Training and Skills Development

Training builds the knowledge, skills, and expertise needed to succeed in current roles while preparing individuals for future career advancement or transition.

Investing in training and skills development is a best practice for governments and businesses. It is also a foundational strategy for Indigenous communities to strengthen capacity, manage resources effectively, and advance economic interests.

Why Training Matters

Programs from Fisheries and Oceans Canada have supported Indigenous communities and businesses in creating and sustaining employment opportunities, including roles such as:

• Fish harvesters

• Field technicians

• Managers

• Monitors

• Guardians

• Environmental professionals

However, these programs were designed to do more than support entry-level training. They aim to build long-term career pathways and sustainable employment capacity.

Indigenous Program Review Findings

During the Indigenous Program Review, the National Indigenous Fisheries Institute identified a need for expanded training funding to:

• Support meaningful employment

• Enable structured career progression pathways

• Provide long-term stability for training initiatives

One key recommendation was for Fisheries and Oceans Canada to secure a long-term funding source to strengthen Indigenous training and skills development activities.

Current Collaborative Efforts

The Institute is collaborating with Fisheries and Oceans Canada to implement this recommendation through several strategic initiatives:

1. Federal Investment Analysis

• Review existing federal investments in Indigenous training related to fisheries and oceans

• Identify gaps and redundancies

2. Community Training Mapping

• Gather examples of training programs currently supported by Indigenous communities

• Understand how training advances employment goals

3. Career Path Research

Research careers in:

• Fisheries

• Aquaculture

• Fish habitat

• Oceans

• Environmental response

• Aquatic resource management

Identify required:

• Knowledge

• Skills

• Abilities

• Certifications

4. Education & Certification Inventory

• Compile courses offered by education and training institutes

• Identify certificates, diplomas, and advanced credentials

5. Training Management Tools

• Assess nationally consistent training management tools

• Identify best practices for:

  • Establishing training plans

  • Managing schedules

  • Tracking training activities

  • Reporting outcomes

6. Employment Tracking Improvements

• Explore ways to help Fisheries and Oceans Canada better track Indigenous participation in training and employment programs

Community Engagement

Community participation is essential to this initiative.

The Institute has developed tools to support review, discussion, and feedback:

• Indigenous Training and Skills Development – Summary Report

• Discussion Guide

• Input Questionnaire

• Careers in the Fisheries and Oceans Sector Poster

• Specialized Equipment Training Resource

• Training Paths for Careers Video

• Career Training Backgrounders

• Training Process and Tools Infographic

• Proposed Training Passport

• Career Progression Path Infographics:

  • Resource Management

  • Fishery Guardian

Project Outcomes

As a result of this initiative:

• A Final Report was produced recommending training and career planning tools for Indigenous managers and workers

• Recommendations were made to Fisheries and Oceans Canada on improving federal collaboration and efficiencies

• Long-term funding options for Indigenous fisheries- and oceans-related training were proposed

Key Resource

Indigenous Training and Skills Development – Summary ReportAvailable here:http://indigenousfisheries.ca/en/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/ITSD-Summary-Report-FINAL_eng_for-distribution_v2.pdf