Skills Investment Policy Manual First Nations Training to Employment Program (FNTEP)

Transcription

1 1. Description 1.1 PURPOSE The is an element under the Training for Work program. Alberta Human Resources and Employment (AHRE) will support the development of partnerships. These partnerships will assist unemployed or marginally employed First Nations members (primarily living on reserve) gain the necessary skills training and/or work experience in projects to obtain and maintain longterm employment. NOTES On-Reserve Population: Band or First Nation is defined in the Indian Act as a body of Indians for whose common use and benefit lands have been set aside or monies held by the Government of Canada or declared by the Governor in Council to be a Band. Most Bands prefer to be referred to as First Nations. In this document, when the term First Nation is used in the context of the Indian Act, it refers to an Indian Act Band. For consistency, the term client(s) is used throughout this document. Please note however, after a client is accepted into a Skills Investment training program, he/she becomes a learner, except in the case where their living allowance is funded by another source (i.e. Aboriginal Human Resource Development Agreement holder (AHRDA). Currently, Learner Benefits Policies do not apply to the First Nations Training to Employment Program as living allowances are not provided to First Nations band members. The term must is used throughout this document to indicate a mandatory policy requirement. No exceptions are to be made to these requirements. 1.2 OBJECTIVES The primary focus of the First Nations Training to Employment Program is to support training for First Nations groups. The majority of clients in each project will be First Nations members (primarily living on reserve). Page 1 April 7, 2005

2 The objectives of First Nations Training to Employment Program are to: Support First Nations members to obtain and maintain long-term, sustainable employment; Create workplace training opportunities for First Nations members in occupations that are in labour market demand; and Support the development of partnerships between First Nations, industry and government. 1.3 CLIENT CHARACTERISTICS First Nations Training to Employment Program clients must be: A First Nations member; Unemployed or marginally employed; and In need and benefit from skills training in order to obtain and maintain sustainable employment. NOTES Marginally Employed An individual is marginally employed when he/she is unable to obtain and maintain employment to sustain themselves and their families and have worked less than an average of 20 hours per week during the past 12 months (52 weeks). 1.4 SCOPE 1.4 (i) INTENT OF TRAINING PROGRAM First Nations Training to Employment Program supports the development of partnerships designed to create training and work experience projects that lead to employment for First Nations members. A minimum of 51% of clients in the First Nations Training to Employment Program project must be First Nations members (primarily living on-reserve). Page 2 April 7, 2005

3 1.4 (ii) PROGRAM COMPONENTS First Nations Training to Employment Program projects must: Be initiated and managed by a First Nations Band, Treaty Council or Tribal Organization; Include a partnership between, First Nations, industry/employer and government; Be custom designed for the client group; Include classroom training and work experience when appropriate; and Meet specific industry employment needs. The range of program projects possible under the First Nations Training to Employment Program is dependent upon the training needs identified by the steering committee. There is significant flexibility in program design. The program can address: Training from employability skills to occupational skills training; Work exposure; and Job coaching and mentoring. Program projects can be custom designed if required and must not duplicate existing programs. All projects must include assessment and case management. The purpose of a client assessment is to determine a client s need for employment and/or support services, including: career and employment services, and/or program eligibility and financial benefits. Proper client assessment is key to clients receiving the most suitable supports to assist them to achieve their employment goals. 1.4 (iii) FUNDING PARAMETERS AHRE s funding contribution can only be used to support direct training (e.g. instructor fees, training materials, equipment rental, tutors, etc.) and project management/coordinator costs. AHRE s funding contribution to First Nations Training to Employment Program projects cannot be used to support living allowance costs, nor can these funds be used to purchase equipment or any other form of permanent asset (i.e. land or buildings). To ensure the success of the First Nations Training to Employment Program, adequate project funding must be in place. Before project funding is committed by AHRE, a letter(s) indicating the specific level of anticipated support (financial and/or in-kind) by all partners must be provided to AHRE. Page 3 April 7, 2005

