Career Planning
A mine of opportunitiesThe mining boom in northern Ontario and the opening of the province's first diamond mine has created a gaping worker shortfall, but a new agreement between three northern colleges will open doors for students preparing for careers in the growing minerals industry. LINDA WHITE -- Special to the Toronto Sun |
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The mining boom in northern Ontario and the opening of the province's first diamond mine have created a gaping worker shortfall, but a new agreement between three northern colleges will open doors for students preparing for careers in the minerals industry.
"We have a real obligation to meet the mining industry's labour force needs," says Michael Hill, president of Northern College in Timmins. "There is a huge shortage of workers. We want to maximize the number of people interested in mining and the number of people graduating from programs that prepare them for work in the industry."
Together with Confederation College in Thunder Bay and Cambrian College in Sudbury, Northern College signed an agreement this spring that allows students to transfer mining credits between the schools. The move will ensure broader access to careers in the industry.
Northern College has witnessed a huge growth in the minerals industry. "When I came to the college nine years ago, the price of gold was $285 an ounce," Hill says. "Now it's over $900."
Ontario is one of the world's top 10 mineral producers. "With the current levels of mining activity we are enjoying in Ontario, it is essential that we have a qualified workforce to supply the industry with the talent it needs," says Michael Gravelle, minister of northern development and mines.
THE DE BEERS CANADA VICTOR
Project in the James Bay lowlands of northern Ontario underscores the needs of the growing industry. De Beers Canada's first diamond mine in Ontario and second in the country, the project is expected to create 375 permanent positions during mining and processing operations.
"Northern College was the college of choice for the De Beers project in Attawapiskat," Hill says. "We have supplied the majority of training for the project and tailored training to their needs."
Demand for workers in the mining industry is on the rise and long-term forecasts show the demand will last, Confederation College reports. The mining sector and related industries have always been among the highest paying sectors of the economy, it adds.
Confederation College
Beginning this fall, Confederation will offer a one-year mining techniques certificate program that offers instruction in surveying, planning, mineral extraction, technical drawing, environmental control, assaying, process control, technical sales and industrial, geological and geophysical fieldwork.
Northern College
Northern College offers its mining engineering technician program at the Haileybury School of Mines. The program prepares students for careers in exploration geology, geophysics, geochemistry, mine geology, sampling grade control, prospecting and mapping, surveying, planning, production supervision assaying, process control, metallurgical technology, sales and technical services.
CAMBRIAN COLLEGE
Cambrian offers a three-year mining engineering technology program that prepares graduates for careers in mine engineering, mine production and in such specialized areas as rock mechanics, mine ventilation, air conditioning or mine safety. Many technicians/technologists also work for government agencies or as technical sales representatives with the industrial suppliers who service this huge industry. Others work overseas.
linda.white@rogers.com
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