Tools & Checklists

As a start to learning about mining, the following websites provide a wealth of information about the Canadian industry:

There are a number of mining associations specific to provinces and territories. See the contact list under Mining Associations, Unions and Other Organizations as well as the Government Departments.


GUIDANCE FOR COMMUNITIES & HUMAN RESOURCES ORGANIZATIONS

The Mining Industry's Engagement with Communities
The mining industry has embraced the need to continue to build relationships with the Aboriginal community. It is committed to helping Aboriginal workers develop long-term and transferable skills. Over the years it has developed a knowledge base that has built upon the successes and failures of developing relationships between mining companies and Aboriginal communities. The mining industry sees this long-standing relationship as a critical advantage over other industries which do not have the same depth of experience in creating an inclusive workforce. Experience in working with Aboriginal communities has led to a number of best practice approaches for expanding these relationships. 

Partnership Engagement Strategies
Mining companies and local communities often develop mutually beneficial partnership engagement strategies. These can range from relatively simple Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), generally early in the mining cycle, to more comprehensive Impact and Benefits Agreements (IBAs), once a company has committed to develop a mine.

Preparing Communities for Employment
Community organizations that support training and employment opportunities in Aboriginal communities play an important role in the development and implementation of community-driven engagement strategies. In partnership with the mining industry, best practices in labour force development and employment strategies are formed on the basis of current and projected mining activities, employment demands and associated timeframes.

It is expected that the process for engaging with companies and developing labour market plans will be based on the distinct needs and circumstances of each project. For communities with negotiated agreements, joint strategies and planning is likely already underway. Use the following three-part checklist to mobilize your community for employment in exploration and mining.

Research and Information Gathering
Prior to the development and implementation of human resource strategies, the human resource professional should:

  • develop community approaches to raise awareness about opportunities in mining and associated skills and education requirements;
  • understand human resource commitments, if any, made between the community and the company;
  • identify key companies (and unions) involved and what role they will play;
  • obtain information from employers about their short, medium and long-term skills and employment requirements; and,
  • learn about relevant education and training programs in their region.

Building a Human Resource Strategy
On completion of the research and information gathering, the community organization can now begin to develop its own human resource strategy by:

  • working with mining company Human Resources managers to shape their Aboriginal recruitment and retention strategies (set goals, objectives and key principles);
  • approaching the union (if any) that represents the company's workforce to discuss the impacts a collective agreement could have on the hiring of local employees;
  • creating an inventory of aptitudes and skills of community members, e.g. Prior Learning Assessment Recognition (PLAR) or Test of Workplace Essential Skills (TOWES);
  • leveraging public and private sector resources to create on-the-job training programs tailored to the specific needs of the company and community; and
  • developing plans to help workers make the transition into other opportunities once the project ends.

Implementation and Monitoring
On completion of the human resource strategy the community organization can now:

  • seek the support of community members for the strategy;
  • implement the strategy in collaboration with the mining company with the intent of generating local interest in employment
  • opportunities in mining; and
  • jointly assess the successes and challenges of implementing the strategies/plans and make necessary adjustments.

Guidance for Employment Seekers
Making the Right Career Choice is Important. When choosing a career it is important that a person choose work that he or she finds interesting. The mining sector offers a great variety of interesting career opportunities where one can acquire both transportable skills (to work in other phases of the mine cycle or at other mines) and transferable skills (to work in other sectors). Mining also provides on-the-job training which can lead to opportunities for career advancement. Some people may wish to use their experience in the industry to launch their own business for mine services.

What Aptitudes are Required for a Career in Mining?
Generally speaking the mining industry is looking for people who are:

  • safety consciousness and respectful of others;
  • in good physical and mental condition;
  • enjoy a flexible work schedule and are willing to relocate or work in fly-in remote locations;
  • willing to work as a team member;
  • committed and take pride in their work; and
  • eager to learn on-the-job and transmit their knowledge to others.

Determine if Mining is Right for You
Before embarking on a mining career it is important that you ask the question, "Is mining a proper choice for me?" Fortunately, there are a number of self-assessment tools that can help determine your interests and aptitude for mining-related occupations:

Another great resource you can tap into is your community career practitioner.

Build a Plan for Your Career in Mining
Now that you know you have an aptitude for mining, the following checklist is designed to help find employment in this industry.

Before submitting an application, it is important that you research the mining industry and its potential career opportunities. This can be accomplished by:

  • using the Guide and/or portal (www.aboriginalmining.ca) to gain a greater awareness of the mining process and the typical occupations and employment opportunities in mining;
  • gathering information about mining activities in your area;
  • identifying the mining companies operating in your area and their human resource managers' contact information (e.g. www.nrcan.gc.ca and provincial and territorial mining association websites); and
  • browsing jobs posted in various mining job banks to get an idea of the opportunities available and to learn about minimum employment requirements
  • (e.g. www.pdacjobs.com, www.acareerinmining.ca, www.northernminer.com, http://www.infomine.ca/).

Once you have completed your initial research, ensure that you:

  • contact your local Aboriginal training and employment or education organization to explore opportunities for education, training and employment support
  • are prepared to undertake the required education and/or training;
  • develop your resume, considering your career goals, and covering letter; (assistance in resume and covering letter writing can be found at: www.resumecourier.ca);
  • send your application to the company's human resources manager; and
  • follow up!