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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. Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) programs train students on various pieces of heavy equipment pertinent to mining and other industries.
After 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. 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
The most significant benefit of a polytechnic university to the mining industry will be the provision of highly-qualified individuals for a variety of roles.
engage in applied research. This applied research – in partnership with a program at the polytechnic university – would be undertaken to address an identified need the mining industry currently faces, either with respect to production, innovation, and/or efficiencies. Research partnerships allow a mining company (or industry organization) the opportunity to apply for federal grants. The new polytechnic university will facilitate industry-driven research innovation and excellence.
The most significant benefit of a polytechnic university to the mining industry will be the provision of highly-qualified individuals for a variety of roles. Graduates in areas of leadership and innovation, business administration, accounting, office administration, human resources, environmental/natural resources monitoring and management, skilled trades and apprenticeships, and technology programs related to the mining industry are just some of the employment-ready individuals Aurora College and the new polytechnic university will continue to produce. 8
Aurora College programming prepares graduates for all phases of the mining life cycle including exploration, development, production, and mine reclamation
For more information on our programs or to apply online:
www.auroracollege.nt.ca Email: info@auroracollege.nt.ca
