Timmons, ON — In a significant development for the Canadian mining industry, Northern College’s Haileybury School of Mines has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Timmins-based NPLH Drilling and Taykwa Tagamou Nation (TTN). This collaboration is set to provide a unique, tuition-free opportunity for members of the northern community interested in pursuing careers in mining, with a particular focus on diamond drilling.
The initiative, which is part of Northern College’s commitment to fostering industry-relevant education and training, will see the introduction of the diamond drilling common core basic training program offered free of charge to members of TTN. The program, valued at approximately $4,500 per student, includes comprehensive access to state-of-the-art drilling equipment provided by NPLH Drilling, ensuring participants receive the highest quality hands-on training.
“We are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of talent, providing support and resources for those eager to pursue careers in mining. Our goal is to build a robust, diverse workforce that not only reflects the rich heritage of our communities but also embodies the core values that NPLH Drilling is committed to upholding,” added Dana Blaquiere, CEO, NPLH Drilling “Together, we are paving the way for a brighter future for all.”
Dana Blaquiere, CEO, NPLH Drilling
Dean Lessard, Northern College’s Senior Vice-President of Academics, emphasized the significance of this initiative, noting its dual impact on both individual career advancement and the broader mining industry. “It’s a tremendous opportunity to provide support for individuals to not only meet their career advancement needs within the mining industry, but also to satisfy industry needs for skilled trades at this time,” said Lessard.
Northern College’s Haileybury School of Mines, with its rich legacy of over 100 years in mining education and training, is uniquely positioned to spearhead this initiative. “From a Northern College perspective, we are uniquely positioned. We have 100 years of experience in mining education and training, and we are pleased to be able to support the next generation of mining professionals and to meet the challenges of the sector that lie ahead for us,” Lessard added.
Dean Lessard, Northern College’s Senior Vice-President of Academics
The program, which will kick off this fall, is set to enroll its first cohort of 10 students, all members of TTN. As the partnership unfolds, discussions are already underway to expand the program for a second intake during the winter semester. This expansion reflects the growing demand for skilled labor in the mining sector and the commitment of all partners to address this need.
A key aspect of this partnership is the role TTN plays in selecting candidates for the program. The community is actively involved in screening applicants and determining who will be offered a position in the program. This approach ensures that the selection process is tailored to the specific needs and strengths of the community, empowering TTN to make decisions that best serve its members.
“We at Taykwa Tagamou Nation (TTN) are enthusiastic about strengthening our relationship and fostering active allyship with NPLH Drilling through our Limited Partnership, Takwata NPLH Drilling. We are committed to collaborating with Northern College to develop a comprehensive training program aimed at First Nation individuals who aspire to enter the rewarding fields of drilling and mining,” said Jara Archibald, Employment and Training, Taykwa Tagamou Nation. “This initiative not only provides valuable skills and knowledge but also opens pathways to potential employment opportunities with Takwata NPLH Drilling upon successful program completion.”
Jara Archibald, Employment and Training, Taykwa Tagamou Nation
“Our role is strictly the delivering of the curriculum. The community is deciding who’s going to enter into the program based on the criteria that they’ve set up. They know their community. They’re in the best position to identify the individuals that are best suited to come into these 10 spots for the fall,” Lessard explained.
The collaborative nature of this partnership is one of its most notable features. Lessard highlighted that the partnership is not dominated by any single entity but is a true collaboration where each partner—Northern College, NPLH Drilling, and TTN—has an equal say in the program’s execution. “I think that’s one of the powerful pieces of the partnership, is that it’s not really led by one of the three of us, it really and truly is a collaborative relationship where each partner has a significant say in not only the selection of candidates, but, you know, curriculum delivery and so forth,” he said.
This initiative marks a first for Northern College, as the institution has never before offered a program in this manner. While the college has previously run similar programs sponsored by companies looking to train prospective employees, this is the first time a partnership has been formed directly with a First Nation community and a drilling company. “We’ve offered the program and have had it sponsored by different companies who wanted to put prospective employees through it, but we’ve never had it where we’ve actually partnered with a First Nation community, a drilling company, and ourselves and provided it, in my term anyway,” Lessard remarked.
For individuals interested in applying for the program or seeking further information, inquiries can be directed to [email protected].
This partnership is a beacon of progress for both the mining industry and the communities it serves, highlighting the potential of collaborative efforts in creating educational and career opportunities that align with the needs of the industry and the aspirations of its future workforce.
About Takwata NPLH Drilling
The business arrangement of Takwata NPLH Drilling is a Limited Business Partnership formed between Taykwa Tagamou Nation and NPLH Drilling. This partnership, forged under the leadership of Taykwa Tagamou Nation, Chief Bruce Archibald and NPLH Drilling, CEO, Dana Blaquiere, represents a collaborative effort aimed to foster economic growth economic growth and sustainability within the respective communities.
Takwata NPLH Drilling is a testament to the shared commitment to responsible resource development and Indigenous economic empowerment. Through this partnership, Takwata NPLH Drilling aims to leverage the combined expertise and resources to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the drilling sector while upholding the values of environmental stewardship and cultural preservation. As such, the Limited Business Partnership is fully supported and endorsed by Taykwa Tagamou Nation, ensuring alignment with community interests and priorities.
