Careers in mining are varied and there are several ways to get started in the industry. Some jobs begin with on-the-job training, while others require specific education, training and work experience. Find out where you can get started, based on your skills and interests.
Partners
Women in Mining Canada is a national not-for-profit organization which aims to educate, elevate and empower women in the Canadian mining industry. to achieve this goal, Women in Mining Canada provides tools and resources to raise awareness of diversity and inclusion in the industry, provides a national platform to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of women in the industry, and provide opportunities for women to succeed.
Green Jobs
MiHR’s Green Jobs Program helps job-ready youth gain mining work experience by providing 20 paid placements that focus on clean technology and innovation, and provide an environmental benefit to Canada.
Labour
Mines depend on their labour forces on the ground floor. A high school education is essential to get started, but if you do not have formal education there are other ways to earn those credentials. For example, a General Educational Development (GED) test can get you a Grade 12 diploma equivalent or the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) will determine whether your skills and knowledge are directly transferable.
In some provinces, like British Columbia, the Centre of Training Excellence in Mining (CTEM) offers an off-site, on-site program called Underground Miner Training program. In partnership with municipalities, industry and post-secondary institutions, CTEM provides practical knowledge and experience for site-specific needs, provincial regulations and national standards.
Skilled Trades
The mining industry depends on the work of skilled tradespeople like mechanics, electricians and welders, so earning a diploma or certificate from a skilled trades or vocational college is a great way to get started in mining. There are also opportunities to get on-the-job training, both before and after earning a diploma.
If you are new to Canada, you’ll need to document your international education and describe your work experiences. Whether you are applying through a credential evaluation agency or having the employer evaluate your skills, you’ll need to get to know the process intimately to move ahead. For more information on this process, visit MiHR’s Skills and Training site for newcomers to Canada.
Science & Engineering
The mining industry has many specialist careers in the fields of science and engineering. Most of these start with a post-secondary diploma or degree, such as earning a college diploma as a Civil Engineering Technician or a university degree as a Mining Engineer. To work in a regulated engineering career, for example, you must also meet specific provincial or territorial requirements and obtain your Professional Engineering Credentials (P.Eng.).
If you are interested in engineering schools, see this list of accredited programs in Canada from Engineers Canada.
Again, if you are new to Canada, you’ll need to document and describe your work experiences for an international education evaluation.
Management
Management roles in the mining industry depend on the knowledge and experienced gained from years of working in the industry and from the leadership experience gained from leading teams. Check out the Interactive Career Quiz at https://www.miningneedsyou.ca/interactive-quiz/ to see the different pathways that lead to management roles.