4 SEE Appendix C, First Nations Training to Employment Program: Proposal Submission Guidelines for proposal format information. 1.5 DURATION / ENROLLMENT First Nations Training to Employment Program is a full-time training initiative (25 hours per week) with a minimum of 3 weeks to a maximum of 52 weeks in duration. 1.6 PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND STANDARDS The expected outcome of the First Nations Training to Employment Program is postprogram employment that allows clients to have earnings as their primary source of income. The following performance measure will be used to assess the level of success: at least 70% of the clients who are accepted into and start the program will be employed full-time in their field of training 180 days (six months) after the completion date of the program. NOTE AHRE Skills Investment programs outcomes and performance measures/ standards are under review. 2. Delivery Process 2.1 DELIVERY METHOD First Nations Training to Employment Program is delivered through contract-based delivery (i.e. third-party contract). The contract is signed with the First Nation Band, Treaty Council or Tribal Organization and based upon a proposal developed by the First Nations Training to Employment Program partnership. The program may involve a four-step process: Development of a First Nations Training to Employment Program partnership; Development of a First Nations Training to Employment Program project proposal by the partnership (identifies the project purpose, design and how it will be delivered); Contract with a First Nations Band, contract holder or training provider; and Evaluation. Page 4 April 7, 2005

5 The First Nations Training to Employment Program partnership must create a steering committee to oversee the program aspects of the project and may designate a project coordinator to oversee the day-to-day operations of the project. 2.2 PROGRAM/SERVICE ACCESS/ENTRANCE Clients may self-refer or are referred by a First Nations Band, contract holder or training provider to access the First Nations Training to Employment Program. First Nations Training to Employment Program partnership can establish a selection committee to develop the steps in the client application, client assessment, client training plans and selection process. A minimum of 51% of First Nations clients per project must be First Nations members (primarily living on reserve), however, clients can be funded by another source for and provide for their training and living allowance costs (e.g. AHRDA Holder). NOTE Reference Notes 1.3 Client Characteristics for client eligibility. 2.3 PROGRAM/SERVICE EXIT The First Nations Training to Employment Program concludes upon completion of all the requirements of the training program. If the client is having difficulty completing the program, the designated project coordinator will assess the situation and change will be recommended for successful completion of the training program. Client(s) who withdraw from the training program early may require further assessment and will be referred back to their Band, contract holder or training provider for follow up including dismissal from the training project. 3. Partnership Eligibility and Requirements 3.1 PARTNERSHIP To ensure an adequate support network for First Nations Training to Employment Program exists, each Partnership must include: A First Nation Band, Tribal Council or Treaty Organization although multiple representation is encouraged (i.e. Aboriginal Human Resource Development Agreement holder (AHRDA); Industry (e.g. employer, industry association, or union); and Alberta Human Resources and Employment (AHRE). Page 5 April 7, 2005

6 Other provincial departments, the federal government and/or community partners are encouraged to participate as deemed necessary. 3.2 REQUIREMENTS OF PARTNERS First Nations partners will: Identify the training opportunity; Lead the program project proposal process; Initiate communication with other partners; Be a potential funding agent; Establish a steering committee (A steering committee must be established to oversee the planning, delivery, evaluation and reporting requirements of the project); Ensure all clients receive proper support during training (e.g. living allowances, transportation, childcare, work clothes, equipment, and other community supports (e.g. addictions counselling, and Elder support). Ensure community support exists and is sustained during the project period; Designate an individual to act as project coordinator who will: o Monitor client(s) progress and attendance; o Serve as a liaison between government and other partners; o Assist in the training and employment support needs of the project participants. Employer/Union and Industry partners will: Identify employment opportunities; Identify the skills needed to succeed in the specified occupation; Identify pre-requisites and work requirements; Be a potential funding agent; Validate the employment opportunity with a letter of intent; Provide quality and realistic work experience and be prepared to offer employment to project graduates. Alberta Human Resources and Employment (AHRE) as a partner will: Provide leadership and support to the program as needed; Become a potential funding agent; and Be responsible to provide access to the AHRE s client tracking system, training and ensure client data is entered for tracking purposes. Page 6 April 7, 2005

7 4. The Appeal Process If a client wishes to appeal a decision with respect to the training program, then the appeal must be made to the selection committee to determine further action. 5. Monitoring and Evaluation 5.1 (i) MONITORING OF PROGRAM/SERVICE Monitoring is the systematic and organized process of reviewing activities to ensure that the services are delivered in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract. AHRE People and Skills Investments Division and Delivery Services Division are jointly responsible for monitoring First Nations Training to Employment Program training to ensure: Local practices are consistent with AHRE legislation and policies; and Training providers of contract-based training follow monitoring practices consistent with policies for Risk Management outlined in Accountability and Financial Management Policies. AHRE People and Skills Investments Division are responsible for monitoring program performance measures/standards and outcomes. At a provincial level, AHRE People and Skills Investments Division will report on the First Nations Training to Employment Program to: Review provincial program results to determine if business plan objectives are being met; Review any issues or concerns with provincial program policy in consultation with the Delivery Services Division; and Make adjustments to program policy where required. SEE Accountability and Financial Management Policies Risk Management Page 7 April 7, 2005

