Tuesday, March 24, 2026

CLAC Partners with Walpole Island First Nation to Build Skills

By Mike Kamminga, Jobs Coordinator

This past year has been an exciting start to the Kickstart Your Apprenticeship program. What started as a way to help people gain hands-on construction skills has continued to grow and reach more communities.

In 2025, we held two CLAC Construction Bootcamps, with a total of 13 participants. Each session gave people the chance to build confidence, gain safety certifications, and take their first steps toward meaningful careers in the skilled trades. In addition, through the Kickstart Your Apprenticeship program, we were able to help over 100 other participants by providing essential skills testing and career surveys, career coaching, and guidance for a job in construction. They also received health and safety training and certification in a variety of courses.

Recently, CLAC had the opportunity to partner with Walpole Island First Nation Employment and Training (WIFNET) to deliver a four-day Winter Construction Program. This partnership brought together resources and training tools from both groups to offer a valuable learning experience for 10 participants from the Walpole Island First Nation community.

Before the program began, all participants completed CLAC’s Skills for Success online assessment, as well as a career survey. This helped everyone understand their strengths in communication and numeracy, while also giving them a sense of which paths in the trades might best fit their interests.

On the first day, participants completed Working at Heights training led by CLAC training instructor Jeff Pickles. Later that day, I had the chance to deliver a presentation about apprenticeships and how they work, what life on the job looks like, how to apply to CLAC Jobs, and how to prepare for interviews. These sessions are some of my favourite moments because they open up real conversations about the opportunities available in construction. Some participants had previous experience in the trades, while others were just starting, but all shared the same goal: to learn, grow, and get ready for their next opportunity.

One of the highlights came when participants realized how many different trades exist— some they had never heard of before. We had conversations about jobs like Mobile Crane Operators, Floorcovering Installers, Cement Masons, and Bricklayers. Seeing their curiosity come to life made me proud of the work we do to guide people toward rewarding careers.

The second day focused on safety training. Jeff provided training and certification in WHMIS, along with guided support for online courses in Trenching Safety Awareness, Lockout Tagout Awareness, and Basic Rigging Awareness. At the same time, WIFNET staff helped participants strengthen their resumes and prepare to talk with employers. In addition, WIFNET staff arranged for Danny Deleary from Indigenous Skills, Employment, Apprenticeship, and Development (ISEAD) to talk about life in construction, cultural differences, and expectations for the job site.

On the third day, WIFNET arranged transportation for everyone to attend the Chatham-Kent Job Fair. CLAC has attended this event in past years, but this time was special since we were there together with our program participants. Jeff and I were able to answer questions and encourage participants as they spoke with employers about potential opportunities.

The final day brought everyone back together with Jeff for training on how to safely use hand and power tools. To put their new skills to the test, participants built birdhouses that will be used in an art project for a local retirement community. Building something creative, hands-on, and meaningful was a great way to close the program.

Looking back on this partnership, what stands out most is the sense of connection and collaboration. This program wasn’t just about training; it was about being present for individuals as they explored new career paths, building their confidence, and helping them see that the trades are a place where they can belong and thrive. Jeff has continued to look for partnership opportunities with Walpole Island First Nation and enjoys bringing these experiences to the community.

“It is hard to put into words the gratitude I feel for being involved in projects like the Winter Construction Program in partnership with WIFNET,” Jeff says. “I often find myself genuinely grateful to be supported and doing work I believe in.”

Jeff had the chance to bond with the participants over the course of four days and even got them to sign his Kickstart Your Apprenticeship hat.

“I look forward to continued partnership and, hopefully, a collection of hats signed by people supported by future programs,” he says.

By combining our resources with WIFNET, we were able to provide valuable training and services at no cost to participants or the community. Together, we created educational opportunities, strengthened relationships, and invested in local people.

We are proud of what we accomplished in Walpole Island and look forward to future partnerships that continue to open doors and build strong careers in the skilled trades.

To learn more about the Kickstart Your Apprenticeship program, please visit www.clac.ca/kickstart

CLAC Partners with Walpole Island First Nation to Build Skills

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