Mining Program Starts at Northwest Community College, Goes Canada-wide
The Mining Essentials Program started as a pilot project at Northwest Community College, but is now expanding to schools across Canada.
Mining Essentials is a work readiness program aimed at aboriginal youth, and will soon be offered Canada-wide. The program was created through a partnership between Northwest Community College, the School of Exploration and Mining (SEM), the Mining Industry Resource Council (MiHR), the Assembly of First Nations and the Skeena Native Development Society.
“We need to help mining and exploration companies better connect with alternative sources of labour as the baby boomer generation heads into retirement,” said Melanie Sturk, Director of Attraction, Retention, & Transition at MiHR.
“The recent BC pilot went very well, and learners are now empowered and excited about their futures in the mining sector; they are ready for hire. This wouldn’t be possible without the support of our partners, including the AFN and NWCC. ”
A freshman class of twelve students successfully completed the training as part of the pilot project. They are now either working with SEM staff to find work or taking more SEM courses.
“The course will benefit me because it really helped me to prepare for work and taught me how to look for work. I would recommend this course to anybody who is interested in the mining industry,” said Mining Essentials graduate Richard Alexander.
Schools mentioned: Northwest Community College
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