As of March 31st, 2012, the Aboriginal Skills & Employment Partnership (ASEP) funding program drew to a close, nationwide. This program had provided the Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership (LATP) with the majority of funding since November 2009.

It has been a very busy and exciting two years yet we feel there is much more to accomplish. We have seen many benefits for Aboriginals here in Labrador, and beyond, that will last a lifetime.

The LATP has submitted a new proposal to the federal government that will see the continuation of current and new programs and services for an additional three years. This proposal is currently under review, and we hope to see progress in the near future. Should the LATP receive new funding, all LATP office locations will resume at full capacity, however in the interim, a core staff will be available at the Happy Valley-Goose Bay office. We are still accepting applications for funding and have employment counselling services available for those who require such services. We will continue to populate the Labrador Aboriginal Labour Force Database – this is a positive project for any Aboriginal who wishes to expand their employment potential in the resource development fields, as this information will be made available for employers of major/minor industrial projects.

We understand that it may be difficult for any individuals wishing to receive funding for training but we ask for your patience as we pursue funds to remain in operation. The LATP Board, affiliates, provincial and federal government departments are continuing to work closely together to ensure LATP remains functional and can continue to provide this valuable and worthwhile service. They have expressed tremendous appreciation and satisfaction in what the LATP has accomplished to date and are eager to ensure its continuation.

Please continue to monitor this site for any updates or announcements. In the meantime, if you have any questions please feel free to drop by the Happy Valley-Goose Bay LATP office during normal working hours, Monday to Friday – 8am to 4pm.

The LATP would like to take this opportunity to thank the public for their interest in the LATP during the last two years. It has been a pleasure to serve the communities of Labrador. We sincerely hope that our doors will once again be open to continue the tremendous service to the Aboriginal peoples of Labrador.

Would you like to take part in an exciting new project to maximise your potential employment opportunities?

The Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership has partnered with the Innu Nation, Nunatsiavut Government, and NunatuKavut Community Council to provide a service to Labrador Aboriginals who wish to have their resume uploaded into a new comprehensive Aboriginal Labour Force Database. The information provided will be shared with owners of the Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership, Employers, and Government Agencies; for the purpose of assisting Labrador Aboriginals access employment and/or meet any training and career goals.

If you would like to take part in this valuable project please meet with one of our data entry staff members to complete a quick and easy survey and upload your resume, certificates, or other relevant information to the Aboriginal Labour Force Database.

For more information please contact Maxine Broomfield at (709) 896-3500 extension 225 or via email at mbroomfield@latp.ca

On February 24, 2012, 11 Nunatsiavut Government beneficiaries graduated from a Security Services training program sponsored by the Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership (LATP). This 6-week training program, facilitated by the College of the North Atlantic in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, had a unique curriculum that was designed to prepare individuals for employment in security related positions.

Individuals graduating from this Security Services program are eligible to be provincially licensed to work within the security sector. The work placement component proved to be a valuable experience as it enabled students to gain first-hand knowledge in the Security Services field. All graduates are hopeful for employment within the Security Services sector.

Congratulations to the graduates!

Interested individuals can now fill out their information on the LATP funding application, print it, sign it and then send to LATP office.

Click the following link:

LATP Funding Application

The form can also be accessed by going to the Forms page from the menu above.

A total of 16 employees have been hired to implement LATP's training plans.

LATP staff are: Seated, left to right: Edward Nuna (Innu Training Advisor); Mary Anne Nui (Natuashish Training Coordinator), Victoria Andrew-Nuna (Sheshatshiu Training Coordinator), Olive Williams (Manager, Finance and Administration), Maxine Broomfield (Nunatsiavut Training Coordinator), Karon Nattrass (Executive Assistant), Karen Hibbs (Administrative Assistant) and Judy Manak (Accounting Clerk).

Standing: Left to Right: Keith Jacque (Executive Director), Martha Andersen (Natuashish Career and Retention Counselor), Bernice Penashue (Sheshatshiu Career and Retention Counselor), Boyce Turnbull (NunatuKavut Training Coordinator - South Coast), Kelley Winters (Accounting Clerk), Patricia Kemuksigak (Manager of Program Development and Learner Support), Mildred Montague (NunatuKavut Training Coordinator) and Peggy Andersen (Nunatsiavut Training Coordinator - North Coast).

On Monday March 8, the Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership (LATP) held its official opening at its head office in Happy Valley–Goose Bay. LATP is a partnership between Lower Churchill Project and Labrador's three Aboriginal groups‐ Innu Nation, the Nunatsiavut Government and the Labrador Metis Nation and was formed through the partner's successful application to the federal government's Aboriginal Skills Employment Program. The four partners, along with the federal and provincial government, will contribute approximately $30 million in cash and in‐kind contributions to provide Aboriginal people in Labrador with increased employment opportunities associated with major economic development activities. The funding agreement is in place until March 31, 2012.

NEW: Partnership brings $30 million in funding for Labrador Aboriginal training

The provincial and federal governments, along with Labrador's three Aboriginal groups and Nalcor Energy – Lower Churchill Project, will contribute $30 million to provide Aboriginal people in Labrador with increased employment opportunities associated with major economic development activities. The result of the partnership is the establishment of the Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership (LATP).

The purpose of the Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership (LATP) is to assist with improving labour market outcomes for Aboriginal people and providing support for a skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force.

The mandate of the LATP is to oversee a comprehensive Training-to-Employment Plan that will prepare Inuit, Innu, and Metis for employment opportunities created through resource development throughout Labrador. It is an incorporated non-profit organization governed by a board of directors, with one voting member from each of the four partners. Each Aboriginal group has contributed their own training plan to LATP and will have autonomy and flexibility to ensure training opportunities fit their needs.

LATP will offer training, certification and job placement support to Aboriginal men, women and youth.

Training and certification will focus on such areas as pre-trades apprentice, construction trades occupations, heavy equipment operator, iron worker, concrete worker, truck driver, various camp support positions, and supervisory and management positions.

The partnership will also contribute to training and workplace experience required for skilled positions in the trades, operations management and emergency response, which are in demand by Aboriginal, private and public sector employers in the region.

LATP's main office will be in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and satellite offices may also be set up on Labrador's north and south coasts and in the Innu communities of Natuashish and Sheshatshiu. In the coming months, LATP will hold community information sessions throughout Labrador, providing Aboriginal people with further details. An official event unveiling the Happy Valley–Goose Bay office will take place in March.

The four partners submitted the ASEP proposal to the federal government in May 2009 and the $30 million funding agreement will be in place until March 31, 2012.