Kitikmeot Corporation's Role in Inuit Employment and Training

Kitikmeot Corporation is the business development arm of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association, and is responsible for developing business opportunities that will contribute to a strong business and economic base for the Inuit of the Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut.

By developing profitable businesses (including the formation of various joint-ventures with corporations from across Canada, as well as globally) we are able to foster a number of employment opportunities (and training programs where required to take advantage of, or maximize those opportunities) for the Inuit of our Region.

It is important to recognize that Kitikmeot Corporation's focus, in terms of Inuit employment in the Region, is to maximize employment for Kitikmeot Inuit within our own joint venture companies. More specifically, by developing profitable businesses (as noted above) we thereby establish a strong base from which to begin "placing" our beneficiaries in jobs which can lead to the development of specific skills along an appropriate career path.

About Our Human Resources Department

Kitikmeot Corporation's Human Resource Department plays a key role in implementing the above mandate and focus. More specifically, the Department is developing strategies for identifying, recruiting, and hiring, from the Inuit of our region the best talent available, with a focus on fostering employment and training for Kitikmeot Inuit within our joint venture companies.

People have always been central to Kitikmeot Corporation and our joint venture companies. And we believe that their strategic importance is even more apparent in today's knowledge based industries.

In fact, Kitikmeot Corporation's success depends on the knowledge, skills, and abilities of our Inuit employees. When employee talents are valuable, rare, difficult to duplicate, and are well-organized, our group of companies can achieve a sustained, competitive advantage. But in order to "compete through people" we are called to do a good job of managing the knowledge, skills and capabilities of our employees and potential employees that add value to our companies. Kitikmeot Corporation is committed to developing strategies for identifying, recruiting, training and hiring the best talent available. This is the challenge that is in front of us; the potential is great, and we are up for the challenge!

Our Approach to Training

At Kitikmeot Corporation we believe that, where employee training programs are required to support Inuit employment within our various companies, they must focus on effectively achieving the mandate that has been outlined above.

A wide variety of methods are supported by the Department. On-the-job training is one of the most commonly used methods because it provides the advantage of hands-on experience and an opportunity to build a relationship between trainer and employee.

We also find that apprenticeship training and internships are especially effective because they provide both on and off the job experiences.

Other off-the-job methods that we support include; conference or discussion method, classroom training, programmed instruction, computer based training, e-learning and eventually, simulation.

It's important to note that in designing a training opportunity, our Corporation encourages employers to consider the systems approach which consists of Needs Assessment, Program Design, Implementation and Evaluation. More detail regarding these components is provided below:

1. Needs analysis is a process designed to identify gaps or deficiencies in employee and organizational performance. A thorough needs analysis can help and Kitikmeot Corporation joint venture companies prioritize its needs and make informed decisions as to what training is required to gain positive performance results for both the employee and organization.
2. Program design is fundamental, since once a decision has been made to design a training program, decisions must be made about training content. This is a crucial stage as companies want to make sure that the training content matches the training needs and objectives. Trainers must communicate to trainees what they will learn in a training program, what to expect, and what they will be able to accomplish at the end of the training.
3. Implementation is also very important; that is, the need to arrange conditions in the workplace to ensure application and maintenance of skills and knowledge learned during a training event positively impact job results. Implementation is the blueprint that outlines the training programs in terms of the sequence of activities and events that will take place. In essence it is the step-by-step breakdown for taking the new learning and applying it to real life work situations.
4. Evaluation of a training event should focus on the degree to which trained skills are demonstrated back on the job. It is a process to access the value and the worthiness of training programs to employees and to KC companies. Using a variety of techniques, objective and subjective information is gathered before, during and after the training to provide KC with a indication of the value of the training program.

What Types of Jobs Are Available Within Our Companies?

Kitikmeot Corporation has established a number of companies, almost all of which can offer exciting employment opportunities for the beneficiaries of our Region (for a list of our companies, please refer to the Section of our website entitled "Business Development and Joint Ventures").

However some of the more typical opportunities that we provide would include:

• Kitikmeot Cementation Mining & Development – underground mine equipment operators, truck drivers, general labourers
• Nuna Logistics – heavy equipment operators, labourers
• Kitikmeot Blasting Services – potential training in explosives mixing
• Kitnuna Corporation – heavy equipment operators, truck drivers, mechanics, site cleanup personnel, general labourers, various other
• Kitikmeot Caterers – cooks assistant (with the opportunity for advancement with experience and training); housekeeping; training in wastewater and potable water treatment plant maintenance; erector of modular structures as required
• Medic North Nunavut – employment as a paramedic requires significant classroom and on-the-job training. Please inquire.

Various other opportunities may be available. Please inquire with our HR Specialist, Donna Hakongak, whose contact information is provided below.

Where Do I Begin?

It's important to us to ensure that, for those who are interested in working for one of Kitikmeot Corporation's joint venture companies, you know how to proceed.

Whether this includes an initial email, phone call, or a visit to our HR office in Cambridge Bay or to the appropriate Community Liaison Officer (CLO) in your community, we realize that taking that first step can sometimes be the most difficult.

Contact Information

Donna Olsen Hakongak, HR Specialist

Kitikmeot Corporation - Human Resources Office
17 Mitik Street (located upstairs, above the Northern Store)
Cambridge Bay, Nunavut
Ph: 867-983-2200 ext. 26
Fax: 867-983-2992
Email: employment@kitikmeotcorp.ca