Introduction

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced support for mining skills-training at Northlands College, which will help students acquire the skills they need to fill higher-paying jobs in the rapidly expanding mining industry in Northern Saskatchewan, and ensure that the industry has access to the workers it needs to thrive and grow. He was joined by Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, and Rob Clarke, Member of Parliament for Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River.

The support announced today, which is provided through the Western Diversification Program over three years, will help Northlands College purchase heavy equipment simulators, build a facility to house the simulators, and help create the Northlands College Mine School.

The skills training and resulting job opportunities will contribute to the overall economic development and prosperity of northern and rural communities across Northern Saskatchewan. Northlands College will focus on recruiting northern residents, as well as Aboriginal students from across Saskatchewan, for the new programming being offered. All graduates will be well positioned to find jobs in their new field upon completion of the project. Construction of the new facility to house the simulators is expected to be completed by December 2016.

The Northlands College project was developed in collaboration with the Government of Saskatchewan and will complement existing mining programs in the province, through consultation with the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology and the University of Saskatchewan.

Northlands College provides education and training programs and services to meet the development and employment needs of Saskatchewan’s northern residents, preparing them to participate in the labour market and help industry meet its needs.

Quick Facts

• Finding experienced and skilled mining employees is becoming increasingly difficult while industry demand continues to grow. Almost one in every 16 jobs in Saskatchewan is supplied directly or indirectly by mining. By 2028, this number will rise to one in five jobs.
• The newly purchased simulators will be used to train underground miners at both entry and advanced levels. The simulators will assist in training for the Master Driller program, which requires simulator time, as well as on-the-job skill demonstration for certification.
• The newly created Mine School will include lab facilities which will allow Northlands College to contribute to research initiatives in mining exploration and mine operation in conjunction with the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology and the University of Saskatchewan.

Quotes

“The rapidly expanding mining industry in Northern Saskatchewan is creating increased demand for local skilled workers. Our Government’s investment for Northlands College will help students gain the training they need to access the jobs and prosperity being generated by the industry.”

– Prime Minister Stephen Harper

“Our Government has long been committed to promoting the development of a skilled workforce and helping Canadians get the training they need to benefit from the opportunities available to them and prosper in a rapidly changing world. The support being provided today gives Northlands College the ability to increase and improve its program offerings so that more Northerners can secure good jobs in the rapidly growing mines sector and play an integral part in the development of the northern, provincial and national economy.”

– Prime Minister Stephen Harper

src:news.gc.ca