MHCA’s Heavy Equipment Operator Aboriginal Pilot Project a First in Manitoba

A first of its kind for the heavy construction industry in Manitoba was launched this week with great excitement and anticipation.

The Manitoba Heavy Construction Association (MHCA) and the Province of Manitoba held the Welcoming Ceremony for the Heavy Equipment Operator Aboriginal Pilot Project (HEO-APP) with invited guests and the participating students at the MHCA’s new training facility on February 13th, 2012.

The HEO-APP is the first of its kind in Manitoba, and is aimed at getting more Aboriginals into the heavy construction industry workforce upon completion of their training.

The MHCA, in partnership with The Capital Projects Unit, Employment Manitoba, and Workplace Education Manitoba will provide training for 16 Aboriginal participants in the Heavy Equipment Operator training pilot project.

The ceremony included a Sharing Circle, and sessions on “Teaching on Commitment” and “Teaching on Success”.
Greg Huff, Manager of the MHCA’s WORKFORCE Program, will be the lead trainer and will instruct students on various types of heavy equipment.

Students will take a comprehensive five-week training program, with instruction to include actual in-seat safe operation of heavy equipment on the site of Hugh Munro Construction.

The program is designed for Aboriginal participants who require essential skills and workplace readiness training and support, positioning them for success and leading into practical and technical training for entry level heavy equipment operators.

There are three phases to this training initiative:

1)    Workplace Education Manitoba (WEM) for the delivery of the essential skills assessments and training. The essential skills training will include: document use, writing/reading, basic numeracy, working with others and critical thinking (problem solving).

2)    Pen to Paper will deliver a Wellness Curriculum. Pen to Paper is a service provider with Aboriginal expertise in delivering specialized curriculum, leading to workplace readiness.  The facilitators/coaches will work with 16 participants through the program to develop the necessary skills and attitudes in preparation for sustainable employment. This personal growth program is delivered as four full day workshops/group sessions, as well as one-to-one coaching in person, via email and/or telephone.

3)    MHCA WORKFORCE & WORKSAFELY will deliver the technical and practical components including the Health and Safety training.

All participants must complete all the steps of the program in order to be able to gain employment in the heavy construction industry.

Training of the students runs from March 19 to April 20, with a graduation ceremony to be held in late April or early May.