COLLEGE OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC
CNA, Vale partner to support careers in mining

College of the North Atlantic (CNA) has partnered with Vale Newfoundland and Labrador to create an alternate pathway for those interested in pursuing a career in the mining industry.

One of the underground mines at Vale's Voisey's Bay site. Contributed photo by Vale.
 

Home to one of the largest nickel deposits in the world, Vale's Voisey's Bay mine has been producing nickel from an open-pit since 2005 and is currently ramping up hiring for the underground mine expansion. The transition to underground involves the development of two underground mines - Reid Brook and Eastern Deeps. The ability to mine and process ore from underground will continue to generate local employment for many years to come.

The college's Office of Customized and Continuous Learning (CCL) specializes in providing specific training to meet industry needs, helping job seekers stay competitive and successful. In this case, CNA will be providing an alternate pathway for potential entry-level applicants to Vale so they can meet employment eligibility criteria.

Applicants, who do not have the traditional minimum Grade 10 education requirements for a particular job, can now complete the TOWES (Test of Workplace Essential Skills) assessments to assess their eligibility.

"The company is aware there is a pool of qualified candidates out there who would like the opportunity to start a career in the mining industry, but many, while they may be highly skilled, are screened out because they don't meet specific credentials," said Judy Dobson, CNA's Director of CCL. "With the introduction of this additional screening tool, the goal is to reduce barriers that have been preventing potential job seekers from gaining meaningful employment in this field."

Jobs, such as Mine Operators, Mill Operators, Maintenance Assistants, Job Readiness Trainees, and Underground Trainees, are just a few of the entry levels positions at Voisey's Bay.

Underground mining employees at Vale's Voisey's Bay site in Labrador. Contributed photo by Vale.
 

"We recognize that people come from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and learning," said John O'Shaughnessy, General Manager, Labrador Operations. "We all can't gain entry points into the workforce exactly the same way, and we are very pleased to have worked with CNA to develop a more flexible pathway for employment at our mine site."

Voisey's Bay mine is a fly-in/fly-out operation located on the traditional lands of two Indigenous groups - the Nunatsiavut Inuit and the Labrador Innu Nation. Indigenous participation is a hallmark of the Voisey's Bay operations.

CNA's initial offering of these assessments (the first being on Wednesday, May 18) will be held at four sites throughout the province: Corner Brook, Gander, Happy Valley-Goose Bay and St. John's, and will be expanded to Labrador coastal communities, as need warrants.

More information about the schedule can be seen and assessment preparation can be found HERE or by contacting the following campuses: Happy Valley-Goose Bay, 709-896-6300; Prince Philip Drive in St. John's, 709-758-7284; Corner Brook, 709-637-8530; and, Gander, 709-651-4802.

An aerial view of the Voisey's Bay site in Labrador. Contributed photo by Vale.
 

To learn more about CNA, visit: www.cna.nl.ca.

Career opportunities at Vale can be found at: www.valejobs.ca.