The Employment & Training (E&T) urban program falls under the Federally funded Indigenous Skills and Employment Training program (ISET). The program is designed to help Indigenous persons improve their skills and find employment. First Peoples Development Inc (FPDInc) has legal agreements with 28 First Nation communities, referred as Sub Agreement Holders, including Berens River First Nation. FPDInc receives the funds and releases to the Sub Agreement Holders once all required reporting has been submitted and approved as eligible costs.
Examples of what the ISET program can support:
See below for more details.
Other services we can provide are:
We also offer access to computer, internet and fax machine for employment related purposes.
Eligible programs would include academic upgrading. Designed to enable clients to achieve their Mature GED to meet Post Secondary requirements. Occupational skills training includes certificates from a provincially recognized university, college or school and must be accredited to be eligible.
All training must be accredited to meet funding eligibility. Tuition rates will be at a max of $4,000 per term. Anything above $4,000 will be the student’s responsibility. Required textbooks will also be covered. Any employed band staff who seek funding for tuition related costs will need to use their professional development dollars first. Proof of letter will be required from their direct supervisor stating all funds have been used.
Living allowance while in training would be eligible provided the client has no other form of income. Only registered 266 Berens River band members and their dependants will be eligible. We follow Post Secondary rates. Any client currently on EI is expected to remain on EI till the completion of their scheduled weeks. Any client on E&IA may be eligible for a top up if eligible. The purpose of remaining on EI is to fund additional clients and prevent “double dipping”. Please note, clients who do online learning are ineligible
If you have recently been hired and have barriers such as steel toed work boots, bus transportation, we can assist you. A letter of employment offer is required from your employer and needs to be on their company letterhead. We can also assist with bus pass monies for two weeks until you get your first paycheque. This is a one-time cost for any eligible client and will not lead to continued dependence. We can also assist with any criminal record or child/adult abuse registry checks for confirmed employment.
Assistance to enable a client with a job to continue working that job. Forms of assistance may include required certifications and or tickets to retain employment, such as WHMIS, Emergency First Aid/CPR.
Regular Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.
Closed on holidays and weekends.
Berens River Student Services
Unit 1 – 225 McPhillips Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3E 2K3
Phone: (204) 982-0691
Fax: (204) 774-6591
General Email: studentservices@brfneducation.com
For inquiries, application assistance, or program questions, please contact Wayne Berens, the Employment & Training Director in Winnipeg.
Phone: (204) 982-0693
Or please contact Selena Whiteway, Human Resources Development Officer
in Berens River.
Phone: (204) 382-2161