Indigenous Communities in the Skilled Trades
The notion that Indigenous people are hands-on learners is often rooted in cultural practices, historical experiences, and their close relationship with the natural environment. While it’s important to recognize that generalizations can’t apply to all Indigenous groups, there are several reasons why some Indigenous communities tend to be hands-on learners and how this aligns perfectly with the skilled trade profile:
1. Oral Tradition
Many Indigenous cultures prioritize oral tradition and experiential learning. Rather than relying solely on written text or theoretical concepts, knowledge is passed down through storytelling, demonstrations, and direct experience. Excelling in these skills encourages more, better quality mentors, which provides higher training quality for future skilled trades workers in the field.
2. Cultural Heritage
Skilled trades often involve craftsmanship and artistry, integral to many Indigenous cultures. Traditional crafts, such as woodworking, weaving, and metalwork, require hands-on learning and a deep understanding of materials and techniques.
3. Learning Styles
Indigenous cultures value kinesthetic learning (learning by doing) and experiential learning. This aligns with the nature of skilled trades, which require hands-on practice and practical problem-solving.
4. Adaptive Skills
Many Indigenous communities have a history of adapting to changing environments and circumstances. This adaptability is reflected in their ability to learn new skills and adapt them to different situations, a crucial aspect of skilled trades.
5. Sustainability and Resourcefulness
Indigenous communities often practice resourcefulness and sustainable living. Skilled trades also involve using resources efficiently and creatively, which resonates with Indigenous values.
The Electrical Joint Training Committee (EJTC) has made a great effort to encourage and support the Indigenous peoples to pursue a career in the electrical skilled trade sector, and they have been since its first fully Indigenous class in 2017. They’ve continually modified the courses over the years to suit the needs of the students better, and by 2019, the EJTC had 59 Indigenous apprentices. Currently, 73 Indigenous apprentices make up 9% of the EJTC’s total apprentices. This has been a tremendous accomplishment for the EJTC and those who have played a role in this success.
The strong partnerships that make up this project are critical to the tremendous growth of the All-Indigenous Pathways Program. The EJTC has partnered with the Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society (ACCESS) for 6+ years. ACCESS is an organization that provides employment and training program services to Indigenous people while helping them overcome employment barriers and find rewarding career opportunities. ACCESS works with its students to make sure they succeed.
Understanding and magnifying these strengths is tremendous, although it is important to note that the learning preferences and practices can vary widely among Indigenous communities. Not all Indigenous people necessarily have a hands-on learning style, and individual variation within any cultural group can exist. Additionally, while hands-on learning might align well with the skilled trade profession, it’s crucial to avoid generalizations and stereotypes and to recognize the diversity of learning styles and preferences within and among Indigenous communities.
Written by: Savannah Davis, ClearWater Communications Co.