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Growing diamond drilling demand spurs new NORCAT program

Sudbury-based training facility launches surface and underground diamond driller assistant common core program
NORCAT building
NORCAT announced it is launching a new program to train surface and underground diamond drilling assistants to meet increased demand. Karen McKinley photo

A new program is being launched a NORCAT to meet growing demand in the diamond drilling industry.

The Sudbury-based training facility announced the launch of the Surface and Underground Diamond Driller Assistant Common Core Program that will train students to work as diamond driller assistants in both surface and underground drilling environments.

The first intake of the five-week Surface and Underground Diamond Driller Assistant Common Core program is scheduled to begin Aug. 13.

“In launching this training program, NORCAT continues to engage, educate, and strengthen the future mining work force in order to meet the human capital needs of the global mining industry,” says CEO Don Duval.

The program combines both theory and practical, hands-on experiential training in an operating mine environment located in the City of Greater Sudbury.

Major topics covered include the latest in health and safety, environmental protection, use of equipment, and recovery and handling of core samples. In addition, the program will also provide a hands-on introduction to new and innovative diamond drilling equipment and technology that is transforming the mining industry.

“The theory and practical experience the trainees will receive in this program provides the participants with excellent opportunities in securing full-time employment in the mining and exploration fields,” Duval said.

With this increased activity, diamond drilling companies are struggling to source trained driller assistants to meet the market demand, grow their businesses, and ultimately create well-paying and sustainable jobs.

The new program was developed by NORCAT in compliance with the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities to cover the fundamental knowledge and skills required to work as an assistant to a surface or underground diamond drill operator.