The Tahltan Nation Heavy Equipment Operator Program is a three-year pilot program developed to help Tahltans and Tahltan Associates living inside and outside Tahltan Territory to obtain the skills and experience to operate heavy equipment within the mining and exploration industry. The program combines equipment training in Tahltan Territory with on-the-job practical operating work experience and camp life exposure.

Yes. By accepting a position in the program, you are committing to all aspects of the program, which includes:

* Pass a pre-employment drug & alcohol test

* Complete any pre-program online requirements

* Participate in the full 5 weeks onsite at the Newcrest Red Chris Mine

· A class 5 license in good standing

· An ability to pass a drug and alcohol test

· A desire to learn

You will receive a $100 honoraria per day that you are a trainee.

Once you start your industry job placement you will be signed on as an employee with that company and will receive a full entry level apprentice wage and associated benefits.

We can provide you with up to $400 to get steel toe boots, appropriate outdoor work wear (winter, spring, summer wear), a backpack and a water bottle. You will be provided with a hard hat, high-visibility vest, and safety glasses when you get to Red Chris.

Yes. This program is only open to Tahltans and Tahltan associates.

 If you determine that you do not like camp life, or that it will not work for your family, after the Camp Life Orientation week, you are welcome to stay in the program and work with the Program Manager to identify an industry placement opportunity that does not require camp work.

You will still have to complete the four weeks of HEO Program training at camp. Please speak with the Program Coordinator about any challenges you are facing, and we will do our best to find temporary support to help you manage through the two rotations at camp in order to complete the training program.

We understand that personal and family challenges can come up. Before deciding to drop out, we ask that you work with the Program Coordinator to see if there is a way that we can assist you to resolve your problem, and can still participate in the program.

If you decide that you do not like operating heavy equipment, please speak with the Program Manager to discuss your experiences. There may be something that we can address or change.

You can pick up a Tahltan Nation HEO Program application at the Contact North BC office(s) in Dease Lake, Iskut and Telegraph Creek. For questions or more information, you can contact Contact North BC by phone 250-771-3077.

There will be a maximum of 10 participants in the Level 1 program and 8 participants in the Level 2 program.

If you are having trouble with the online learning, you can speak with the Contact North BC team to get assistance.

If you find you are having trouble with any of the in camp learning, you can speak with the Program Manager at any time for support.

The program is run at the Newcrest Red Chris Mine site. We will assist you with transportation between your home location and the mine site.

Yes. The program is open to Tahltans and Tahltan associates living inside and outside Tahltan Territory. However, with a limited number of seats available, preference will be given to those living in Territory.