The HEO Program
Who the Partners Are
Tahltan Nation Development Corporation (TNDC) has partnered with the Tahltan Central Government (TCG), Government of British Columbia and several Industry Partners (Newmont, Finning, Centre of Training Excellence in Mining (CTEM), Mining Industry HR Council, Thompson Rivers University, and SkilledTradesBC), to create a multi-faceted capacity development program in Tahltan Territory.
What the Program Addresses
Drivers’ License
Our drivers’ license program is focused on setting individuals on a pathway to self-sufficiency, safety and employment. A class 5 drivers’ license is a requirement for most industry positions and is also an enabler for safe travel between communities, and access to health care and other services outside an individuals’ primary community.
Individuals are supported with in-territory classroom instruction for their learners’ licenses (class 7L, class 4, class 3, airbrakes, and class 1) and in-vehicle instruction (class 7N, class 5, class 4, and class 3). Individuals that pass their class 1 learners permit and meet the program criteria, will be assisted with participate in the MELT program with a driving school outside Tahltan Territory.
Developing new Heavy Equipment Operators
The Tahltan Heavy Equipment Operator Training Program will address an industry problem, by combining equipment training in Tahltan Territory with on-the-job practical operating work experience and camp life experience. In addition to building capacity within the Tahltan community, the training program will integrate Tahltan regional and traditional knowledge on local projects while tapping into senior Tahltan operators.
How the HEO Program Works
All HEO Program Participants start at Level 1
Upon successful completion of the training in Level 1, you will be offered a position for that construction season and have the opportunity to progress into the Level 2 HEO Program. Upon successful completion of the training in Level 1, you will be offered a position for that construction season and have the opportunity to progress into the Level 2 HEO Program. Upon successful completion of the training in Level 2, you will be offered a position for that construction season and have the opportunity to progress to Level 3.
Level 1 Participants: will experience six (6) weeks on site at Red Chris Mine, completing Mining Industry HR Council Common Competencies and SkilledTradesBC curriculum towards both mining and construction operator certifications. Participants will also receive approximately 120 hours of combined seat time in a packer and articulated haul truck, working one-on-one with mentors the entire time. Participants that successfully complete the program, and pass the TNDC Verification of Competencies, will be offered an apprenticeship role for the season with one of the industry partners.
Level 2 Participants: will experience six (6) weeks on site at Red Chris Mine in Level 2. Participants will complete a safety refresher and equipment theory and then receive approximately 60 hrs on a loader and 60 hrs on a dozer, working directly with mentors the entire time. After completion of Level 2, participants will be offered a position for that construction season and have the opportunity to progress to Level 3.
Level 3 Participants: will experience six (6) weeks on site at Red Chris Mine in Level 3. Participants will complete a safety refresher and equipment theory and then receive 60 hours on an Excavator working one-on-one with mentors the entire time. After completion of Level 3, participants will return to their previous position.
Building Capacity and Sustainability
Current Tahltan heavy equipment operators are the foundation of the work that we will do developing new heavy equipment operators. Through our mentor team, we can provide one-on-one training situations on site, which increases the safety for everyone, and also provides cultural familiarity and support.
The mentor program provides current heavy equipment operators with training through the Mining Industry HR Council. The Industry Trainer and Workplace Assessor courses help mentors learn how to engage with adult learners, how to recognize what a competency is, and if someone is meeting it or not. It also provides a pathway to certification to become Workplace Assessors on site and eventually a Site Trainer and Instructor.
Our goal is to build internal Tahltan resources to be filling the roles of Workplace Assessors, Site Trainers and overall Program Instructors.
Support During the Programs
Drivers’ License programs – all costs of the instruction, in-vehicle and first attempt at the learners permit exam costs are covered by the program. Participants are responsible for the road test costs.
HEO Development program – all travel, accommodation, instruction, and exam costs are covered by the program. Participants are provided up to $400 to purchase required steel toe boots and 2 pairs of rugged work pants (if you do not currently have these). Tahltan HEO Training Program participants also receive $100 honoraria per day during the program, which is considered taxable income.
HEO Mentor program – all training and costs associated with training are covered by the program. Mentors that are actively engaged in training on site also receive an hourly wage top-up.
Geography and Operation
Tahltan Territory, located in remote northwest British Columbia, is home to approximately 70% of B.C.’s resource rich Golden Triangle, including two of the 10 operating metal mines in BC (Red Chris and Brucejack). Tahltan Territory is also home to approximately 14% of Canada’s exploration expenditures, approximately 3% of the global exploration budget, approximately $295 million of mineral exploration expenditure, and $1.05 billion of total projected mining production values. Demand for skilled, experienced, and certified HEOs will continue to grow in the decades to come.
TNDC Mobile Training Centre
The TNDC Mobile Training Centre is an innovative training facility, established in collaboration with Finning Canada. The 44-foot trailer is equipped with cutting-edge simulators designed to provide comprehensive Heavy Equipment training. It houses four simulators, each with its own unique operator training program including articulated trucks, dozers and loaders, excavators, and another program in development. The simulators offer learners a safe, virtual environment to develop their skills in operating Cat equipment. Based at the Red Chris mine within the Tahltan Territory, the centre has the flexibility to relocate to other sites as needed. Its primary objective is to support the Tahltan HEO Training Program.