TORONTO, May 2, 2017 /CNW/ – Union Gas supports “First Nations, Métis and Inuit Initiatives” with a $20,000 grant to Skills Ontario to help fund programs that encourage Indigenous youth to pursue career opportunities in the skilled trades and technology sectors.
“Union Gas is passionate about investing in youth and in giving them the opportunity to explore skilled trades as a career option,” said Mike Shannon, vice president of distribution operations, Union Gas. “We are thrilled to continue our support of Skills Ontario because we know that First Nation, Métis and Inuit students from across Ontario are better informed about the tremendous career opportunities available in skilled trades and technologies through the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Initiatives program.”
During a time when there is a shortage of skilled workers to meet growing demand across many industry sectors, the In-School Presentation program encourages thousands of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit youth to pursue career opportunities in the skilled trades and technology sectors. The initiatives include summer camps for Grade 7 and Grade 8 students, hands-on workshops and participation in the Skills Ontario Competition. The grant helps to support three First Nations, Métis, and Inuit liaison officers, in London, Thunder Bay and Sault Ste. Marie. The three travel across the province to promote careers in skilled trades and technologies.
“First Nations, Métis, and Inuit-focused initiatives are a key, strategic component of Skills Ontario programming. The financial and ongoing community support we receive from Union Gas provides us with the necessary resources to positively impact the career choices of young First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people in Ontario,” said Ray Lavender, chair of the Skills Ontario board of directors.
“We are encouraged to see the increased interest expressed by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities from across the province. We thank Union Gas for its continued support of the Skills Ontario program,” added Lavender.
About Skills Ontario
Skills Ontario is building Ontario's skilled trades and technologies workforce. We enable and empower all youth, including women and First Nations, Métis, and Inuit youth, to consider a career in the skilled trades and technologies. Engagement with students, teachers, parents, volunteers, employers and mentors ensure our programs connect education, experience, and employment. We deliver in-school presentations across Ontario, host Canada's largest skills competition, run summer camps for skills development and connect students to employers. We are focused on growth sectors such as construction and infrastructure, technology innovation, and hospitality services. For more information, visit skillsontario.com or find us on Twitter and Instagram @skillsontario, on Facebook: facebook.com/skillsontario and YouTube: youtube.com/user/SkillsOntario.
About Union Gas
Union Gas Limited is a major Canadian natural gas storage, transmission and distribution company based in Ontario with over 100 years of experience and service to customers. The distribution business serves about 1.4 million residential, commercial and industrial customers in more than 400 communities across Ontario. Union Gas is one of Canada's Top 100 Employers for 2017, and has assets of $7.2 billion and approximately 2,300 employees. Union Gas is committed to building long-term productive relationships with members of the First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities based on mutual respect and economic opportunity. For more information, visit uniongas.com or find us on Twitter: twitter.com/uniongas, Facebook: facebook.com/uniongas and YouTube: youtube.com/user/uniongas.
SOURCE Union Gas Limited
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