Northern College has partnered with NPLH Drilling to deliver a fully funded mining site training program to members of the Taykwa Tagamou Nation (TTN) in northeastern Ontario.
The project aims to develop a new skilled workforce, focusing on Indigenous peoples, women, and youth, trained to work in surface and underground drilling environments, Northern College said in a press release this week.
The program — “Diamond Drilling Common Core – Basic Training” — is free of charge, designed to prepare students for in-demand careers while providing inclusive opportunities for those wishing to work in the mining industry.
According to Northern College’s website, tuition for the program would normally cost $4,500. The college currently has four campuses spread across northeastern Ontario, including Timmins.
“Finding innovative approaches to education is one of the main commitments of Northern College. We are proud to offer flexible training opportunities that will prepare a newly skilled workforce to meet market demand,” Dean Lessard, SVP, Academic of Northern College said in the statement.
“The theory and practical experience the trainees will receive in this program, will provide participants with excellent opportunities to secure full-time employment in the mining industry,” he said.
“We are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of talent, providing support and resources for those eager to pursue careers in mining. Our goal is to build a robust, diverse workforce that not only reflects the rich heritage of our communities but also embodies the core values that NPLH Drilling is committed to upholding,” added Dana Blaquiere, CEO of NPLH Drilling.
By collaborating with TTN and NPLH Drilling, the program aims to extend these opportunities to First Nation individuals, fostering both skill development and potential career pathways in the drilling and mining sectors.
The courses will begin as early as fall 2024. To learn more or apply, click here.
