Nearly 230 students from Collège Boréal's Timmins and Sudbury campuses took part in training funded by the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network.
To address the shortage of workers in the mining sector while contributing to the development of a fast-growing economic sector, Collège Boréal is multiplying training opportunities designed to strengthen its students' integration into the workforce. In collaboration with NORCAT and NSS Canada, 226 Collège Boréal students benefited from a series of workshops and specialized courses focusing on the use of cutting-edge technologies in real-life mining conditions.
NORCAT's contribution included the use of its equipment and visits to its underground training centre, as well as basic confined space training recognized by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. NSS Canada's contribution also gave participants access to state-of-the-art technologies such as the new Leica Nova MS60 MultiStation 3D scanning total station, the Nexys modular mapping drone from Exyn Technologies, and MOSS, the real-time Miner Operated Survey System.
Funded by the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), this training program addresses the need for experts in this forward-looking field. It showcases career opportunities related to or associated with the critical minerals sector. This sector involves many trades essential to the automotive industry, especially in the context of electric vehicles. It has mobilized students in civil and mining engineering, heavy equipment and automotive repair, carpentry, plumbing, truck and bus mechanics, electrical and electronics, welding, prospecting, and mining exploration.
Quotes
"I love that no matter what trade you studied, there is a job for you in the mines. As a welder, I can definitely see myself working underground."
Danelle Leclair - 1st Year Student, Welding Technician Program, Collège Boréal
"I loved being able to see all the technology involved in the construction of a mine. Everything is new and innovative. I thought mines were a dangerous place to work, but I felt very safe!"
Wilfried Gakou Chendjou - 2nd Year Student, Construction Engineering Technician - Civil and Mining, Collège Boréal
"As a professor, it was an incredible experience to watch my students go through this. The knowledge they acquired today will undoubtedly expand their futures and job prospects."
Christian Fortin - Professor and Coordinator, Mechanical Millwright Technician Program, Collège Boréal
"This was an amazing opportunity, and we were so very happy to be part of the education provided to Collège Boréal students."
Greg Major - Director, Underground Centre, NORCAT
Quick facts
- By using NORCAT's facilities, Collège Boréal students were able to take advantage of the world's only regional innovation centre with an operating mine designed to allow start-ups and international companies alike to develop and test innovative and emerging technologies in a real mining environment.
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