HEO FAQ

The Tahltan Nation Heavy Equipment Operator Program is a three-year pilot program developed to help Tahltans and Tahltan Associates living inside and outside Tahltan Territory to obtain the skills and experience to operate heavy equipment within the mining and exploration industry. The program combines equipment training in Tahltan Territory with on-the-job practical operating work experience and camp life exposure.

Yes. By accepting a position in the program, you are committing to all aspects of the program, which includes:

a) Start at Level 1 to ensure you learn a proper foundation for the safe, operation of equipment and site standard operating procedure/protocols and safety culture of an operating mine site

b) Complete all online requirements

c) Participate in the full 6 week program onsite at the Red Chris Mine

d) If you successfully complete 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

a) A class 5 license in good standing

b) An ability to pass a drug and alcohol test

c) A desire to learn

d) Read and agree to a TNDC Heavy Equipment Operator Training Letter of Expectations, which outlines acceptable and non acceptable behaviour on site

e) You must be 21 years old to participate, unless you are currently working at a mine site

Participants of the Tahltan HEO Training Program will receive $100 per day. If you complete training with a Verification of Competency (VOC) you will be given job placement and receive a rate of pay according to your job position.

You will be provided a hard hat, high-visibility vest, gloves and safety glasses when you get to site.

You are required to have steel toe boots (CSA approved and at least 6” in height) and 2 pairs of rugged work pants. If you do not currently have these, we will reimburse you up to $400 for the purchase of them. Do not purchase these until you have been notified that you passed your drug and alcohol test, as you will not be reimbursed if you did not pass.

We recommend you bring your own appropriate outdoor work wear (winter, spring, summer), backpack and water bottle.

Yes. This program is only open to Tahltans and Tahltan associates.

However, if you are a current Indigenous TNDC employee, and a position opens up in the Level 1 Tahltan HEO Program, there may be an opportunity for you to participate.

Participating in the Tahltan HEO Training Program, including completing the on-the-job training and work placement for the summer season, will require you to work at a mine camp for 12 hour days on a 2-week rotation (14 days on/14 days off).

If you determine you do not like camp life or that it will not work for your family, please speak with the HEO Program Manager after your first stay about the challenges you are facing, to see if there is something we can address or change.

If a solution cannot be found and you decide you cannot work in a camp, you will need to withdraw from the program.   

We understand that personal and family challenges can come up. Before deciding to drop out, we ask that you speak with the Program Coordinator to see if there is a way that we can assist you to resolve your problem, and can still participate in the program.

If you decide that you do not like operating heavy equipment, please speak with the Program Manager to discuss your experiences. There may be something that we can address or change.

Questions about the Tahltan HEO Training Program can be directed to: heoprogram@tndc.ca

Questions about the Drivers’ Licence Training Program can be directed to: dlprodrivingschool@gmail.com

There will be a maximum of 6 participants in the Level 1 Program.

If you are having trouble with the online learning, reach out to: heoprogram@tndc.ca

If you are having trouble with any of the learning at camp, we have counsellors on site you can speak with by appointment.

The program is run at the Red Chris mine site. Transportation to and from the site are provided through Newmont, the mine operator. Bus transportation is provided to/from the highway entrance and the Dease Lake Airport.

If you live in Tahltan Territory, you will need to provide your own transportation to/from either of these locations. Charter flights are available to/from Dease Lake to several cities in BC for participants living outside Tahltan Territory (should seats in the program be available).

Yes. The program is open to Tahltans and Tahltan associates living inside and outside Tahltan Territory. However, with a limited number of seats available, preference will be given to those living in Territory.