Meeting the training needs of the mining industry now and into the future – Aurora College
Polytechnic universities across Canada – many of which have had their roots as community colleges – are all about providing training and research to meet the needs of industry and stakeholder groups.
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fter an extensive review to determine how to best position Aurora College for the rapidly evolving landscape of adult and post-secondary education and training, the decision was made to transform into a modern polytechnic university that is responsive to the changes in local, regional, and national labour market demands. In October 2020, the four main areas of specialization and teaching for the new polytechnic university were announced, and included Earth Resources and Environmental Management. Much of the training and research in this area of specialization will focus on the needs of the mining and resourcebased industries, and will continue to prepare graduates for all phases of the mining life cycle: from exploration through development and production to reclamation.
48 Mining North of 60 | 2021
Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) programs train students on various pieces of heavy equipment pertinent to mining and other industries.
Polytechnic universities across Canada – many of which have had their roots as community colleges – are all about providing training and research to meet the needs of industry and stakeholder groups. Programs will be largely driven by the needs of the NWT labour market. Mining continues to be an important segment of the NWT’s economy; Aurora College will continue to engage with industry to ensure that their needs are met in training qualified and prepared employees and to determine where, if, and how the new polytechnic university can meet their needs. Mining programs at other Canadian institutions, such as drilling, blasting, mine development, and reclamation may be adopted or adapted. Currently, the college’s Centre for Mine and Industry Training (CMIT) in Fort Smith offers a variety of programs, including: GeoScience Field Assistant (five weeks), Introduction
to the Mining Industry (four weeks), Surface Miner, Underground Miner and Mineral Processing Operator training (12 weeks). Through partnerships with NWT’s diamond mines and the Mine Training Society, paid work experience components are part of full mine training programs. Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) programs train students on various pieces of heavy equipment pertinent to mining and other industries. Aurora College also delivers the Northern Leadership Development Program in partnership with the mining industry and other NWT employers. During the current pandemic, Aurora College has adapted the majority of its programs to comply with public health and safety regulations while students continue to receive high-quality training. The polytechnic university will also afford industry the opportunity to
