Mine contractor gains recognition for apprenticeship training programs

This article was provided by the Ontario Mining Association (OMA), an organization that was established in 1920 to represent the mining industry of the province.

Ontario Mining Association member Cementation Canada has gained recognition for promoting skilled trades, showing leadership in teaching apprentices and supporting apprenticeship training programs.  The North Bay based mine contractor was one of four companies recognized for its human resource practices at the annual Ontario Minister’s Awards for Apprenticeship Training.

Cementation Canada was recognized as a top provider of apprenticeships in Northern Ontario.  “The employees involved in the program are committed to advancing their careers as they are all grateful for an opportunity,” said Eric Hodgins, Personnel Manager for Cementation Canada.  “This program benefits both the individual and the company and we appreciate this recognition from the Ontario government.”

The company strives to take positive steps to bring young trades people into the mining sector through a well-developed apprenticeship program.  Cementation Canada has 17 employees involved in the company’s apprenticeship program in the mechanical and electrical fields in Ontario and an additional seven apprentices working on projects in other parts of Canada. 
Along with Cementation Canada, the other 2012 winners of this recognition from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) were Bergeron Electric in Cornwall, Fred Hook Ltd. in Midland and Steelcraft Inc. in Stratford.  MTCU believes employers make important contributions to the success of their business and industries and the overall provincial economy through sponsoring apprenticeship programs.

The value of mineral production in Ontario was $10.7 billion in 2011, $7.7 billion in 2010 and $6.3 billion in 2009.  Ontario’s mining industry is expanding and so is its workforce. 

The Mining Industry Human Resource Council (MiHR) has carried out research that indicates that depending on various growth scenarios, Ontario’s mining industry could need from between about 5,500 and 17,000 new employees by 2018.  A pending skills shortage could be looming.  Mine contractor Cementation Canada is building its own workforce – present and future – through a strong apprenticeship program.

Cementation Canada is an underground mine contracting and engineering company.  From its headquarters in North Bay, is does work across Canada and it manages affiliated mine contracting companies operating in the United States and South America.  The company is part of the global Cementation group with operations around the world, which is owned by South African construction company Murray & Roberts.