Students in Montana First Nation are being given the tools they need to pursue a career in welding thanks to a new Red Deer College program.  

Today RDC celebrated its Virtual Reality and Co-operative Trades the Next Generation Program, which uses welding simulators to allow Aboriginal students flexible learning in their home communities.  

After completing the first six weeks in Montana First Nation, the students will head to RDC for eight weeks to train in welding labs and classrooms at the College.

Once the first portion of their training is complete, the students will transition into 20-week placements with local employers.

They will then return to RDC for the second portion of their training, followed by another 20-week work placement.

Montana First Nation Councillor Brad Rabbit said the program helps build morale and self-esteem within their community.  

“The morale of our people is low," Rabbit said.

"But at the same time when you see some of the achievements of these students, they’re seeing what they’re achieving and their morale builds. Self-esteem builds and when you can build positive energy, positive things happen.”

Eric Crier is among the first group of students to go through the program and said he’s excited for the doors that have now opened for his future.

“I’m looking to be hired at WorleyParsonsCord and I should be starting within two weeks,” Crier said.

“It means a lot to be here and be a part of the program. It’s a great program and it’s a first of its kind.”

RDC President Joel Ward said so far the demand for the program is high and they might look to expand in the future.

“We’re looking at the cost now to see what the cost is per student. If we continue to get the support of our government partners and First Nations, we can expand those numbers,” Ward said.

“100 applied for the first cohort and we accepted 25 and 200 have applied for the second cohort of 25. So 50 out of 300, not bad but I think we still have a long way to go.”

The program was made possible thanks to a partnership between RDC, Montana First Nation and WorleyParsonsCord.

It is also funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Flexibility and Innovation in Apprenticeship Technical Training Program.

Once the students are finished they will have received the training required for all three periods of the Welder program and will have the opportunity to challenge the exam and practical assessment for each period.

Students will also have hours to count toward their Journeyman certifications.