New mining programs offered this spring

Yukon College is launching the School of Mining and Technology with two new mining exploration programs that will be offered this spring. The Camp Manager and Exploration Field Assistant Programs fit the new School’s mandate of building capacity in areas where there are significant employment needs for Yukoners in the mining industry.

Yukon College is working closely with the Yukon Chamber of Mines, the Yukon Mine Training Association and Yukon First Nations, to assess the needs of the mining industry and develop programs within these partnerships. “These two new programs are just the beginning of what we plan to offer in the near future”, says Yukon College vice president, education and training, Karen Barnes.

P. Jerry Asp, Chair of the Yukon Mine Training Association (YMTA) said: “These initiatives are excellent examples of effective partnerships at work. YMTA is committed to working with Yukon College, First Nations and industry to continue to build capacity and make more mining and resource related training opportunities available throughout the Yukon.”

The Camp Manager and Exploration Field Assistant Programs are experiential in nature and involve field experience on the traditional territory of the Nacho N’yak Dun First Nation (NND). Through a fourteen-day field camp and three-week on-the-job training, the Camp Manager Program introduces students to the fundamentals of managing a camp, as well as insight into NND’s land-based values. The Exploration Field Assistant Program provides students with entry-level bush skills applicable for the mineral exploration industry.

“NND is very pleased to partner on this training that will be held in NND traditional territory. It is very important that Yukoners be ready and able to take advantage of upcoming work opportunities; it is equally important that workers and companies understand the traditions and cultures of the First Nation’s in whose territories they are working”, said executive director, NND, Anne Leckie.

The School is currently focused on working with its partners in developing short term training to address immediate skill shortages in the 2011 mining season. Yukon College is evaluating a range of other programming, from 2 year diplomas to short-term, customized training. One proposal for a GeoTech diploma program is now being reviewed and working through the approval process.

“These programs were made possible through a variety of partnerships, including a contribution of significant funding from YMTA, camp facilities from NND and paid work placements from Industry. This demonstrates a proactive approach from all partners and a willingness to work together to meet the employment needs of Yukoners, First Nations citizens and the mining industry, at a time when all can benefit”, said Yukon Chamber of Mines president, Claire Derome.

Yukon College is grateful for the generous funding support provided by Yukon Mine Training Association.