Training

Professional Development:   Smithers Exploration Group's annual Rock Talk conference provides updates to the exploration and mining projects important to northern BC.  Rock Talk also provides access to SEG's Rock Room with its classic collection of Cordilleran rock suites. This extensive collection of rock samples is representative of deposits and rock types from across British Columbia, with a focus on the northwest. 

SEG has also developed an online geo-tour of the broader Smithers region that is a self-guided opportunity for visiting geologists to familiarize themselves with the Smithers-Babine Lake-Hazleton region. The relevant rock samples are stored at SEG's Rock Room for viewing and are also available online through Below BC. Thanks to Don MacIntyre for preparing the geo-tour.

MineralsEd:   MineralsEd is an educational organization operating in British Columbia that is dedicated to encouraging and supporting Earth science, mineral resources and mining education in schools. Its main roles are to support teachers in their development of classroom materials related to minerals, mining and geoscience, and to deliver workshops, field trips and other mineral-relevant learning opportunities for teachers and students.  

SEG encourages northwest teachers to take advantage of MineralsEd's materials by making schools aware of what it can offer and covering costs related to the programs.

Centre for Training Excellence in Mining:  The B.C. Centre of Training Excellence in Mining (CTEM) is a province-wide virtual hub that facilitates collaborative and innovative training solutions for the mining industry and B.C. communities. Its mission is to connect industry, students, communities and training providers to meet their respective employment needs by playing a leading role in determining industry skills requirements, facilitating related training and supporting partners. 

Coast Mountain College (CMC) School of Exploration and Mining:  Coast Mountain College (CMC) School of Exploration and Mining operates out of the Smithers campus of Coast Mountain College.  The school has in the past provided a leadership role in training for the minerals industry across northwest BC and parts of Canada, receiving provincial, national and international recognition for its hands-on approach to entry-level training for the minerals industry.  SEG provides industry advice to the college when requested, although it is no longer in partnership with CMC.

This short video at http://vimeo.com/58598851 that gives you a sense of how the School of Exploration and Mining approached training.

Training is funded  in several ways: in partnership with the province of BC or the government of Canada and customized contract training for companies and other training organizations.

The school offers the following programs and courses.

• Workforce Exploration Skills Training
• Drill Core Technician
• Environmental Monitor Assistant Program
• Mining Exploration Field Assistant
• Prospector Basic Training
• Surface Diamond Driller’s Helper
• Introduction to Metal Leaching and Acid Rock Drainage

Also offered at CMC:

• Mobile, Contract, and Campus-based Health and Safety Training (Occupational First Aid, WHMIS, TDG, Bear Awareness, Spill Response, Chainsaw Safety, Helicopter Safety, etc.)
• Heavy Equipment Operator Technician Apprenticeship
• Other Trades Foundation and Apprenticeship Programs
• University Credit – Associate Degrees

Graduates are available for employment. For more information on the school and the services it offers please contact:

Laurie Kallio
SEM Regional Contracts Officer 
lkallio@coastmountaincollege.ca
Direct / Toll free: 1-250.847.4461 Ext. 5877