November 21, 2014
New Program Trains 10 Sagkeeeng Residents As Diamond Driller Helpers, Opening Doors To New Careers In Mining Industry: Ministers
A new Manitoba government program will train 10 individuals from the Sagkeeng First Nation as diamond driller helpers (level one), opening the door to good jobs and a rewarding career in the mining industry, Jobs and the Economy Minister Kevin Chief and Mineral Resources Minister Dave Chomiak announced today.
“This skill set is in high demand and graduates from this program will be able to apply their new skills to entry level employment as driller helpers, both in Manitoba and across Canada,” said Minister Chief.
“This program will open doors to opportunities in other industries, such as oil and gas, water and sewer, and communications sectors,” said Minister Chomiak. “The new program will help meet the demand for skilled labour in the mining sector and also maximize the participation of Aboriginal people in the mining industry.”
Participants who complete the training program will receive a diploma as a diamond driller helper – level one; certifications in first aid and CPR, workplace hazardous materials information system (WHMIS) and boat safety; and training in resume writing, job search techniques and job interview skills.
It is expected that 70 per cent of participants who finish the program will find related employment upon completion of the training, the minister said, adding ongoing supports will be provided to help graduates transition to employment.
“Sagkeeng First Nation would like to thank our partners – Manitoba Mineral Resources, Manitoba Jobs and the Economy, Rodren Drilling and Mustang Minerals for helping make this program a reality. This is an example of what partnerships can do when we collaborate and work together to create career opportunities for community members,” said Chief Derrick Henderson and Donovan Fontaine, a member of the minister’s Mining Advisory Council.
The program will run from Nov. 2014 to March 2015.
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