DTI Graduates Poised to Enter Workforce

The following article was originally published in the GDI Communicator Vol. 18 Issue 7, July 2024. The Communicator is a monthly internal newsletter intended to celebrate the achievements of the management and staff of the Gabriel Dumont Institute. You can find the archive of previous issues in the Virtual Museum of Métis History and Culture.

Another successful year of professional skills training has concluded for Dumont Technical Institute (DTI). Since 1992, DTI has been training Métis students from across the province to learn a new vocation, enter the workforce and improve their local communities. In 2024, approximately 200 students graduated or were successful in their first year of studies from a DTI skills training course across the province.?

In Regina, 15 students graduated with an Office Administration Certificate on June 28, 2024. Several graduates have already received job offers! Also, the Continuing Care Assistant (CCA) program celebrated four graduates on May 30, 2024. The Regina Practical Nursing (PN) program ended the 2023-2024 program year with 13 students working towards graduation in February 2025.

In Saskatoon, five students successfully completed their Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Level 1 Certificate on June 28, 2024, and four graduated with their ECE Level 2 Certificate on May 10, 2024. Additionally, six students successfully completed all program requirements from the Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) program on June 28, 2024. Training Métis healthcare workers remains a priority for DTI, and the CCA program celebrated five graduates on May 31, 2024. Meanwhile, there are 12 second-year PN students continuing to work towards their diplomas in 2025.

In Prince Albert, the CCA program celebrated five graduates on May 31,2024, and the PN program will see eight students continue into year two of the program. Meanwhile, eight graduates from the Heavy Equipment Truck & Transportation (HETT) program received their certificates on June 21, 2024. The HETT program gives graduates the skills to work in transportation mechanic shops in many industries.

In the northern regions, seven CCA graduates received their certificates in ?le-à-la-Crosse on May 17, 2024. There were five graduates receiving their Educational Assistant Certificate in La Loche.? Also, 12 completed Driver Training in Green Lake, and seven received Chainsaw and Brush Saw Safety Tickets in Jans Bay. The Introduction to Carpentry – Home Build Program helped six students receive their Pre-Employment Carpentry certificates while helping the Ile-a-la Crosse School Division #112 build a home for future teachers.?

The Outdoor Equipment Repair Program teaches the skills necessary to diagnose, maintain, and repair small engine craft such as wild rice harvesting boats. The program had 10 successful completers in Beauval, two successful completers in Buffalo Narrows, and five successful completers in Meadow Lake. Additionally, The Mental Health and Wellness program is proud to see 16 students continuing their studies into year two of their diploma program in Meadow Lake.?

DTI Graduates from all programs are poised to enter the workforce and start making a difference in their communities. DTI is proud to partner with many employers to help Métis graduates secure employment opportunities and meet the labour demands in their communities. The professional skills that each graduate has developed are complimented by the culturally affirming learning environment to understand Métis history and culture more deeply—a valuable perspective in any industry. From all the board and staff at the Gabriel Dumont Institute, we wish each graduate success on the next chapter of your journey and stay in touch with your roots.