VICTORIA - Employment opportunities in the mining sector are expected to grow over the next decade, with more than 10,000 job openings expected by 2020. The industry will need skilled workers in several key occupations, including machinery and transportation equipment mechanics, primary production workers and vehicle drivers.

Here's how the government is supporting skills training in the mining sector: 

• A $1.9-billion investment in 2012-13 to support educational programs in British Columbia's post-secondary system. Institutions across B.C. work with provincial industries to ensure that students have access to programs at all levels, whether their career choices require trades certification or a professional degree. 
• More than $1 million to support the Mineral Exploration and Mining Industry Labour Shortage Task Force, which co-ordinates, develops and implements measures to ensure the mining industry in B.C. has the human resources needed to support growth and sustainability in the sector. This three-year project, funded through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA), has a strong focus on youth, women, Aboriginal peoples and immigrants. 
• Nearly $2.2 million for mining-related Employment Skills Access (ESA) programs, which provide eligible British Columbians with tuition-free, group-based training at public post-secondary institutions to prepare them for entry or re-entry into the workforce. ESA is funded through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement (LMA). Recent ESA mining programs include: 
• Underground Mining - a four-month program at North Island College that delivers occupational skills and training in underground mining that will help address identified labour shortages and skills gaps across the mining sector. 
• Heavy Equipment Operator - a 12-week course at Northern Lights College that follows the Industry Training Authority's (ITA) curriculum for Heavy Equipment Operator Civil and Mining. Upon completion, trainees are eligible to enter the ITA apprenticeship program. 
• Mining Fundamentals - a 12-week program in Northern B.C. that provides training to prepare participants for entry-level positions in surface-mine operation, including haul-truck driving and other areas of operations, such as working in the coal plant, warehouse or as part of a blast crew. 
• A $498,400 Labour Market Sector Solutions (LMSS) program investment through the BC Aboriginal Mine Training Association in the Kootenays to assess participants' abilities, develop training plans, and provide foundational courses in underground mining. The LMSS is also funded through the Canada-British Columbia LMA. 
• A $500,000 LMSS program investment through the Pacific Trails Pipeline Aboriginal Skills and Employment Program (PTP ASEP) Training Society to provide skills training to First Nations people who were previously unemployed or underemployed. Participants receive skills and training that are directly applicable to job opportunities within the mining sector. 
• A partnership with the United Steelworkers Union (USW) to pilot new skills training for its members in northern B.C., with a focus in the areas of forestry and mining. Government is investing $2.9 million in this 18-month Northern Skills Training Pilot under the Canada-British Columbia LMA. 

The Canada-British Columbia LMA funds programs and services for people who are low-skilled and for individuals who are not eligible for Employment Insurance. As a direct result of federal LMA funding, thousands of British Columbians are receiving training that will advance their careers, assist in securing new employment and ultimately improve the social and economic outcomes of individuals in B.C. and Canada. The current agreement will expire on March 31, 2014 and B.C. is preparing to enter discussions with the federal government to renew this important agreement and ensure the province has the skilled workforce required to support long-term labour market needs and economic growth. 

Quick Links:

Mining HR Taskforce:  http://www.acareerinminingbc.ca/

Pacific Trails Pipeline Aboriginal Skills and Employment Program Training Society: http://www.ptpasep.ca/

Association for Mineral Exploration BC: http://www.amebc.ca

BC Aboriginal Mine Training Association: ttp://www.bcamta.ca/

Mining Association of BC: http://www.mining.bc.ca/education-training

Industry Training Authority:  http://www.itabc.ca/

WorkBC skills training programs: http://www.workbc.ca/Education-Training/Programs/Pages/Employment-Programs.aspx

Opportunities at post-secondary institutions: http://www.gov.bc.ca/aeit/

Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement information: http://www.jtst.gov.bc.ca/labourmarketagreement/

Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training
250 356-8177