Agreement brings new jobs for Navajo

WINDOW ROCK—New jobs for skilled Navajos may be one the way, after Navajo Nation President Kelsey A. Begaye signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Navajo Nation and the Industrial Company (TIC) of Steamboat Springs, Co.

TIC will hire and train a Navajo workforce in structural and welding work for various projects in the western United States. The Navajo Nation Council’s Government Services Committee recently gave their support for the project by approving the MOU.

President Begaye said, “One of the strategic directions of the Begaye/MacKenzie administration is to build partnerships to solve some of the Navajo Nations greatest problems. By signing this MOU we are working to reduce the high unemployment rate on the Navajo Nation. This MOU will expand the partnership initiative with various companies to employ the Navajo workforce.”

See MOU, page 2

TIC currently employs approximately 350 Navajos at healthy wage rates from $10 per hour for helpers to $18 for journeymen. On peak employment periods TIC employs almost 600 specialized workers. “TIC has a number of new projects to get underway, once started we expect our number of employees to increase,” said Gary Hertzog, personnel recruiter.

“TIC has been involved with Navajo craftspeople for over 20 years and is looking forward to many more years of working with the Navajo Nation. TIC and the Navajo Nation have a common goal—to increase employment and career opportunities for the Navajo people. This project with the Navajo Nation is only the beginning and further opportunities will continue to unfold. We have been actively expanding the involvement of Navajo craftspeople in supervisory levels from Field Engineers to Electrical Superintendents and foremen,” explained Hertzog.

In another related project, TIC and the Navajo Nation partnered to sponsor 19 Navajo welding students through the Arizona Welding Institute (AWI). The class will conclude by the end of January and it is TIC’s intention to present the Navajo students with immediate employment opportunities.

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