Training program equips graduates for future mining career
- EFN Staff | May 29, 2016
Eight northerners with drive, determination and great resumes have just graduated from a training program that will enhance their career trajectory. The Mill Operator Trainees program runs at McLean Lake by Areva where the eight students have spent the last twelve weeks learning all about the McClean Lake mill through both academic and hands-on work. They developed an abundance of skills and knowledge that will serve them well in their careers.
“Most of the students who we take into the program have no prior experience and they have absolutely no idea what goes on in a mill,” says Gary Winkel, the current lead instructor of the program. Gary has vast experience in the industry, having worked as a mill operator for 34 years. For the last 8 years, Gary has worked as a mill supervisor and has been with AREVA for just over a year.
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Rather than focusing on teaching specific skills to the trainees, the program takes on a more comprehensive approach. “My goal is to give the students a good understanding of the mill’s inner workings, what the work entails, and see if it something that they are interested in doing in the future,” says Winkel. The program is an orientation where the students learn all about radiation protection, safety, and how to use equipment such as the skid-steer and fork-lift.
The opportunity offered to the eight students isn’t lost on them. They go through a lot to qualify. This year the Mill Operator Training program had over 200 applicants. Eighteen of the applicants made it to the interviewing stage, which meant coming out and staying overnight at the camp. From there, eight were chosen to take part in the program. Although most trainees do gain employment at AREVA following the program, it is not guaranteed. Students who are successful in completing the program still have to wait for a job opening to get hired at McClean Lake. Gary explains that the great thing about the program is that it is very flexible and becoming a mill operator is not the only choice upon its completion.
Garret Robillard came to the program from Stony Rapids where he was born and raised. Garret found out about the McClean Lake Mill Operator Training Program from a friend who shared it with him on Facebook. Garret wanted to take the program to gain more real world experience, no matter where it may take him in the future. He enjoyed the program and has really liked getting to know many people. “They are good people,” he says. He likes that the program gives him experience in each section of the mill, helping to give him perspective on its overall runnings. Garret also enjoys that each trainee has a distinct experience as the program caters to each trainee’s strengths and interests, “It is individualized,” he explains. “The biggest challenges were the twelve hour days and remembering everything they taught us.”
Gary explains that although working at a remote site took some getting used to for him and the trainees, the culture at McClean Lake certainly made it easier. “People are really great to work with in whatever position here,” says Gary. “I really value the opportunity that this program presents to northern students and I would definitely teach it again,” he says.
Stay tuned for more stories on Saskatchewan Mining Week, May 29 - June 4, 2016.