Yukon Mine Training Association

Current YMTA Funded Training Projects

Champagne Aishihik First Nation (CAFN)-Environmental Monitor Training Program

CAFN is planning to conduct a preliminary hydrogeological investigation and follow-up sampling to determine the cause of well contamination in the village of Champagne. As part of this project, they want to train 5 CAFN citizens in water sampling, groundwater flow measurements, environmental investigation and use of field meters and equipment.

Yukon Zinc Summer/Fall 2009 Training Program

This program was delivered out at the Yukon Zinc mine site to provide general and site specific safety training for up to 40 current Yukon Zinc employees. Training in areas such as ATV Safety, WHMIS, TDG, and Confined Spaces took place.

Class 1 Truck Driver Training – Ta’an Kwach’an Council (TTC)

YMTA funded an TTC member in partnership with TTC to obtain a Class 1 Driver’s licence in the 7-day training program offered by Mile 918.

KPMA Placer Mining Safety Program – Phase 2

Continuation of Phase 1 which involved development of a safety manual for the placer mine industry. Phase 2 involved promoting acceptance and integration of safety procedures into the operation of placer mine industry. This will be accomplished through the following:

1. Orientation of KPMA head office staff to Phase 1 safety manual.
2. Development of a web-based safety manual
3. Introduction of safety initiative to mine owners
4. Development of a site visit program to promote CHOICES program
5. Development of placer specific safety training courses.
6. Creation/ maintenance of a web-based training library
7. Develop a safety pocket book
8. Complete an audit of a minimum of 5 placer operations using a National Construction Safety Officer to evaluate the program’s effectiveness based on National standards.

Selkirk First Nation- Exploration Training Project

SFN is providing training to 8 SFN citizens for skilled labour employment positions in the mineral exploration services industry and 2 of the 8 will go on to training in the industrial diamond drilling sector. All trainees will get First Aid and Prospecting training before moving on to camp building, line cutting, and soil sampling, They will also learn how to work as geological assistants and helpers. Two trainees will be selected to continue training as diamond driller helpers.

Field Course in Environmental Management and Cultural Awareness – Ross River Dena Council

This is a 21-day field course designed to give 14 northern youth an appreciation and some technical skills to participate in environmental management and monitoring. It will include both a scientific and cultural perspective on environmental management. The following topics will be discussed, from both a scientific and cultural perspective, with the focus on the knowledge and technical skills relevant to environmental management:

• Environmental assessment and the Yukon land and resource regulatory process.
• Overview of the physical environment – geological history, landforms and drainage – why is this important and how does it influence the biology of the area?
• A look at the Cultural history – traditional land and resource use.
• The Aquatic environment – wetlands, benthic organisms, and fish.
• Plants – ethno-botany, key herbivore foods, and other special plants.
• A study of some of the significant terrestrial mammals – special characteristics, habitats, movement patterns, relationships with other organisms, and cultural significance.

General Office Assistant Program – Yukon College, Dawson

The General Office Assistant program is a 9-month, full-time program that prepares 10 graduates for positions in the office administration field as office assistants. Training is provided in communications, administrative procedures, computer applications, and accounting. The program includes a 4-week work practicum.

Northern Freegold- Exploration Field Assistant Training

One member of LSCFN is has been hired as a trainee to work and assist geologists in the field with Northern Freegold and Bushmasters. The trainee will learn skills such as navigation and map reading, operating a GPS, rock identification, sample collection techniques and data cataloguing.

Western Copper- Field Assistant Training

Western Copper and Casselman Geological has trained and hired 2 Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation (LSCFN) citizens as field assistants for this summer’s field season. They have been trained in a variety of mineral exploration duties, including line cutting, geophysical field assistants, camp maintenance and construction, safety practices, and reclamation so that they may attain the skills necessary for future employment.

Western Copper/Northern Freegold-Project Awareness

Western Copper and Northern Freegold is providing instruction for up to 12 students that include both in-class and on-site training in the areas of geology, mineralization of the region, and advanced exploration techniques. Students will acquire prospecting skills involving field techniques, data collection, and interpretation and reporting. Students will learn about the key considerations of a mineral project from an economic, environmental and permitting perspective.

Mill Operator Common Core and Frontline Supervisor Training Modules - Phase 3

The generic milling common core modules have now been assembled for Mill Operators and drafts of Front Line Supervisor training manuals have been developed in the following content areas:

1. MANAGING WORK AREA ACTIVITIES
2. FOLLOW HEALTH & SAFETY PROGRAM
3. PRACTICE EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
4. MANAGE EMPLOYEES
5. PREPARE FOR EMERGENCIES

Heavy Equipment Operator Service Maintenance and Operations

Yukon College has been contracted to modify and up-date existing curriculum as well as developing new content for an HEO Service Maintenance and Operations course for Yukon.

Yukon Training and Funding Database

YMTA is working with the Training Policy Committee on the development of a database that tracks qualified trainers and training providers that can be used in YMTA funded projects and contains a listing of all trainers in and serving Yukon. The funding component of the database connects those interested in other sources of funding with funders in order to promote partnerships in increase access to funding programs.

Selkirk First Nation- Selkirk Youth in Mining

Summer job placements for 8 youth, ages 16-21 out at Minto mines. Each student is paired with a mentor in an area of the mine the student is interested in. The students are exposed to various career opportunities in the mining industry. The students will also be provided with life skills training as well as career counselling. Students will be scheduled for academic counselling sessions with Yukon College to assist them in exploring post secondary options in their areas of interest.

Employment Training Officer Professional Development Training

Yukon College has been contracted in consultation with First Nations Governments to develop a curriculum based on the YMTA Aboriginal Liaison Officer Occupational Standards that can be used to train Employment & Training Officers (ETO).

Underground Mine Training Program

YMTA is funding an underground mine training program in partnership with Liard First Nation Development Corp (LFNDC) and North American Tungsten. 8 Liard First Nation (LFN) and Ross River Dena Council (RRDC) members are being trained to become underground miners at North American Tungsten’s Cantung Mine.