Graduation from Aboriginal pre-Cadet training program offers opportunities
- Jeanelle Mandes | July 31, 2014
Earlier in July, the R.C.M.P Aboriginal Pre-Cadet Training Program (APTP) had a graduation for 21 graduates who participated in a three-week APTP course. The program was held at the RCMP Academy "Depot" in Regina, SK.
The graduates are from all over Canada such as Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador.
The program gave the participants a chance to see what its like to be a R.C.M.P officer and to gain the skills that are needed for this job.
Brooke Turnbull, from Manitoba, says this experience gave her the essentials skills that she will apply in her future.
"We've learned so many applied police sciences such as hand cuffing, criminal code, different management selections that police officers need to know and a lot of police defensive training," says Turnbul.
Turnbull had one of the biggest roles during the program; she was one of the right markers who are in charge of an entire troop. She says it was a big challenge but definitely worth gaining the leadership skills.
"I kind of feel like a big babysitter but thats the lead that I took on. My job was to keep track and to keep count of everyone in the troop so I made sure I get them from point A to point B on time. I kept track of schedules, appointments and I made sure everyone's homework was done on time," she says. "It's a big role to take on and also a lot of stuff comes upon your shoulders as well. "
She adds, "Also in fitness, we learned how to maintain a healthy balanced lifestyle with eating well, exercise, time management and staying organized."
Constable Maureen Greyeyes-Brant, also the APTP Program Manager, says the experience doesn't end here; the graduates will be taking the gained skills and knowledge back to their home communities.
"After the graduation, they're going to be flying home and going to their provinces. They've all been given their first shifts so they'll be reporting shortly to their detachments and their field mentors to start their eight-week detachment employment," says Greyeyes-Brant.
"This is an amazing recruitment initiative for the RCMP. I think it's great to give these Aboriginals a chance to experience this program," she adds.
Constable Greyeyes-Brant hopes the graduated pre-cadets decide this opportunity may one day lead to a career choice for them or if not, the gained skills will apply to the career that theyre looking for.
That's exactly what Turnbull will be doing from her experience at the APTP. She says her dream is to become a RCMP officer. Her hope is set a good example for others in her home community.
"I hope to show people that I'm a role model. A lot of people look down because you're female and Aboriginal; not many people take on that role as becoming a police officer," she says.
Families of the pre-cadets were invited to the graduation and watched them perform the drill as they received their graduation diplomas. The APTP is open to Aboriginal Canadians between the ages of 19 to 29 from all over Canada.