The Indigenous Job Market

Did you know that persons of aboriginal descent represent the youngest and fastest-growing segment of Canada’s population and they are currently underused in BC’s labour market? According to WorkBC, the aboriginal working-age population is expected to grow by more than 40 per cent by 2017, which is an incredible doubling of the rate of the overall population that is of working age. A couple of other key facts: a) Aboriginal workers have an important role to play in BC’s economy, helping to address expected labour shortages; and b) As the birth rate in BC continues to drop, shortages of skills and labour will create job opportunities for aboriginal persons.

So, for those Aboriginal people interested in contributing to the BC’s economy shortages, acquiring a post-secondary education and/or training is a great start. There are a number of student programs and resources to assist individuals here.

In addition the education and/or training, gaining experience (volunteer or paid) allows individuals to develop core employability skills and competencies required in the workplace. Some governmental agencies and programs are specifically dedicated for this professional development such as the Aboriginal Youth Internship Program, and the Industry Training Authority’s Apprenticeship Program.

On campus, SFU Career Services contributes to this career development, by hosting our upcoming Indigenous Peoples’ Career Stories. To promote this Indigenous Speaker Panel with featured employers in attendance, Christina Coolidge, a SFU Communication student who is also of First Nation descent, offers some tips on how to network and make connections with other people to build positive relationships.