Students enrolled in mining-related programs at three community colleges in Northern Ontario will have more options for transferring from one institution to another, following the recent conclusion of a transfer agreement.
The announcement comes at a peak time in the minerals sector, as studies predict the industry will create almost 90,000 jobs over the next 20 years.
The agreement is designed to provide maximum educational opportunities for students, as well as address the demand for skilled workers in the mining industry.
On top of taking advantage of the courses being offered in classrooms at all three institutions, students will have the opportunity to take online mining courses through Haileybury School of Mines.
“Northern College is pleased to share the expertise of the Haileybury School of Mines and looks forward to establishing pathways to even more programs offered by our sister colleges,” said Northern College president Michael Hill.
Haileybury, as one of the oldest mining schools in Canada, Confederation, with its large student population, and Cambrian, with its depth of programming, each brings a unique advantage to students, Barnard said.
“With the current levels of mining activity we are enjoying in Ontario, it is essential that we have a qualified workforce to supply the industry with the talent it needs,” said Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines.
“This agreement will help ensure that the mining industry will have access to that workforce now and into the future.”
With multiple access points and pathways, students at all three colleges will have more programs to choose from.
“This announcement will enhance the robustness of our enrolment,” said Barnard. “By collaborating on an education continuum, we are ensuring broader access to a career in this vital industry.”
All three colleges are part of The Federated School of Mines, a collective of post secondary institutions in Northern Ontario that also includes Laurentian University and College Boreal. The Federated School of Mines’ mission is to attract people to the North, strengthen communities through access to education and training, encourage learners to stay in Northern Ontario and assist the industry in meeting its educational and human resource needs.
