For more information on courses please call the School of Exploration & Mining Employment Advisor & Industry Liaison at 1.877.277.2288 Ext. 5831

Drill Core Technician Basic Training 
Smithers, March 15 - 20, 2012
This course provides graduates with the practical skills required to observe, measure and record information from diamond drill core. Upon graduation, students will know how to process and safely handle core boxes, how to operate and maintain a core-splitter, and the correct procedures for handling samples.

Surface Diamond Driller's Helper 
Smithers, April 11 - 23, 2012
Smithers, April 15 - 27, 2012
This program combines safety training with hands-on experience with an operating drill and diamond drilling equipment.  Students will learn the basic drill maintenance skills required for new driller's helpers to prepare for entry-level employment in the drilling industry.

Prospector Basic Training 
Smithers, May 25 - 30, 2012
This six-day course is for people interested in prospecting for fun and profit. The course provides the basic information required to become a successful prospector and may also be of interest to the amateur rock hound.

Mining Exploration Field Assistant (MEFA)
Smithers, June 20 - 27, 2012 
The Mining Exploration Field Assistant course is taught outdoors in a remote tent camp. The course develops students' field skills such as GPS, sampling and grid layout. Safety training covers a variety of topics including helicopter safety, bear awareness, and wilderness survival.

Introduction to Metal Leaching & Acid Rock Drainage (ML/ARD)
Smithers, August 27 - 31, 2012
Designed as a professional development course for individuals working in industry and with goernment agencies, this course provides a practical understanding of metal leaching and acid rock drainage, the major environmental and reclamation challenges faced by the mining industry. ML/ARD is a multi-disciplinary subject involving a large number of processes, each with demanding information requirements.

Internship Program
Ganokwa Camp near Smithers
May 1 - June 19, 2012; June 28 - August 16, 2012; August 29 - Oct 17, 2012
No cost to eligible participants
Internship opportunities are available for eligible participants who demonstrate an interest and an aptitude for the positions:   Camp Maintenance Interns, Camp Kitchen Interns, and Cultural Crafts Intern. Funding provided through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement.

Workforce Exploration Skills Training (WEST) 
Ganokwa Camp near Smithers
May 1 - June 19, 2012; June 28 - August 16, 2012; August 29 - Oct 17, 2012
No cost to eligible participants
Join WEST to learn what it takes to be employed in the growing exploration and mining industry in this 7-week bush camp training program. Enhance your skills and explore a new career with hands-on training delivered in a remote bush camp where you will learn employable skills for exploration, mining, and other resource industries. Funding provided through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement.

Environmental Monitor Assistant Program (EMAP) 
Available on contract
Tailored to the needs of Northern BC, this eight-week training program prepares students for entry-level fieldwork with a focus on environmental monitoring. Based in a remote tent camp similar to those used in industry, the program features hands-on training delivered by industry-experienced instructors.

Environmental Monitoring Pre-Employment Program 
Available on contract
In the mining industry there are currently a large number of potential mines in northern BC that are at the advanced stages of exploration and will require an Environmental Assessment and base-line environmental studies prior to receiving permits to proceed with mine development.

Camp Operations  
Available on contract
The Camp Operations program combines the practical and technical skills training necessary to build and maintain temporary camps that are used in remote work sites in industries such as exploration, forestry, and guide outfitting. Training consists of classroom learning and hands-on field experience where students work together to safely and efficiently build and maintain a fully operational camp.

Northwest Community College's Workforce Training & Continuing Studies (WTCS) and Trades departments also offers the following exploration & mining industry-related training.

• 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
• Univerity Credit - Associate Degrees

Course dates may vary and new courses are added throughout the year. For the most up-to-date information, call the School of Exploration & Mining at NWCC Smithers Campus.