During COVID-19 indigenous communities’ training was affected, postponed, or canceled, and some programs were shifted online.

But due to internet speed and connectivity issues, some remote communities could not access this new online training.

This significantly hindered community economic development & individual well-being as they were unable to take this training and get certification to obtain employment.

But now courses can be taken ONLINE or in OFFLINE mode so communities can have access to learning 24/7 when and where they need it.

So when communities have internet speed and connectivity issues they can still access the learning and get certified.

Hippohub has also added the opportunity for courses to be CUSTOMIZED and LOCALIZED with an overlay of language and culture.

As most educational systems in the past have been founded with colonial assimilative practices there is a great need for Indigenous communities to own their own SOVEREIGN learning library with training that provides real value towards connecting with your traditional language and culture.

Communities continue to share concerns on the limited resources available for this type of training and these programs hold the largest barrier to employment across Canada for indigenous communities.

This evidence of increased unemployment amongst Indigenous people living on and off-reserve substantiates the fact that there is a need for increased training and additional support for program development, to better align local First Nation communities with meaningful employment.

This training can be an asset not only to the individuals but also to their families, communities, and nation.

HippoHub primary objective in delivering this training is to furnish applicants with the necessary skills, tools, and experience to start a permanent full-time career.

Remote training is equally essential for all members of the workforce to establish trust, gain opportunities, and build competencies to serve their community and industry employment pathways.

On-reserve and off-reserve staff turnover, training efficacy, community tragedies, and a skilled workforce nearing retirement create unpredictable, urgent needs for training and workforce development.

Hippohub has reviewed the LMI Survey Data to first understand and identify relevant, applicable, and desired training programs for employment.

HippoHub has reviewed the Interim Report data extract from the First Nations Labour Market Information (LMI) Survey and Skills Inventory Pilot Project including Skills inventory, Training Challenges or Barriers, Employment Challenges or Barriers, COVID impacts Physical, emotional, or psychological Challenges.

HippoHub also reviewed the greatest challenges or barriers when trying to get jobs or participate in training. The challenges with the highest “large challenge” ratings were:

• Living in a community that is far away from training opportunities.
• Living in a community that is far away from most jobs.
• Finding and getting a job.
• Not having enough or the right type of education/training to get a job.

Hippohub is currently working with key communities, training providers, and Grant providers to support communities in having their own programs to support members in developing skills and abilities, help them clearly define their goals, and choose a career path.

The system will include the following components: