wesley Nicholas Millwright Level 1
Marlee Jack AFOA
Yun-Ho Stanley iCedar
Dean Schreiber, a member of the Penticton Indian Band, has successfully completed rigorous training in oil rig safety. This achievement marks a significant milestone in his career, this will enable him to secure a position in Saudi Arabia or internationally, where he will be working on oil sands. Dean's dedication to mastering the complexities and dangers of oil rig operations showcases his commitment to contributing to the energy sector. His accomplishment not only highlights his personal determination but also represents the growing representation of indigenous professionals in global industries. Dean's journey stands as an inspiring example of how perseverance and specialized training can open doors to international opportunities.
Jaquelyn Stewart - Employment Coordinator
Contact Employment Training Coordinator
Read our entire annual report in the: Penticton Annual Report 2023-24
Past Reports
Contact Employment Training Coordinator
Okanagan Training Development Council offers services in the West Kootenay to clients located in Castlegar, Nelson, Trail, Kaslo and surrounding areas. The EAS works closely with Selkirk College in Castlegar, Nelson and Trail to help clients enter Certificate, Diploma and Trade programs. The EAS has also met with Work BC to explain our services and to partner services to help clients gain supports for education or employment opportunities.
Read our entire annual report in the: WK Annual Report 2023/24
Past Reports
Contact Employment Training Coordinator
Upper Similkameen Indian Band Success Stories of 2023-2024
Thank you to USIB community for allowing me to work with you for another year. The service area covers Hedley to Tulameen, BC.
Client Supports is a program for Short-term training or work gear such as OFA Level 1, S100/185, Chainsaw Safety & Maintenance, etc. Work gear can include Steel toe work boots, rain gear, travel, etc.
In this fiscal year, nine people took advantage of this program.
Success stories of 2023-2024 is as follows:
Another successful year for Len Charters, a father of 3 children, has completed Level 4 of Heavy-Duty Trades Mechanic at Okanagan College in Kelowna.
Len has been working as an employee at the Copper Mountain Mine and was chosen out of 15 applicants to take the apprenticeship and has completed four years of Heavy Duty Mechanic – Trades.
What an accomplishment for this father of 3. He is a role model, and I am sure that he would tell you that it was worth the effort, commitment and sacrifices to work hard for your dream job. Red Seal means that he can work anywhere in Canada and the Territories. Congratulations Len on your completion!!!
Educational Quote by Abigail Adams:
“Learning is not attained by chance; it must be sought for with Ardor and Diligence”
Dana Allison decided she needed a change in her career and wanted to work for her band. She requested funding to take the RISC (Resources Information Standards Committee) so that she can apply to work in the Natural Resources department at USIB. She completed the training and has been hired and loves her job. She is a single mom of one and is very motivated to add to her skill set. She has a very positive outlook on life, and the band is very lucky to have her as an employee. All the best in your future Dana, looks like you are in your element.
Another success story with this young lady, Jodi McRae, who had needed some First Aid training to apply to work at the USIB Daycare. She did 3 courses and applied for the daycare assistant job and nailed it. Congratulations Jodi. She was working in Penticton at a retail store, but it is quite the drive and she really wanted to work for her band, she had taken the Early Childhood Education training through NVIT and aced that. Now she is where she wants to be. She is very capable and deserving of what she has worked hard for and trained hard for. Keep up the great work Jodi.
Charlie Allison, a father of one has completed his Level 4 Heavy Duty Mechanic -Trades apprenticeship training. This guy also was chosen from a pool of 15 applicants from the mine. Charlie started out as a Labourer through USIB’s program that worked with the mine to hire first nations that live in this area six years ago. He worked his way to being chosen to take the Heavy-Duty Mechanic Apprenticeship training.
Charlie is also plays a leadership role in his community of Hedley since 2017 as a councillor-elected. He also is a role model for youth, he participated in a career fair at LSIB to talk to youth about the Trades. Way to go Charlie! Commitment paves the way!!!
Read our entire annual report in the: USIB Annual Report 2023-24
Past Reports
WESTBANK FIRST NATION
&
OKANAGAN TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
Highlights/achievements from past year;
Contact Employment Training Coordinator
FAST TRACK TO OFFICE TRAINING Nov 6, 2023 – Jan 30, 2024
In partnership with Westbank First Nation (WFN) and the Okanagan Training and Development Council (OTDC), Okanagan College provided a tailored program to build the skills necessary for successful careers in office administration. The Fast Track to Office training included an Okanagan College Certificate, as well as a work experience component. The training was delivered at an accelerated rate – 24 hours/week over 10.5 weeks + three-week work experience, to get students out into a career immediately.
INTERIOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS SCHOOL
EQUIPMENT COURSE - Excavator, Loader, Dozer and Grader:
Student learned the safe and effective operation of various sizes of Excavators, the Loader, the Dozer, and the Grader. Throughout the 8 weeks of training, the student received a total of 305 hours. These hours encompass daily machine training, classroom training, and safety ticket training.
As the student progressed through the course, the tasks required on the machines become more involved and challenging to ensure that they have the required skills to operate the machine in a real work situation.
EQUIPMENT COURSE - Excavator, Loader, Dozer and Grader - Len Busch
Read our entire annual report in the: WFN Annual Report 2023-24
Past Reports
Penticton Indian Band has had another very busy and successful year in 2015-2016. Time has just flown by; I can’t believe that I have been helping serve my Community for the last 5 years as the EAS Employment Coordinator. Every year you learn something new all a great experience. This year I have learned a lot more about the Service Canada which is where the funding comes from and all the new changes and hurdles that we have to jump through in order to get the best service for our clients.... Click link below to download and read the entire report.
Crystal Smallboy, Bachelor of Science in NursingOkanagan Training and Development Council 2014-15 Annual Report Accomplishments: This has been an exciting year of growth and accomplishment for FNES. We started the year by launching the Bladerunners program. A second intake saw overall twenty-four youths completing training with certification in the Security & Safety fields. Many of these youth are continuing their education and gaining valuable contacts to create real sustainable employment.
Click link below to download and read the entire report.
Karen Abramsen - OTDC Manager
Cell: 250-212-2999
Fax: (250) 707-8736
karen@otdc.org
Suite 339, 101-1865 Dilworth Dr.
Kelowna, BC V1Y 9T1
Debbie Conlin - OTDC Administrator
Cell: 250-550-6701
Fax: (250) 549-7175
otdc@telus.net
Suite 339, 101-1865 Dilworth Dr.
Kelowna, BC V1Y 9T1