**NORTHERN COLLEGE NEWS RELEASE**

Northern Training Division is pleased to announce the successful third student induction for its Underground Hard Rock Miner Common Core program in partnership with Goldcorp Porcupine Gold Mines Borden Gold Project.

 

Eight new students have begun the 17 week program aimed at helping to both offer students useful and transferable skills and aid local mining companies in addressing the projected regional employee shortfall of 375 skilled miners by 2031.

 

“The Far Northeast Training Board’s Mining Sector Employment and Hiring Forecast for 2017-2027 very clearly identifies a significant regional skilled miner gap,” said Christine Heavens, Executive Director, Community, Business Development and Employment Services with Northern College.  “With mining sector partners like Goldcorp’s Borden Gold Project, Northern College continues to meet our mandate of developing highly skilled graduates to address this regional need.”

 

Armed with industry specific training and guidance, students will be positioned to succeed within the mining industry and specifically, the Borden Gold Project.

 

“This is the best way to ensure a sustainable operation.  Local people coming from the area will take to heart the respect of environment, they will also have keen interest to ensure the mine is viable for many years,” stated Luc Joncas, Project Manager for Goldcorp Porcupine Gold Mines Borden Gold Project. “Without this training, it would be difficult to bring the same amount of new comers to the industry, Goldcorp alone would have difficulty to train this amount of workers in a safe manner.” 

 

Throughout the past year, Northern Training Division has been hosting intake and information sessions in Chapleau, taking College programming on the road, to a whole new audience of potential students.

 

“I was looking into a new career, just to start anew, just to get myself going,” said Common Core student Wolfgang Burkholder. “Thanks to Northern College for having this course for people in Chapleau who don’t necessarily have the means to start a course, but having people come here and help you through it and do all of it with you, it’s just amazing help and an amazing opportunity for the people of Chapleau.”

 

Thanks to varied financial aid, second career and indigenous support options, students can quickly enroll in this program and take their first step down a new and lucrative career path.

 

“We are aware that without this funding, many participants would be unable to afford the cost of training,” stated Manitoulin Sudbury District Services Board Employment Consultant, Vicki Langelier. “Second career is investing in citizens of our community, allowing them to remain in our community while pursuing training that is typically available in larger centres.”

Northern Training Division is committed to working hand in hand with industry partners to address changing employment climates, contributing to the continued long term economic success of its catchment region.

 

“Our menu of unique Haileybury School of Mines training and education programs support the mining sector and our ability to adapt those programs to meet local community needs continues to garner Northern College an esteemed reputation as a top mine training educator serving the sector,” stated Christine Heavens.

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