Education & Training

Aboriginal Minerals Training and Employment Program (AMTEP)

AMTEP is a partnership between the Mining Technology Program at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), the Association for Mineral Exploration BC, the Mining Association of BC, and the British Columbia Ministry of Exploration Mines and Petroleum Resources. Its aim is to increase participation of Aboriginal people through a multi-year integrated training and employment program. Training begins with a two-day community awareness workshop to provide information on the mining industry and an overview of opportunities for Aboriginal people and communities. The next step is a two-week training course in basic geology, prospecting and mineral exploration.

Students can then move on to a three-month BCIT Associate Certificate in mineral exploration and mining or pursue trades training in a number of fields. Training often leads to apprenticeship and certification as a journeyperson or to a career in mining and mineral exploration technology, geology or mining engineering. Co-op Associate Certificate in Minerals Technology is a three-month training program that consists of technical courses related to mineral exploration and mining with supporting courses in areas such as communications.

The certificate program will involve a total of 15 to 20 weeks of training divided into five-week modules. It is planned that each module will alternate with periods of employment such that the entire co-op certificate program can be completed in one to three years. Entrance requirements are completion of grade 10 or higher including math and science.

Features:

  • Guidance and support for students in trades training, and assistance to students in arranging apprenticeship training with a minerals exploration employer
  • Trades training may be integrated with essential skills courses based on individual and community needs
  • Academic and essential skills upgrading is provided
  • A good practice of collaboration/partnership with Aboriginal communities and organizations

For further information: www.bcit.ca

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Nunavut Prospectors Program (NPP) and Introductory Prospecting Course 

The Government of Nunavut released Parnautit: the Nunavut Mineral Exploration and Mining Strategy in 2007. The Strategy states that, in order for Nunavummiut to take advantage of the employment and business opportunities related to exploration and other mining activities, government and industry will need to work with Inuit organizations and communities to develop and coordinate effective education and training programs. It estimates that as many as 1500 new mine-related jobs could be created in Nunavut over the next ten years, potentially employing 12 per cent of the territory's workforce. Government-supported prospector development and field assistant programs can provide Nunavummiut with the basic skills for employment with exploration companies.

Through the NPP, technical and financial assistance is provided to Nunavummiut with demonstrated prospecting skills to carry out their own prospecting projects. Also, Government of Nunavut geologists present a six-day Introductory Prospecting Course to interested residents of the 25 communities across Nunavut, with over 500 graduates to date. Graduates of the course often apply for NPP grants and many are employed as field assistants on mineral exploration projects.

Features:

  • An opportunity for community-based learning and employment opportunities 
  • A link between programs to increase success
  • Basic knowledge and skills for individuals to begin careers as prospectors
  • Incentive for local Inuit to participate in the benefits of the exploration phase 
  • Partnerships based on respect for Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit concepts
  • Enhancing the foundation of the mining industry through prospecting and geo-science

For further information: www.edt.gov.nu.ca

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Camp Management Program (CAMP)

The Camp Management Program combines the practical and technical skills training needed to build and maintain temporary camps used in remote work sites. Training consists of classroom learning and hands-on field experience where students work together to safely and efficiently build and maintain a fully operational exploration camp over a six-week period. Camp management training includes: camp planning and layout; health, safety, and land-use permitting; environmental considerations; essential supplies and materials; construction; fuel, food, and other camp resources; ordering, delivery, and storage; grey water and waste management; electrical and plumbing set up and troubleshooting; regular maintenance and inspections; computer use; and leadership skills and conflict resolution.

Taught by industry-experienced instructors, this program provides students with recognized safety certifications including: WHMIS; First Aid Level 1; Transportation Endorsement; Food Safe Levels 1 and 2; Chainsaw Safety; Helicopter Safety; Bear Awareness; S-100 Fire Suppression; ATV Safety Training; Small Engine Repair; Transportation of Dangerous Goods; Propane Safety and Spill Response.  On completion of the program, graduates will have the skills and knowledge desired and required by exploration and expediting companies that service the exploration and mining industry. This training is also transferable to other resource industries that work in remote locations, such as guide outfitting and forestry.

Features:

  • Curriculum developed and taught by First Nation industry professionals
  • Program also includes job placement support
  • The final two weeks of the program is spent entirely on location in a remote bush camp
  • Offered in partnership with the Smithers Exploration Group and the Province of BC

For further information: www.nwcc.bc.ca

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Northwest Community College, School of Exploration and Mining

Offering a range of industry-driven programs, the school is a result of a partnership between Smithers Exploration Group and the BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum. Community-based opportunities are guided under the direction of Northwest Community College's First Nations Council. Programs include the following:

Reclamation and Prospecting (RAP): Living and studying in a bush-camp, students in this comprehensive pre-employment program develop skills in environmental monitoring and mineral exploration.  The First Nations Workforce Training Program is one of two opportunities for training under RAP and offers 11 weeks of instruction to youth interested in working in the minerals industry, where they live and study in bush-camps. Skills are developed in navigation, wilderness safety, environmental sampling, basic prospecting, first aid and First Nation culture. In support of leadership in First Nations communities, RAP also offers a ten-week Team Leader Training component designed to develop mining-related leadership skills.

Mining Exploration Field Assistant Program: This one-week program is taught outdoors in a remote camp and prepares workers to meet the physical demands of entry-level employment in exploration. Graduates may become employed with mining consultants, junior exploration companies, drilling and geoscience companies and government.

Drillers Helper Program: A three-week program designed to provide hands-on, competency-based instruction in a field setting. Graduates have the ability to operate the equipment used in various diamond drilling operations.

Features:

  • RAP students are taught by First Nations and other industry instructors and Elders
  • Job Placement and Employment Advisors are available to assist with facilitating employment of graduates
  • Learning is often based in a realistic 'field setting' or work environment
  • The College offers a First Nations Land Stewardship Program and other technical programs
  • A Trades Access program prepares students for trades and apprenticeship programs or for entry-level employment
  • Career College Prep is offered, as well as Testing of Workplace Essential Skills (TOWES)

For further Information: www.nwcc.bc.ca

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