Igluliuqatigiingniq Nunavut 3000 celebrates success of capacity-building partnership pilot project
Rankin Inlet, Nunavut (December 20, 2023) - The Nunavut Housing Corporation (NHC), Nunavut Arctic College (NAC), and the Government of Nunavut’s Department of Family Services, Career Development division, in partnership with Sakku Investments Corporation, are celebrating the success of a capacity-building pilot project which resulted in a new public housing unit built by students from the Sanatuliqsarvik Trades Training Centre Apprenticeship Program.
The project was a direct income from the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between NAC, NHC and Career Development under the Igluliuqatigiingniq Nunavut 3000 Strategic Plan.
In the spirit of Igluliuqatigiingniq or “building houses together”, Nunavut 3000 is committed to creating partnerships to increase the number of skilled tradespeople throughout Nunavut. The MOU is seen as an opportunity to scale up community-based trades training in communities.
“Nunavut Arctic College is proud to be part of this effort. Approximately 40 students were involved in the housing project from start to finish. Our students built a new three-bedroom public housing unit that will help a family on the housing waitlist,” said Rebecca Mearns, President of Nunavut Arctic College.
The Skills Trades Worker Program runs from September to June. From this housing project, NAC hired the graduating students during the summer months to capitalize on the construction season. High school students also had opportunities to take part in the build. NAC Trades School faculty and staff took part in supporting the build, with six trades instructors and six support administration staff contributing.
The students learned more than the construction standards and procedures. Students learned to lead in safety toolbox meetings as well as planning the daily work by assigning crews to do certain tasks. This housing project also gave students the opportunity to learn related trades.
Construction is a significant industry in Nunavut. Minimizing the need to transport workers to and from the territory by developing the local labour force’s skills will help control long-term building and maintenance costs. More so, Inuit training and northern labour is a priority for NHC,” said the Minister responsible for Nunavut Housing Corporation, Lorne Kusugak. “The construction activity generated by Nunavut 3000 in communities will be leveraged to help increase the number of pre-apprentices, apprentices, and skilled tradespeople in the local labour force and improve the availability of skilled workers.
“The Department of Family Services Career Development division is pleased to be funding the Nunavut Skilled Trades Arctic Construction Program. This program allowed 13 Skilled Trades Worker students to build tangible on-the-job work experience hours towards Level 1 of the Skilled Trades Worker Program which can be credited towards an apprenticeship,” said the Honourable Margaret Nakashuk, Minister of Family Services.
The Career Development Division facilitates training and employment for Inuit in construction and other major projects following Nunavummi Nangminiqaqtunik Ikajuuti (NNI) provisions.
“Sakku Investments was pleased to partner with the College to supply construction equipment that helped facilitate this build,” said David Kakuktinniq, President & CEO, Sakku Investments Corporation. Sakku Innovative Building Solutions provided work site training as part of this project, establishing a real-time model for future collaborations with Nunavut Arctic College and Government of Nunavut.
Training is a key component of the Government of Nunavut’s Katujjiluta mandate. The Nunavut 3000 training initiative aligns with the GN’s operational plan for training as directed in ministerial mandate letters and departmental business plans.
For more information about the Nunavut 3000 Strategy, please visit, www.Igluliuqatigiingniq.ca.