Indigenous-led technology company launches training centre in Prince Albert

In May, 2015, PLATO created a train-and-employ model that provides First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people the opportunity to start their career in the technology sector. Following a five-month course, students who graduate are guaranteed a full-time job with PLATO.

Noting how the idea for the company came out of the recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation report, McIntosh said the goal from day one has been to create a company that was indigenous staffed and led.

Sen. Harry Cook was among Tuesday’s special guests and expressed his support for the vision. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

But the journey has had its share of challenges, not the least of which showing people technology can be a career.

“The trades for years have talked about apprenticeship but we have forgotten the apprenticeship model in technology,” McIntosh explained.

Since its humble beginnings, PLATO has trained nearly 300 students from coast to coast, many of whom are still an integral part of the company’s diverse technology services team today.

“It’s been a great journey and we are just getting started,” McIntosh said

Denis Carignan, EVP, Indigenous Impact and Innovation (PLATO), is from Pasqua First Nation, and explained for First Nations communities, the feeling is that if you want a career, you needed to leave to get training, or to get work in that field, you needed to stay away.

“So what was happening was a lot of our communities were continually exporting people and talent to the rest of Canada. And I thought there’s gotta be a way to change this,” he said.

Denis Carignan. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

Noting people who have come through the course, and are now in their eighth year of work experience, Carignan said the company can provide a path of hope for the communities.

“It’s really about investing in people first, investing in skills, working with people to find success and from that I believe comes self reliance,” he said.

To help realize their dream of expansion into the region, PLATO partnered with Kitsaki Management Ltd., which currently has over 1,200 employees. Lac La Ronge Indian Band Chief Tammy Cook Searson, who is also president of Kitsaki Management, was among the dignitaries in attendance, and offered words of encouragement to the students.

“I want to thank each and every student who have taken this leap of faith,” she said.

Chief Tammy Cook-Searson. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Cook-Searson noted from its own beginnings in 1981, Kitsaki has grown from a $60 to $80 million annual revenue to the current $140 million.

“We are really honored to partner with PLATO because it’s another company we are really proud of and it’s already going places,” she said.

“Information technology is fascinating but it’s also a need that’s needed in all the industries.”

Stanley Hunt from Vancouver is a graduate of the course, and will now offer future students guidance as the subject matter expert.

“It’s certainly given me an opportunity to really develop a meaningful career within the IT industry, something which before this program I didnt really think I’d have the opportunity to get into,” he said.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell

by Nigel Maxwell

Indigenous-led technology company launches training centre in Prince Albert

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