Education & Training

ATCO recognizes the potential barriers to employment and education for Indigenous Peoples, and where available, we continue to seek opportunities to minimize these gaps. Whether through educational support or opportunities to develop new skills in the workplace, we are proud to support Indigenous partners. We believe that supporting education and training opportunities for Indigenous Peoples contributes to vibrant communities, creates a stronger local workforce, and affords us opportunities to share experiences and learn from local expertise.

• Indigenous Summer Student Program
• Indigenous Education Awards
• ATCO Explore Program
• ATCO Employee Training

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Indigenous Summer Student Program

The Indigenous Summer Student Program offers employment opportunities for Indigenous post-secondary students across the company and displays our commitment to Indigenous Peoples across Canada. It allows the students to apply their academic learning where possible and gain valuable work experience. In addition to our overall summer student program offerings, Indigenous students at ATCO are honoured with a welcome ceremony led by an Elder from the community.

We offer an individualized buddy program that allows Indigenous students to meet other Indigenous employees at ATCO, gain mentorship opportunities, and build relationships and their network. This unique program provides each student with professional guidance and skill development in a positive learning environment.

There are many community events throughout the summer that our Indigenous students are invited to participate in and volunteer for.

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Indigenous Education Awards

Our Indigenous Education Awards Program supports students from First Nation, M�tis and Inuit communities who demonstrate a balanced lifestyle and commitment in their quest for education.�

There are four different awards available:

• Merit Awards ($750) ? for students completing Grades 10 ? 12
  
• Bursaries ($1200) ? for students enrolled in trade/community technical college diploma or certificate program
• Scholarships ($1800) ? for students enrolled in degree or graduate programs
• Bridging Awards ($1000) ? for students registered in an upgrading program (Adult Basic Education) or University Preparation program
  

There is a maximum of one award per applicant per student year. Students may re-apply each year if they wish to be considered for another award.

Eligibility

You can apply for one of our Indigenous Education Awards if you:

• Self-identify as Indigenous in Canada (First Nations, Inuit, or M�tis);
• Are enrolled full-time in junior/senior high school (including upgrading) or an accredited post-secondary institution or training/certificate program;
• Are not a child of an ATCO employee.

ATCO offers a career exploration program for Indigenous students in grades 10 through 12 throughout various regions in Alberta. This two-day program allows students to learn first-hand about the exciting career opportunities available with ATCO, along with the career exploration, and mentorship when applying for our Indigenous Education Awards Program.

Our goals:

• Inspire Indigenous students through career exploration opportunities.
• Encourage youth to pursue education and meaningful employment.
• Develop youth leadership.
• Identify barriers and resources to support the transition of Indigenous youth to post-secondary.

ATCO Employee Training

ATCO believes that there is significant value in educating our employees on the unique culture and history of Indigenous Peoples and communities. The way we work is guided by our ATCO values and our commitment to Call to Action #92 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action, which highlights corporate Canada's responsibilities in reconciliation.

ATCO Indigenous Awareness Training
The mandatory online Indigenous Awareness Training provides employees with an introduction to Indigenous history and culture, contemporary issues and initiatives, contributions to society and actions towards reconciliation. Additionally, it provides an understanding of ATCO?s commitment to Indigenous relationships and partnerships as a hallmark of our business both within Canada and globally.

Multi-Day Training
ATCO employees have the opportunity to participate in a two-day course at various ATCO locations. This classroom course provides a deeper understanding of Indigenous histories, current policy and action plans, discussion around contemporary issues, and practical skills for engaging with nations and communities. Employees engage in small group discussions and hands-on, interactive activities to create and enact new understandings and relationships with Indigenous Peoples.

Continued learning opportunities advance personal and professional goals through a variety of virtual and in-person initiatives. This may include a virtual speaker series, access to resources (e.g., websites, literature, film) and additional external training initiatives. Learning opportunities will vary by specific areas of interest, both personal and in relation to ATCO?s business.

Contact Indigenous Relations