Project Maintenance Management Advisor

Yellowhead Tribal Council – Technical Services Department
Skilled Trades Training & Infrastructure Support for First Nations

Our Role

The Project Maintenance Management Advisor plays a vital role in delivering technical training and capacity-building support to First Nation communities within the Yellowhead Tribal Council (YTC). Through hands-on instruction and mentorship, we equip students and community field operators with the practical knowledge and skills needed to manage and maintain essential infrastructure systems — including HVAC, boilers, water treatment systems, lift stations, and residential mechanical components.

Training First Nation Students & Operators

We offer certified, job-ready training programs focused on key areas such as:

Boiler & HVAC Operation & Maintenance

• Start-up and shutdown procedures

• Troubleshooting and performance optimization

• Routine maintenance: oil changes, filter replacements, pressure checks

Workplace Safety & Compliance

• Lockout/Tag-out (LOTO) training

• Hazard identification and safety protocols

• Emergency response and incident reporting

Mechanical Assembly & Systems Knowledge

• Understanding boiler components: gauges, expansion tanks, water tubes, etc.

• Pipe fitting, welding support, valve installation

• Working with sump pumps, glycol systems, and hydraulic power units

Technical Monitoring & Controls

• Using PCPs (Process Control Panels) for system monitoring and adjustments

• Introduction to BMS (Building Management Systems)

• Conducting air-balancing tests and mechanical system inspections

Plumbing & Heating Integration

• Residential furnace maintenance and repair

• Lift station inspection and maintenance

• Reading blueprints, pipe layouts, and understanding plumbing codes

Training Format

• Hands-On Field Training: Delivered directly on-site in First Nations communities

• Workshop & Classroom Instruction: Covers safety procedures, code compliance, and theoretical knowledge

• Mentorship Model: Students are paired with experienced operators and tradespeople

• Flexible Scheduling: Part-time and seasonal options tailored to each community’s needs

Who We Train

• Indigenous youth exploring careers in the trades

• Existing community field operators and maintenance staff

• Public works staff from member Nations

• Community members pursuing certification (e.g., plumbing, HVAC, boiler operation)

Funding Opportunities & Program Support

We collaborate with various partners to remove barriers to accessing trades training. Support may include:

• Federal & Provincial Indigenous Skills Training Programs

• Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)

• Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation (AIOC)

• Apprenticeship Pathways & Employment Readiness Programs

Eligible supports may include:

• Tuition assistance and wage subsidies

• Tools and PPE

• Certification exam prep and licensing support (e.g., Boiler Operator, HVAC Technician)

Impact in First Nations Communities

Our training initiatives are tailored to support the long-term sustainability of infrastructure in First Nations communities by promoting:

• Community-led operations and maintenance

• Increased local employment in skilled trades

• Safer and more efficient public works systems

• Youth empowerment through meaningful, long-term career opportunities