8 5.1 (ii) MONITORING OF CLIENT PARTICIPATION While AHRE retains responsibility for monitoring the First Nations Training to Employment Program, the contractor is responsible for: Monitoring the progress of the clients according to their client training plans, Adhering to AHRE standard reporting policies and procedures as stated in their contract with AHRE; and Collect the necessary information to make ongoing program adjustments. 5.1 (iii) MONITORING OF PROGRAM CONTRACTS AHRE Delivery Services Division is responsible for monitoring the First Nations Training to Employment Program contracts. SEE Accountability and Financial Management Policies Risk Management 5.2 PROGRAM EVALUATION Provincial program evaluations will be carried out in partnership with AHRE s People and Skills Investments, Delivery Services and Strategic Services Division. Delivery Services Division is responsible for individual project evaluations. Page 8 April 7, 2005

9 APPENDIX A AHRE Regional Delivery Services Division Contact List Northwest Region: Tom Clark, Regional Director P.O. Box Street East McLennan, AB T0H 2L0 Phone: McLennan (780) Grande Prairie (780) Fax: McLennan (780) Grande Prairie (780) Tom.Clark@gov.ab.ca Northeast Region: Garry Duke, Area Manager West (Athabasca / Barrhead / Westlock / Whitecourt / Morinville) Market Mall, Street Westlock, AB T7P 2G5 Phone: (780) Garry.Duke@gov.ab.ca Linda Yurdiga, Area Manager South (St. Paul / Vegreville) 24 Husky Plaza Mall, Avenue Vegreville, AB T9C 1P8 Phone: (780) Linda.Yurdiga@gov.ab.ca Colin Anderson, Area Manager East (Bonnyville / Cold Lake / Lac La Biche) Provincial Building, 9503 Beaverhill Road Lac La Biche, AB T0A 2C0 Phone: (780) Colin.Anderson@gov.ab.ca Diane Durnford, Area Manager North (Fort McMurray) Main Flr., Provincial Building 9915 Franklin Avenue Fort McMurray, AB T9H 2K4 Phone: (780) Diane.Durnford@gov.ab.ca Edmonton Region: Page 9 April 7, 2005

10 Mic Farrell, Senior Manager Community and Business Services 3rd Floor, Seventh Street Plaza Street Edmonton, AB T5J 3E4 Phone: (780) Calgary Region: Carol Wentz Contract Service Coordinator 8 th Floor, th Ave SW Calgary, Alberta T2P 3P1 Phone: (403) Carol.Wentz@gov.ab.ca Central Region: Donna Stewart-Wood, Regional Director 502, Provincial Building Street Red Deer, AB T4N 6K8 Phone: (403) Fax: (403) Donna.Stewart-Wood@gov.ab.ca South Region: Lawrence Kopp, Manager Community and Business Services P.O. Box Avenue Coaldale, AB T1M 1M2 Phone: (403) Lawrence.Kopp@gov.ab.ca Page 10 April 7, 2005

11 APPENDIX B Population of First Nations Members in Alberta The population size (19 years and over) is provided as a point of reference only. It is based upon the December 2002 Indian Register which is often recognized as understating the population size of a particular First Nations. For further details concerning the split between on reserve, on-crown lands and off reserve, please reference the statistical data compiled by Alberta Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development (AAND). The following list identifies the First Nations areas within the Delivery Division regions of AHRE. Northwest Region: Beaver First Nation (717) Big Stone Cree Nation (5,975) Dene Tha First Nation (2,354) Driftpile First Nation (2,002) Duncan s First Nation (200) Horse Lake First Nation (740) Kapawe no First Nation (269) Little Red River Cree Nation (3,562) Loon River Cree Nation (407) Lubicon Lake Band (386) Sawridge First Nation (336) Sturgeon Lake First Nation (2,282) Sucker Creek First Nation (2,073) Swan River First Nation (972) Tallcree First Nation (998) Whitefish Lake First Nation (1,894) Woodland Cree First Nation (886) Northeast Region: Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (728) Beaver Lake First Nation (820) Chipewyan Prairie First Nation (607) Cold Lake First Nations (2,100) Fort McKay First Nation (551) Fort McMurray First Nation (555) Frog Lake First Nation (2,129) Heart Lake First Nation (268) Kehewin Cree Nation (1,594) Mikisew Cree First Nation (2,274) Saddle Lake First Nation includes Whitefish (Goodfish Lake) (7,941) Smiths Landing First Nations (292) Edmonton Region: Alexander First Nation (1,570) Alexis Band (1,379) Enoch Cree Nation (1,764) Paul First Nation (1,601) Central Region: Hobbema includes Ermineskin Tribe, Louis Bull Tribe, Montana Band & Samson Cree Nation (5,970) O Chiese First Nation (774) Sunchild First Nation (920) Calgary Region: Siksika Nation (5,576) Stoney Tribe includes Bearspaw, Chiniki, & Wesley (4,020) Tsuu T ina Nation (1,432) South Region: Blood Tribe (9,358) Piikani Nation (3,278) AHRE website contains information on the full array of programs and services that are offered by the department. For further information please view the link: Page 11 April 7, 2005

12 APPENDIX C First Nations Training to Employment Program Proposal Submission Guidelines PROPOSAL FORMAT The following format and sequence should be followed to ensure that each proposal receives full consideration. 1. TITLE PAGE Lead applicant name, address, telephone number, facsimile number, and the name of the contact person. 2. LETTER OF INTRODUCTION One (1) page, introducing the proposal, and signed by the person(s) authorized to sign on behalf of, and bind the applicant to, statements made in the proposal. 3. TABLE OF CONTENTS Show the page numbers of all major headings. 4. BODY (see below Proposal Content Requirements for information on completing the sections below) i. Executive Summary ii. Objectives of the Project iii. Project Partners iv. Training Providers v. Client Profile vi. Project Activities vii. Outcomes viii. Financial Requirements ix. Client Tracking and Other Reporting Requirements 5. Add any additional information in an appendix. Proposal Content Requirements The following outlines the information required in the Body of proposals. i. Executive Summary Provide a one page (or less) Executive Summary. Page 12 April 7, 2005

13 ii. Objectives of the Project: Describe the overall objectives of the project, and respond to the following questions: o What skills will participants gain? o Where will participants be employed after training? o How will the project result in long-term employment for participants? Describe the research done to demonstrate labour market demand for workers with the occupational skills gained through the project. iii. Project Partners List the partners involved in the project (include organization name, address, telephone, fax, , and name of contact person.) Identify the lead partner if there is one. Define clearly each partner s role in the project, e.g., monetary contributions, delivery of training components, donations to the project and other in-kind contributions. Provide copies of any related agreements associated with the partnership, e.g., band council resolutions, employment placement commitments and other related agreements. A steering committee must be established to oversee the planning, delivery, evaluation and reporting requirements of the project. Who will be on the steering committee? Who will act as chairperson? What authority will the steering committee have over the project? iv. Training Providers Who are the project s training providers? How and why they were selected? Demonstrate that the training provider is committed to delivering the required training as part of this project. v. Client Profile For what type of participant is the project best suited? Describe the participant minimum eligibility requirements for this program. How many participants will this project train? vi. Project Activities: Assessment: Describe how potential participants will be assessed to determine their eligibility and suitability. Eligibility criteria should be validated by industry and the training provider. Page 13 April 7, 2005

14 Training Plan: What training will participants receive during the course of the project? Outline the curriculum, course modules and delivery methods to be utilized. How will participants be supported during the course of the project? How will participants be supported in employment for six months after the project has been completed? Timelines: Outline the length of the training program and the sequencing of the training activities. Resources Required: Outline the resources required by the project, e.g., instructors, facilities, equipment, supplies, transportation, testing for certification, etc. vii. Outcomes: Detail the benefits or changes for individuals during or after participating in the project. Include: o the number of participants accepted and started; o the number of participants completing; o the number of participants employed F/T & P/T; o the number employed at 3, 6 and 12 months; o skill sets and certification obtained. viii. Financial Requirements: Provide a detailed operational budget for the entire project. What portion of the funding is being requested from AHRE? Identify what AHRE is paying for. Identify any other funders for this project and the amount they will contribute. Identify what other funders are paying for. Identify the processes that will be in place to ensure financial accountability is achieved, e.g., financial management process, accounting process, etc. ix. Client Tracking and Other Reporting Requirements Describe which partner will take the lead in data entry into the client tracking system maintained by AHRE in order to fulfill accountability of outcomes for participants involved in the project. Describe the post-project reporting and evaluation processes that will be used to report on achieved outcomes the number employed at 3, 6 and12 months after training has been completed. Page 14 April 7, 2005

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