PM announces money for mining training in the North
- EFN Staff | July 30, 2014
Prime Minister Stephen Harper was in Air Ronge today where he announced $2.5 million for mining skills-training at Northlands College, which will help students acquire the skills they need to fill higher-paying jobs in the rapidly expanding mining industry in Northern Saskatchewan. The students will also ensure that the industry has access to the workers it needs to keep thriving and growing.
The support announced today, which is provided through Western Diversification Program over three years, will help Northlands College purchase heavy equipment simulators, build a facility to house the simulators, and help create the Northlands College Mine School.
Northlands College will focus on recruiting northern residents, as well as Aboriginal students from across Saskatchewan, for the new programming being offered. About 75 students are expected to graduate at the end of the three-year project, approximately 50 of whom will be Aboriginal. All graduates will be well positioned to find jobs in their new field upon completion of the project. Construction of the new facility to house the simulators is expected to be completed by December 2016. Expanded programming has already started to be offered.
Northlands College provides education and training programs and services to meet the development and employment needs of Saskatchewan's northern residents, preparing them to participate in the labour market and help industry meet its needs.
The Northlands College project was developed in collaboration with the Government of Saskatchewan. The Mine School will complement existing mining programs in the province, through consultation with the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST) and the University of Saskatchewan. The distinction between the roles of Northlands Colleges mine training and that offered through SIAST is that Northlands College will primarily provide training related to the hard rock industry, and SIAST will primarily provide training related to the soft rock industry.
Quick Facts
- Finding experienced and skilled mining employees is becoming increasingly difficult while industry demand continues to grow. Almost one in every 16 jobs in Saskatchewan is supplied directly or indirectly by mining. By 2028, this number will rise to one in five jobs.
- The newly purchased simulators will be used to train underground miners at both entry and advanced levels. The simulators will assist in training for the Master Driller program, which requires simulator time, as well as on-the-job skill demonstration for certification.
- The newly created Mine School will include lab facilities which will allow Northlands College to contribute to research initiatives in mining exploration and mine operation in conjunction with the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology and the University of Saskatchewan.