Training Pathways

Mapping a rock face at the BCIT-AMEBC field school near Oliver, B.C.

Training in the AMTEP is progressive and designed to build the skills and knowledge needed for employment in the minerals industry at each successive step. The training starts with a two-day community awareness workshop that provides an overview of the minerals industry and the opportunities for Aboriginal people and communities. This progresses to a two-week training course in basic geology, prospecting and mineral exploration. From there students can progress to a fifteen-week BCIT Associate Certificate in mineral exploration and mining, or pursue trades training in a number of different fields. Eventually the training can lead to Mining and Mineral Exploration Technology, Geology or Mining Engineering - or if trades training is chosen, to an apprenticeship and certification as a journeyperson.

As much as possible training will occur in communities or local centres. However, at this time, training at the diploma or degree level is only available in Vancouver or Victoria.

Community Workshops (one to two days)

Students examine core at New Gold Inc's exploration site at the former Afton Mine

These one or two-day workshops are designed to generate interest in the minerals industry by Aboriginal people and other British Columbians that may be followed up with a two-week course in basic geology, prospecting and mineral exploration. It will also enhance the understanding of what the minerals sector is about and the opportunities that reside therein. Most workshops involve a discussion of the geology, exploration potential and mining history surrounding the community and where possible a visit to a geology or exploration site or a mining operation close to the community.

MINE 1001: Basic geology, prospecting and mineral exploration (two-weeks)

Regional Geologist Bruce Madu (to the right with red vest) explains rocks on the north shore of Kamloops Lake

This two-week course is for those who want to pursue the possible opportunities in the minerals industry beyond the community workshop. The first week is basic geology and mineral deposits while the second week focuses on mineral exploration methods and field and prospecting skills. This is an entry-level course with a student-centred instructional style that supports hands-on activities such as lab and field exercises and accommodates students who learn at different rates and with different learning styles. There are no pre-requisites for this course other than an interest to learn and explore opportunities in the minerals industry.

Associate Certificate in Minerals Discovery

Learning to take strike and dip at the BCIT - AMEBC field school near Oliver, B.C.

This is a fifteen-week training program of technical courses related to mineral exploration and mining with supporting courses in areas such as communications. The Program is divided into 5- week modules. Preferred entrance requirements are completion of grade 10 or higher including math 10 and science 10.

Trades Training

BCIT is the province's largest provider of technical and trades-related programs. BCIT's Aboriginal training programs are complemented with cultural, social and academic support designed to improve success rates and to ensure that Aboriginal graduates are equipped with the proper credentials to enter the workforce. In the case of trades, most of these employers will be mining operations.

A key role of the AMTP in trades training will be to customize the training to meet the specific requirements of employers and different Aboriginal groups. For example, the trades training may be integrated with essential skills courses or with courses that provide an overview of the minerals industry.

Academic and Essential Skills Upgrading

Ideally academic upgrading and essential skills will be available to students in the AMTP to ensure their success at all stages in the program. Some of this upgrading and skills development will be integrated into the courses and credentials of this program (e.g. as part of the delivery of the Associate Certificate). In other cases, we will provide guidance or support in obtaining the appropriate upgrading to enter into and succeed at the next level of training. This could include assessment of educational and employment skills using standardized testing.

Technologist and Degree-Level Training

Technologist-level training in mining and mineral exploration is available in BCIT's Mining Technology Diploma Program. The Diploma Program is a nationally accredited, intensive two-year program that prepares students for registration as a professional technologist. Entrance requirements are high school graduation with one of chemistry or physics 11, math 12 and English 12. For more details on this program please see http://www.bcit.ca/mining/.

Degree programs in geology and mining engineering are offered at a number of institutions across BC. Students may enter the degree programs at various points depending on interest and skills. For example, a student may go directly into a degree program out of the entry level or certificate program if the pre-requisites have been obtained.

• UBC Geology
• UBC Mining Engineering
• SFU Geology
• UVic Geology

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