Lac du Flambeau Business Development Center inspires education, growth

Jennifer Much

Contributor

December 9, 2024

LAC DU FLAMBEAU – Since its opening, the Lac du Flambeau Business Development Workforce Training Center – the non-gaming business arm of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians – has been focused on creating career opportunities for the community.

By doing so, Zachary Allen, the marketing manager for the Lac du Flambeau Business Development Corporation, said the center has inspired a tremendous amount of growth.

Through listening to the needs of local businesses, Allen said the center has offered tailored training programs that collectively benefit both the tribal community and the local Vilas County economy.

Creating valuable opportunities 

Located at 2640 Thorofare Road in Lac du Flambeau, Allen said the Workforce Training Center opened in early August 2022.

He said it features state-of-the-art technology, various classrooms and learning labs, and a curriculum of diverse course offerings that span multiple industries.

But even more, Allen said it instills an abundance of opportunity from within its walls and beyond. 

“The BDC’s Workforce Training Center is more than a facility,” he said, “It’s a hub for community empowerment and growth.”

Allen said students can register and attend a multitude of classes ranging in topics from workplace computer literacy, to budgeting, to more hands-on skills such as training for road construction.

The center, he said, also offers training in food service, including a popular ServSafe food safety training certification.

Alongside other courses specifically geared for those interested in starting a business, Allen said there are also skilled trade pre-apprenticeship programs in electrical work, plumbing, HVAC and carpentry. 

“We strive to align courses with community and local business needs and opportunities to ensure meaningful career development,” he said.

Allen said the center continues to add new courses to address workforce demands and provides a learning environment that fosters ingenuity, independence and skill.

“Our focus is on building a skilled pool of experts to support the success and sustainability of the local economy,” he said.

To complement learning, Allen said the center is filled with modern innovations – with its two traditional classrooms featuring web conferencing capabilities and touchscreen displays.

Also on-site, he said, is a computer lab, trades skills classroom, plus a medical training room that will be utilized this spring.

“Trainings often incorporate traditional teaching methods – storytelling, intergenerational collaboration and a focus on community interconnectedness – to ensure cultural values are at the forefront of learning,” he said.

By addressing specific business needs, Allen said the training center hopes to encourage a skilled workforce and enable well-paying jobs that can be filled by qualified community members.

“Participants gain valuable skills and industry-recognized certifications, making them competitive both locally and beyond, which drives economic growth and opens doors to diverse career opportunities,” he said.

Forming partnerships to inspire growth

Allen said the Business Development Training Center has aspired to continue to help those in the workforce advance in their careers, which is partly accomplished through strategic partnerships with other businesses and organizations.

One project in particular that he said was impactful and celebratory of heritage in the Waaswaaganing Ojibwe Nation has been in the caregiver field.

“We are particularly proud of our partnership with Nicolet College to launch a Native Elder 

Caregiver Training program,” Allen said. “We aim to establish stronger partnerships with regional colleges and industry leaders to create pathways for long-term career success.”

He said the course is designed to adapt to the national curriculum but also includes culturally relevant caregiving techniques, aiming to emphasize the community’s value of respecting elders.

Allen said this revolves around interconnectedness and introduces concepts that may inspire students to pursue further education like certified nursing assistant (CNA) credentials. 

“This initiative not only supports caregivers but also preserves and celebrates cultural traditions,” he said. “This approach allows learners to see the direct impact of their work on the community while fostering personal  and professional growth.”

Beyond the realm of health care, Allen said one recent project has proven to showcase the training center’s impact.

“The creation of EighthFire Communications, our community-run internet service provider, 

is a standout example,” he said. “To ensure the required skill set was developed locally, we partnered with Northwood Technical College to provide their nationally recognized broadband training program.”

Through this endeavor, Allen said 10 community members are now trained to assist with this new business, which offers a modern convenience to the local area.

Apart from business-to-business partnerships, Allen said another celebrated alliance has been between students and their peers.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of our classes is witnessing students organically help one another,” he said.

When a challenging concept arises, Allen said it’s common for a participant who has already mastered the skill, to help others grasp the concept, too.

“This embodies the spirit of ‘it’s good if I know a thing, but it’s better if the whole community understands it’ – which makes our classrooms a vibrant and collaborative environment,” he said.

Through various collaborations, Allen said the center has supported the launch of three non-gaming businesses under the Lac du Flambeau Business Development Center umbrella, and there’s even more in development to meet the evolving needs of the community.

Future plans emphasize deep ambitions

Allen said the center offers options for both youth and adults.

“By tailoring programs to diverse age groups and life circumstances, we ensure everyone has an opportunity to grow and thrive,” he said.

Allen said the center takes an inclusive approach for youth to encourage workplace readiness by offering courses in hands-on programs with Tribal Economic Support.

He said this has historically included teaching them to build and operate computers and 3D printers, amongst other skills. 

“Participants not only gain valuable technical skills but also get to keep their creations, fostering a sense of accomplishment,” he said.

Likewise, Allen said, the opportunity for adults re-entering the workforce from various circumstances – whether it’s recovering from personal struggles or retirees seeking new skills – is crucial. 

“We provide similar programs with a focus on empowering them to rejoin the workforce confidently,” he said. “A unique aspect of these programs is the requirement for participants to 3D print something for someone in the community, reinforcing the value of interconnectedness and giving back.”

Not only does the training center focus on assisting individuals prepare for their careers, but Allen said it also helps local businesses to prosper as well.

“Business owners frequently praise the training center’s ability to provide tailored solutions and skilled workers who are well prepared for their roles,” he said. “The focus on cultural relevance and fostering community pride are often highlighted as key strengths.”

Within each new offering, whether it’s a class or certification, Allen said the Workforce Training Center opens up a world of opportunities for participants and businesses alike.

Looking ahead, he said it serves as a stepping stone for its own growth and innovation. 

“We plan to expand our program offerings, including new certifications and skills-based training to support the continued development of EighthFire Communications and other emerging businesses under the Lac du Flambeau Business Development Center umbrella,” he said.

These additions, Allen said, will help the center stay responsive to community needs and to mirror a culture of collaboration.

New offerings forecast, he said, include assistance with more business-centric planning including funding assistance, marketing and branding support, as well as additional workshops and opportunities for networking.

Allen said there will also be an emphasis on communication through the launch of a radio station.

“A major focus will be preparing the workforce for roles at the soon-to-launch WLDF The Torch radio station,” he said.

Other ventures will also be explored, which Allen said will ensure that community members are equipped with both cultural awareness and technical expertise.

Staying up to date with ever-changing industry skills, he said, will also serve as an influencing factor for future courses and projects. 

“Through tailored programs, cultural integration and a commitment to addressing the unique needs of our community, we are building a brighter future together,” Allen said. 

For more information about programs and workshops offered at the Lac du Flambeau Business Development Workforce Training Center, visit ldfwtc.com.