Building Environmental Aboriginal Human Resources (BEAHR) Aboriginal Learning Institute

BEAHR, the result of a successful partnership between the Aboriginal Human Resource Council (AHRC) and ECO Canada, provides a range of programs in the environmental sector, including training and employment.

Certificate programs available are the environmental monitor (EM) training program, and the environmental site assessment assistant training program. Both begin with 15 days of core skills training in five modules: foundation skills; introduction to the environmental sector; technical skills; health and safety; and local knowledge. On completion of the core skills training, students can continue in specialized modules (regulatory and research for EM) and environmental site assessment assistant modules. EMs are often required in mining operations at various stages and are individuals who observe the environment and the impacts of human and industrial activities, and communicate this information to various stakeholders. In addition to the core skills needed for all EM careers, there are two areas of specialization: regulatory, for those who monitor the activities of industry to ensure compliance with land-use or other environmental impact agreements, and research, for those who assist technicians/technologists in monitoring various factors of the environment (i.e. wildlife counts, surveys or sampling).

Features:

• An instructional approach that combines traditional and scientific knowledge using formal and informal methods
• A great deal of community involvement - the community takes a lead on pre-screening and selection of students, engaging local employers, selecting its training provider, and determining the involvement of elders and other local knowledge holders who often assist the students during class and field instruction
• Enables the community to determine its own training providers (private or public), location, timing and engagement of employers that best suit its needs
• To be eligible, students are required only to have completed a minimum of grade eight

For further information: www.beahr.com

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Environmental Monitor Assistant Program (EMAP)

The goals of the program are: to introduce students to Environmental Monitoring activities in a positive manner to encourage them to become involved in an entry level position in the Environmental Monitoring field, or pursue further training towards careers in this field; and to provide entry-level job skills that will enable students to pursue job positions, such as Environmental Monitor Field Assistants, in the mining or other natural resource sectors.

This is a practical, hands-on program where students gain entry-level job skills for environmental monitoring assistant positions in natural resource fields, including mineral exploration and mining. The program is delivered in a summer tent camp similar to those used in industry to provide students with realistic experiences of working conditions in the field. Students will be given safety training, and gain skills relevant to map, compass, GPS, computer, and archaeology.

Environmental monitor training will form a major part of the program, and will include introductions to data and sample collection, water sampling, hydrology, habitat descriptions (terrestrial and aquatic), wildlife surveys, environmental protection, and site rehabilitation. Various resource professionals, as well as First Nations Elders, will provide instruction. Students will gain job-readiness skills including time management, self-development, and conflict resolution. Certificates from the program will include WCB Occupational First Aid Level 1 and Transportation Endorsement, Bear Aware, Helicopter Safety, WHMIS, and NWCC Environmental Monitor Assistant Certificate.

Features:

• The program takes place entirely on location in a remote bush camp and is taught by First Nations and other industry professionals.
• There is a resident First Nations Elder/Cultural Teacher in the camp.
• The program is sponsored by the Smithers Exploration Group and the Province of BC.

For further information: www.nwcc.bc.ca  

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