Confederation college program offers intro to mining.

• Position: IN BRIEF

For years, Confederation has been indirectly supplying graduates to the mining industry.

Drillers, line cutters, civil engineers, welders, pilots, accountants and IT specialists from the Thunder Bay campus have been finding their way into operational and supportive roles in the industry.

With a flurry of exploration activity in the northwest, the Thunder Bay college wants to formalize the relationship. The shortage of skilled labour in the mining industry has been well documented, so Confederation is introducing a one-year mining certificate program in September to expose people to the vast opportunities in the industry.

The curriculum include courses in basic geology, surveying, computer aided drafting, mathematics and other mine-specific courses. There will be fieldwork opportunities working alongside geologists in core sampling, mapping and prospecting. The technician's program is part of a larger three-way agreement signed in April between Confederation, Cambrian and Northern College to encourage students to consider industry careers.

Confederation graduates can transfer into...