“This is an example of the success that can be achieved when communities decide to work together toward a common goal.” – Doug Clovechok, Campus Manager, College of the Rockies Invermere

Students of the Workforce Improvement Planning (WIP) Program gathered in Cranbrook on February 3 for their graduation ceremony. This brand new, 12-week program is a partnership between College of the Rockies and the Ktunaxa Kinbasket Aboriginal Training Council (KKATC). The WIP Program was offered at the Cranbrook, Creston and Invermere campuses and was open to any First Nations person with Aboriginal status.

Training covered a broad spectrum, ranging from public speaking to computer skills to a variety of trades. Certifications such as Forklift, WHIMIS and Food Safe give students the qualifications they need to find jobs in today’s competitive workforce.

Surrounded by family and friends, the very first WIP graduates proudly accepted their certificates, shaking hands with College of the Rockies’ Dean of Instruction, Laura Cooper. Graduates and representatives from Ktunaxa Nation and College of the Rockies celebrated with lunch at ‘Class Act’, prepared by students in the College’s Culinary Arts Program.

Campus managers are thrilled at the outcome of the first WIP Program. Invermere Campus Manager Doug Clovechok feels the program was “an overwhelming success with measurable results – an example of the success that can be achieved when communities decide to work together toward a common goal”.

For more information, please contact Codie Andrew at 250-489-2464 or College of the Rockies at 877-489-2687.