The provincial government is providing ongoing support for the BC Centre of Training Excellence in Mining through one-time funding of $125,000.

The B.C. Centre of Training Excellence in Mining is based at Northwest Community College. The centre works with the mining and mineral industries and public post-secondary institutions throughout the province to ensure students receive targeted training that will give them marketable in-demand skills for these industries.

The activities of the BC Centre of Training Excellence in Mining complement the B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint: Re-Engineering Education and Training, which is aligning education and training with in-demand occupations that are critical to the mining sector and other industries.

The B.C. Centre of Training Excellence in Mining was announced November 2012 and launched May 23, 2013, to help provide an improved training experience for students at partner institutions. Additional funds have been provided to public post-secondary partners of the centre for related programming. 

Quotes:

Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson -

“The B.C. Centre of Training Excellence in Mining is a great example of a partnership between industry and our public post-secondary system. The centre is a hub for mine training education that supports diverse, strong and growing economy in B.C.”

Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training Minister and Minister Responsible for Labour Shirley Bond -

“The mining sector in B.C. is poised for growth. Through the B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint, government is working closely with industry and labour to deliver training and apprenticeships for in-demand careers. With a million jobs openings projected in B.C. by 2022 driven by retirements and a growing economy, we need to make sure we connect people with the right skills so they can find their fit in our diverse economy.”

Energy and Mines Minister Bill Bennett -

“With five new mines open since 2011 and over 30 major mine and expansion proposals currently in the environmental assessment and permitting process, the demand for skilled workers continues to grow in the mining sector. This funding will help ensure post-secondary students can develop the skills they need to fill the many mining and mineral exploration jobs this growing industry has to offer."

Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad -

“With a revitalized natural resource economy in the North, this collaboration will provide our students with access to skills training that will equip them with the knowledge required for in-demand and well-paying jobs in B.C.’s mining industry.”

Northwest Community College president Ken Burt -

“Northwest Community College is working hard to educate and train students for careers in mining and other industries. Ongoing government supports for the Centre of Excellence in Mining supports our efforts to deliver a skilled workforce in B.C.”

B.C. Centre of Training Excellence in Mining advisory council chair Dave Lefebure -

“Our partners from the mining industry, post-secondary sector, Aboriginal communities and regions across the province appreciate the Ministry of Advanced Education’s leadership in establishing the B.C. Centre of Training Excellence in Mining and their continued support for our projects. This new funding allows the Centre of Training Excellence in Mining, supported by its host institution Northwest Community College, to build on the successes to date and continue to support innovative training solutions for the mining industry.”

Learn more:

This past year, the centre published a BC Career Pathways Guidebook:
http://www.mineralsed.ca/i/pdf/CTEM-guidebook-2014-July30_sm.pdf  

Media Contacts:

Stacey McGaghey Jones
Ministry of Advanced Education
250 952-6400