- Where can I find information about the mining industry in Canada?
- How do I find out about essential skills training programs?
- What is the difference between a job and a career in the mining industry?
- Where can teachers find support for classroom education and training?
- How might educators find information about cooperative programs and 'hands on' learning opportunities for high school students?
- Where do I go to find out about current job opportunities?
- How does the signing of an MOU or IBA affect employment opportunities?
- Where can Aboriginal organizations apply for additional funding for their skills development and employment programs?
- How should we engage with unions and what impact does a collective agreement have on job opportunities?
- Who are the main employers of people who want a job providing support services to mining companies?
- What are the certification requirements for working in mining?
- What is a 'fly in/fly out' work schedule?
- Where can I access information about apprenticeable trades?
Click here for a Mining Essentials FAQ
Where can I find information about the mining industry in Canada?
There are a number of good sources of information on the mining industry in Canada including the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC), Mining Association of Canada (MAC), the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM), and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan).
The Mining Information Kit for Aboriginal Communities explains the mining cycle, the potential impacts of mining and potential opportunities for Aboriginal Peoples and communities. It identifies several additional resources that provide information on how to get involved in mining. There are also a number of internet resources including governmental and non-governmental sources. See www.mining.ca/www/Links as an example.
How do I find out about essential skills training programs?
Essential skills are increasingly recognized by employment counselors and practitioners as the foundation for living, working and lifelong learning. There are nine primary essential skills including reading text, document use, numeracy, computer use and oral communication.
A number of tools are being used by Aboriginal communities to assess essential skills, including Testing of Workplace Essential Skills (TOWES) and Essential Skills Portfolio (ESPORT). Human Resources and Social Development Canada's Office of Literacy and Essential Skills provides resources for use by individuals and practitioners including an Essential Skills Toolkit: www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/workplaceskills/oles/olesindex_en.shtml.
MiHR, in partnership with the Assembly of First Nations, has developed Mining Essentials: A Work Readiness Training Program for Aboriginal Peoples. This program covers 'work readiness' and essential skills defined as critical by industry for employment. What makes Mining Essentials even more appealing is that the industry approved content is taught through traditional, culturally appropriate methods.
What is the difference between a job and a career in the mining industry?
Essential skills are increasingly recognized by employment counselors and practitioners as the foundation for living, working and lifelong learning. There are nine primary essential skills including reading text, document use, numeracy, computer use and oral communication.
A number of tools are being used by Aboriginal communities to assess essential skills, including Testing of Workplace Essential Skills (TOWES) and Essential Skills Portfolio (ESPORT). Some communities have developed their own workplace training capacities in partnership with industry and learning institutions that include individual and group training. Human Resources and Social Development Canada's Office of Literacy and Essential Skills provides resources for use by individuals and practitioners including an Essential Skills Toolkit: www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/workplaceskills/oles/olesindex_en.shtml.
Where can teachers find support for classroom education and training?
Established in April 1997, Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Mining Matters (PDACMM) is a registered charitable organization dedicated to mineral resource education. Resources that support curriculum are available for junior, intermediate and secondary teachers. Lesson plans and educational resources are also available containing current information about rocks, minerals, metals, and mining that meet earth science and geography curriculum expectations.
Tools available include DVDs and CDs, posters, and information about field trips and rock and mineral clubs for students. PDAC has, through an Aboriginal Outreach program to First Nations communities, visited and provided workshops in several communities in northern Ontario. Tools and resources are available at www.pdac.ca/miningmatters. Some provincial/territorial mining associations have also developed programs or tools. For further information contact the mining association in your province/territory.
How might educators find information about cooperative programs and 'hands on' learning opportunities for high school students?
Learning through practical on-the job-training can help all students who are bound for the workplace by helping them make career decisions and develop the knowledge, practical skills and attitudes that will open doors to mining careers. Cooperative work experience opportunities allow secondary school students to train as apprentices and earn academic credits while attending school.
Local school boards and provincial education departments will provide more information specific to opportunities in their regions. Further information can be accessed through the apprenticeship offices located within each province and territory.
Where do I go to find out about current job opportunities?
In addition to this website, there are three additional websites dedicated to jobs in mining.
These include:
Most mining company websites also have their own job boards where they regularly post job opportunities and job descriptions that are available to the public.
How does the signing of an MOU or IBA affect employment opportunities?
Partnership agreements between Aboriginal communities and mining companies range from the establishment of relatively informal arrangements (e.g. handshake or Memorandum of Understanding) at an early stage of exploration to more formal Impact and Benefit Agreements (IBAs) which are typically entered into between Aboriginal groups and a project proponent seeking development approval.
Each agreement is distinct. However, these agreements generally address a number of issues such as surface access, employment, training and education commitments and provisions for contracting and business opportunities as well as for IBA compensation. Most agreements have provisions for ongoing monitoring and evaluation of employment participation and economic progress. A map indicating where IBAs have been signed between Aboriginal communities and mining companies in Canada is available through NRCan.
Contact NRCan by phone to request these maps.
Where can Aboriginal organizations apply for additional funding for their skills development and employment programs?
There are a number of federal programs aimed at increasing workplace skills development and employment. Some Aboriginal community organizations have accessed resources through Human Resources and Social Development Canada's Workplace Skills Initiative for projects addressing skills shortages in partnership with employers. The Office of Literacy and Essential Skills (HRSDC) provides funding opportunities for skills development and employment projects.
In addition, many provinces have Labour Market Development Agreements or Labour Market Agreements with the federal government. These intergovernmental agreements typically 'earmark' resources for employment supports, and trades and apprenticeship training, particularly for underrepresented groups including Aboriginal Peoples.
How should we engage with unions and what impact does a collective agreement have on job opportunities?
