Canadian Mining Credentials Program – Certification: Recognizing and Retaining Skills

The latest research report distributed by the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR) estimates that between now and 2020, the industry will need to hire approximately 100,000 workers to support growth in the industry and replace retiring workers. Approximately 20 per cent of these new hires will be required in skilled occupations that have, up until now, lacked a national recognition system; these occupations include production miners, development miners, heavy equipment operators and mill operators. The Canadian Mining Certification Program will change this through the recognition of skills and competencies, worker mobility and the creation of consistent, quality training for the mining and minerals exploration industry in Canada.

This presentation will focus on the complex collaborative effort required to design and develop this program, key observations from the pilot sites, and why the program forms an essential part of the industry strategy to address the looming labour shortage. The credentials program, six years in development, will not only positively impact the dynamics of worker mobility and recognition, but will now form the basis for certifying other unrecognized occupations, as prioritized by industry.