Made in the North Solutions

Non-renewable resource development is the driving force of the NWT's economy but there is a lack of trained and readily available northern workers to meet the labour market demands. Until recently, the NWT did not have the facilities or equipment to offer the necessary education and training to Northern residents.

New technology and facilities in the NWT offer Northerners access to training at home. Two projects, funded in part by INAC through it Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) initiative, provide a made-in-the-North solution to help meet the current and future labour needs of the territory.

INAC partnered with the Aurora College, the GNWT and the diamond mines to purchase four underground mining training simulators. INAC invested $799,200 in the simulators (a stationary one located in Yellowknife and three portable models that can be brought into communities) which will give students a very realistic, hands-on learning experience. Computerized programs lead the participant through a series of job-related manoeuvres, using modern tools and equipment similar to those that the operator would perform on the job, in a safe and controlled environment.

INAC also invested $400,000 in a mobile trades training unit based out of Inuvik and which will travel to communities in the Beaufort-Delta region. The GNWT, the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, the Gwich'in Tribal Council and industry also contributed to this facility.

The 55 foot long trailer is a portable classroom that has a training area of approximately 1000 square feet. It can accommodate 12 students and is set up to teach welding, electrical, automotive, plumbing/pipefitting, mechanics, carpentry and if required, millwright.

“These facilities will increase the participation rate of community members in trade related programs,” says Robert Ward, Co-ordinator, Industrial and Mine Training, Aurora College. “Having the training come to them gives residents in more remote communities the opportunity to develop the skills they need to increase their employment options.”

These two projects are the result of governments, Aboriginal organizations, educational institutions and industry working together to bring creative, relevant and practical training solutions to the NWT.