A lunch was held for the graduates of a new national initiative that pairs experts in the field of aquatic resources with those interested in a career in the fishing industry.
The learners received their certificates on May 13 at the Tseshaht Administration building, with the exception of one, who couldn’t be with his class because he was already working out on a commercial fish boat.
The Aboriginal Fisheries Apprenticeship program was a three-month national pilot program giving Nuu-chah-nulth members four Transport Canada certifications and a Stability certificate from Fish Safe (an organization that provides on-the-water safety training in B.C.), as well as practical skills, such as tying knots, rope splicing, and net mending.
The course was presented in partnership between Uu-athluk, Huu-ay-aht First Nation, Nuu-chah-nulth Seafood Development Corporation (NSDC), Tseshaht/Hupacasath Commercial Fishing Enterprise (CFE),
School District 70, and the Nuu-chahnulth Employment and Training Program (NETP).
“The average age of a sea captain is 65 years old, and 55 years for a commercial deckhand,” said Larry Johnson, president, Nuu-chah-nulth Seafood Development Corporation. He was proud today to help train new blood for the industry and today hand each graduate items that they will need on the boats, including personal floatation devices, rain gear, and a knife, as well hats and sweatshirts, along with the certificates they earned.
