Who the Partners Are

Tahltan Nation Development Corporation (TNDC) has partnered with the Tahltan Central Government (TCG), Government of British Columbia and several Industry Partners (Newcrest Mining Limited, Fining, Centre of Training Excellence in Mining, Mining Industry HR Council, Contact North BC, Thompson Rivers University, and SkilledTradesBC), to create a multi-faceted capacity development program in Tahltan Territory.

What the Program Addresses

Drivers’ License

Our drivers’ license program is focused on setting individuals on a pathway to self-sufficiency, safety and employment. A class 5 drivers’ license is a requirement for most industry positions and is also an enabler for safe travel between communities, and access to health care and other services outside an individuals’ primary community.

Individuals are supported with in-territory classroom instruction for their learners’ licenses (class 7L, class 4, class 3, airbrakes, and class 1) and in-vehicle instruction (class 7N, class 5, class 4, and class 3). Individuals that pass their class 1 learners permit and meet the program criteria, will be assisted with participate in the MELT program with a driving school outside Tahltan Territory.

Developing new heavy equipment operators

The Tahltan Heavy Equipment Operator Training Program will address an industry problem, by combining equipment training in Tahltan Territory with on-the-job practical operating work experience and camp life experience. In addition to building capacity within the Tahltan community, the training program will integrate Tahltan regional and traditional knowledge on local projects while tapping into senior Tahltan operators. 

Level 1 participants will experience five (5) weeks on site at Newcrest Red Chris mine, completing Mining Industry HR Council Common Competencies and SkilledTradesBC curriculum towards both mining and construction operator certifications. Participants will also receive approximately 140 hours of combined seat time in a packer and articulated haul truck, working one-on-one with mentors the entire time. Participants that successfully complete the program, and pass the TNDC Verification of Competencies, will be offered an apprenticeship role for the season with one of the industry partners.

Level 2 participants, having at least one (1) seasons’ operating experience and one (1) seasons’ experience working on an active mine site, along with a strong safety record, will experience five (5) weeks on site at Newcrest Red Chris mine. Participants will complete a safety refresher and equipment theory and then will receive approximately 100 hours of seat time in each of a loader and a dozer, working one-on-one with mentors the entire time. Participants that successfully complete the program, and pass the TNDC Verification of Competencies, will be offered an apprenticeship role for the season with one of the industry partners.

Building capacity and sustainability

Current Tahltan heavy equipment operators are the foundation of the work that we will do developing new heavy equipment operators. Through our mentor team, we can provide one-on-one training situations on site, which increases the safety for everyone, and also provides cultural familiarity and support.

The mentor program provides current heavy equipment operators with training through the Mining Industry HR Council. The Industry Trainer and Workplace Assessor courses help mentors learn how to engage with adult learners, how to recognize what a competency is, and if someone is meeting it or not. It also provides a pathway to certification to become Workplace Assessors on site and eventually a Site Trainer and Instructor.

Our goal is to build internal Tahltan resources to be filling the roles of Workplace Assessors, Site Trainers and overall Program Instructors.

Support during the programs

• Drivers’ License programs – all costs of the instruction, in-vehicle and first attempt at the learners permit exam costs are covered by the program. Participants are responsible for the road test costs.

• HEO Development program – all travel, accommodation, instruction, and exam costs are covered by the program. Participants are provided with up to $400 to purchase required PPE and work wear. Participants also receive $100 honoraria per day during the program, which is considered taxable income.

• HEO Mentor program – all training and costs associated with training are covered by the program. Mentors that are actively engaged in training on site also receive an hourly wage top-up.

Geography and Operation

Tahltan Territory, located in remote northwest British Columbia, is home to approximately 70% of B.C.’s resource rich Golden Triangle, including two of the 10 operating metal mines in BC (Red Chris and Brucejack). Tahltan Territory is also home to approximately 14% of Canada’s exploration expenditures, approximately 3% of the global exploration budget, approximately $295 million of mineral exploration expenditure, and $1.05 billion of total projected mining production values. Demand for skilled, experienced, and certified HEOs will continue to grow in the decades to come.