Meeting the Skills Shortage in Northern Saskatchewan’s Mining Industry
La Ronge, Saskatchewan
30 July 2014
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced support for mining skills-training at Northlands College, which will help students acquire the skills they need to fill higher-paying jobs in the rapidly expanding mining industry in Northern Saskatchewan, and ensure that the industry has access to the workers it needs to thrive and grow. He was joined by Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, and Rob Clarke, Member of Parliament for Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River.
The support announced today, which is provided through the Western Diversification Program over three years, will help Northlands College purchase heavy equipment simulators, build a facility to house the simulators, and help create the Northlands College Mine School.
The skills training and resulting job opportunities will contribute to the overall economic development and prosperity of northern and rural communities across Northern Saskatchewan. Northlands College will focus on recruiting northern residents, as well as Aboriginal students from across Saskatchewan, for the new programming being offered. All graduates will be well positioned to find jobs in their new field upon completion of the project. Construction of the new facility to house the simulators is expected to be completed by December 2016.
The Northlands College project was developed in collaboration with the Government of Saskatchewan and will complement existing mining programs in the province, through consultation with the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology and the University of Saskatchewan.
Northlands College provides education and training programs and services to meet the development and employment needs of Saskatchewan’s northern residents, preparing them to participate in the labour market and help industry meet its needs.
