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NORCAT offers training for diamond driller assistants

NORCAT has launched a Surface and Underground Diamond Driller Assistant Common Core program that will train students to work as diamond driller assistants in both surface and underground drilling environments.

NORCAT has launched a Surface and Underground Diamond Driller Assistant Common Core program that will train students to work as diamond driller assistants in both surface and underground drilling environments.

The first intake of the five-week program began August 13th.

The diamond drilling industry is experiencing increased levels of surface and underground exploration work that is forecasted to continue.  With this increased activity, diamond drilling companies are struggling to source trained driller assistants to meet the market demand.

“In launching this training program, NORCAT continues to engage, educate, and strengthen the future mining workforce in order to meet the human capital needs of the global mining industry,” said Don Duval, NORCAT CEO. “The theory and practical experience the trainees will receive in this program will provide the participants with excellent opportunities for securing full-time employment.”

The new program was developed by NORCAT in compliance with the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities to cover the fundamental knowledge and skills required to work as an assistant to a diamond drill operator.

The program combines both theory and practical, hands-on experiential training in an operating mine environment located in Sudbury. Major topics covered include health and safety, environmental protection, use of equipment, and recovery and handling of core samples. The program will also provide a hands-on introduction to new and innovative diamond drilling equipment and technology that is transforming the mining industry.