Industry Growth & Challenges   The Strategy   2007/08 Programs and Initiatives   Job Strategy 2007/08 One Pager (PDF)

A skilled workforce is an essential part of any prosperous sector, and B.C.’s mining and exploration industry is facing considerable demand for skilled labourers that is expected to rise even further in the coming years. In response to the training and recruitment needs of this expanding sector, the Province is supporting several programs and initiatives as part of B.C. Mining Job Strategy 2007/08.
 

Industry Growth & Challenges

Right now, many mineral exploration and mining industry workers are over the age of 50, which means that they will be eligible for retirement within the next fifteen years. New workers will be required to fill the gaps that these retirements will create.   The fact that the mining and exploration sector is growing at a phenomenal rate—a trend which is expected to continue for at least the next few years—intensifies industry’s need for skilled workers.

Challenges in recruitment and retention include the following:   Competition among all B.C. industries for skilled labour.   Awareness and perception of the mineral exploration and mining industry.   Maintaining a stable and skilled workforce in rural locations.   A need for improved information about, and access to, training opportunities for rural and First Nations communities.

The Strategy The strategy to overcome these challenges involves the joint efforts of industry, education and training institutions, First Nations, communities and government to

Collaborate on human resources development solutions for the mineral exploration and mining sector;   Promote the industry as a safe, modern, environmentally friendly and technologically advanced career option;   Strengthen existing partnerships and create new relationships between First Nations, rural communities, industry and government to provide mining-related skill, employment and development opportunities; and   Provide training and skills enhancement opportunities for British Columbians.

2007/08 Programs and Initiatives

The Ministry is directly involved in a number of programs designed to connect British Columbians with job opportunities in this province's booming mineral exploration and mining industry.
 

Aboriginal Minerals Training and Employment Program (AMTEP)   A multiyear integrated training and employment program aimed at increasing the participation of Aboriginal people in the mineral exploration and mining industry. This initiative is a partnership between the British Columbia Institute of Technology, the Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia, the Mining Association of British Columbia and the Province.   B.C. Exploration and Mining Sector Labour Shortage Task Force
	Formerly known as the Mining Education Network and the Mining Sector Council, this initiative is a collaborative partnership between industry, labour, First Nations and the federal and provincial governments to coordinate education, skills development and employment opportunities across British Columbia. The Task Force has commissioned a labour-market study to identify training and skills gaps in the B.C. exploration and mining industry.
	Keep an Open Mine! Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Recruitment Strategy   Skills shortages are an issue not only in industry, but in government as well, which is why a campaign has been undertaken to promote careers in the Ministry throughout 2007.
	Northwest Community College School of Exploration and Mining   A partnership between Smithers Exploration Group, Northwest Community College and the Province that develops and delivers courses, programs and training in various areas of mining and exploration.
	Reclamation and Prospecting (RAP) Program   Provides participants with skills development, field training and experience in mineral prospecting and environmental reclamation. (Formerly known as PET—Prospector & Environmental Teams.)

Last Updated March 25, 2008