Unions should be contacted early in the training and employment planning process if the worksite of the mine is unionized. Ask the company you are in touch with or inquire at the provincial mining association about which union represents the workers at the project that is being developed near your community. A collective agreement is a legally binding contract between an employer and the union representing the employees, which contains provisions respecting conditions of employment.
It is a good idea that employment counselors in your community get in touch with a union representative in order to understand the impact that the collective agreement will have on the process for entering the mine workforce and the conditions of employment once an individual is employed.
Who are the main employers of people who want a job providing support services to mining companies?
Many Aboriginal-owned businesses exist to provide support services to the mining industry. These are excellent employers for Aboriginal youth wishing to enter an occupation in the support services category as a starting point for a career in mining. An example of such a business is the Athabasca Basin Development Limited Partnership.
There are many support services companies that could provide employment opportunities to trained individuals from Aboriginal communities. For further information on companies that provide support services to the mining industry, contact the provincial mining association nearest you.
What are the certification requirements for working in mining?
Certification depends on the type of employment. There are over 120 occupations in the mining industry. In the professional and technical occupations, employees must meet the requirements of the provincial/territorial jurisdictions in which they work. Similarly, skilled trades require completion of a provincial journeyman apprenticeship program. In contrast, most production-related mining jobs are not certified and do not require prior credentials or training programs. Training is generally provided on the job. For more information and potential career path information go to www.acareerinmining.ca.
What is a 'fly in/fly out' work schedule?
Companies, particularly in remote areas, bring people to and from the mine or exploration site on a rotating schedule. For example, some people may work three weeks at the site and then have two weeks off. The schedule differs from company to company. The company provides transportation, accommodations, food, health care, and some companies provide recreation, counseling, and other services on-site.
Where can I access information about apprenticeable trades?
For a wealth of information on apprenticeable trades and links to provincial/territorial apprenticeship board websites visit www.apprenticetrades.ca.
Mining Essentials FAQ
What are the entrance requirements?
To enter the program as a learner, you must be at least 17 years old, self-identify as Aboriginal (Métis, First Nations, Inuit) and have at least a grade eight level of education or equivalency. Should the industry member involved in the training partnership require a higher level of education as due to their hiring requirements, the training site may decide to increase the level of education required to become a learner for that particular delivery. This will ensure that the graduate truly is 'work ready'. Grade 8 education is the minimum requirement because workplace documents are written at this level, so is the Program curriculum.
What is involved in becoming a trainer?
Training Sites can draw from the growing pool of previously approved and trained Trainers or submit resumes of the trainers they would like to work with to MiHR and the AFN for approval. Each delivery of Mining Essentials requires two trainers. At least one trainer must have industry experience, preferably as a trainer or supervisor, and the other must have a background in adult education/life skills training. At least one of the trainers must self-identify as Aboriginal (Métis, First Nations, Inuit). An ideal trainer team includes trainers with positive attitudes, ability to flex the lessons to meet the diverse needs of the classroom and dedication to the success of each and every learner. All Mining Essentials trainers must attend the Program's Train the Trainer Workshop delivered through MiHR before they can deliver the program. Click here for more information on Mining Essentials Trainers.
What kind of organizations can become training sites?
Colleges, Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS) holders, mining and mineral exploration employers and other local training organizations. However, each Training Site must first submit a Demonstration of Capacity to deliver the Program according to the Mining Essentials Training Standard. A key component of this standard includes a three-way partnership between community, industry and education. Click here for the Training Standard or contact Pascale at MiHR for more information.
How does the partnership with the AFN work?
MiHR and the AFN co-own Mining Essentials: A Work Readiness Training Program for Aboriginal Peoples. The AFN provides cultural guidance and expertise, while MiHR provides industry expertise and performs the daily function of the Program Registrar.
Is there any flexibility in the length of the program?
Yes. The program can be delivered in as few as 10 weeks and as many as 14 weeks. Half to two-thirds of the program is spent on the lessons in the 11 Modules that are conducted in the classroom. The remaining portion of the program is spent on 'enrichment'. See below.
Is the Program adaptable to regional needs?
Yes. One third to one half of the Program is to be spent on what are termed 'enrichment' activities. Enrichment is coordinated at the local between the training partners (industry, community, education). The purpose is to give learners as much exposure to industry as possible (i.e., work placements, industry speakers, site visits) and conduct other activities that increase the learners' work readiness (i.e., certificate training, driver's licenses, career coaching).
Are all Aboriginal cultures reflected in the curriculum?
The Program uses industry examples and traditional approaches to teaching the work readiness skills that industry has identified as critical. It is important to keep this in mind - that cultural stories, examples, symbolism, etc. are used as ways to teach work readiness skills With 100's of unique and complex and Aboriginal cultures in Canada, it would be impossible to do justice to each one. However, training sites are strongly encouraged to incorporate local culture whenever possible, within the classroom and the enrichment components of the program.
What is required in order to graduate from the program?
Learners must:
1. complete all 11 module quizzes and with a 60% average
2. demonstrate 80% of the skills on the Skills Checklist
3. attend 85% of the program
4. develop a career portfolio
Click here for the Training Standard or contact Pascale at MiHR for more information.
How do employers hire graduates?
At least one mining or mineral exploration employer is involved in each delivery of Mining Essentials, giving them the benefit of getting to know the learners throughout the Program and having first access to new hires. Some Training Sites hold Career Fairs after or just prior to graduation where other industry employers can come and meet with the learners or graduates. MiHR provides a listing of Training Sites on our website, so that interested employers can contact these organizations to connect with graduates.
What role do Elders play?
It has been proven through past deliveries of the program that Elders are critical to the success of the Program. Elders provide advice to the Training Site, industry partner(s) and life skills and/or counseling support to learners. They provide wisdom and encouragement for the future.
