Job Strategy 2007/08

Ensuring a Skilled Workforce for Mineral Exploration and Mining in British Columbia

A skilled workforce is an essential part of any prosperous sector, and B.C.’s mining and exploration industry is facing considerable demand for skilled labourers that is expected to rise even further in the coming years. In response to the training and recruitment needs of this expanding sector, the Province is supporting several programs and initiatives as part of B.C. Mining Job Strategy 2007/08.

The Strategy

The strategy to overcome these challenges involves the joint efforts of industry, education and training institutions, First Nations, communities and government to

• Collaborate on human resources development solutions for the mineral exploration and mining sector;
  
• Promote the industry as a safe, modern, environmentally friendly and technologically advanced career option;
  
• Strengthen existing partnerships and create new relationships between First Nations, rural communities, industry and government to provide mining-related skill, employment and development opportunities; and
  

• Provide training and skills enhancement opportunities for British Columbians.

2007/08 Programs & Initiatives

This year, the Ministry is pleased to be directly involved in a number of programs designed to connect British Columbians with job opportunities in this province's booming mineral exploration and mining industry.  Some of these initiatives are brand new while others are already enjoying ongoing success.

Aboriginal Minerals Training and Employment Initiative

A multiyear integrated training and employment program aimed at increasing the participation of Aboriginal people in the mineral exploration and mining industry. This initiative is a partnership between the British Columbia Institute of Technology and the Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia and is supported by the Mining Association of British Columbia and the Province.

Exploration and Mining Education and Skills Development Program

This program is a provincewide expansion of Northwest Community College’s successful pilot project, which was first delivered in northwestern B.C. in 2005. Participants receive training in bush safety, prospecting skills, exploration techniques and first aid in field camps across the province. At this time, the Exploration and Mining Education and Skills Development Program's main component is the Mining Exploration Field Assistant Program.

	Mining Education Network A collaborative partnership between communities, First Nations, educational institutions, industry and government to coordinate education, skills development and employment opportunities across British Columbia. In 2007, the Mining Education Network plans to expand into a Mining Sector Council.
	Mining Rocks: Career and Job Opportunities Tour 2006   Coordinated by Ministry staff and held around the province in conjunction with communities, educational institutions and industry, this series of career and job fairs is designed to raise awareness about employment opportunities in B.C. mineral exploration and mining.
	Northwest Community College School of Exploration and Mining   A program designed to deliver basic skills training in mining and exploration to rural and First Nations communities. This initiative is a partnership between Smithers Exploration Group, Northwest Community College and the Province.
	Reclamation And Prospecting (RAP) Teams   A program that provides participants with skills development, field training and experience in mineral prospecting and environmental reclamation. (Formerly known as Prospecting & Environmental Teams.)