Skills and Training

What do I need?

Working in the mining industry requires many different skills. These skills are acquired through a combination of education, training and work experience.

Certain jobs in mining provide training on the job from day one, and many require qualifications, certifications or university courses in a discipline related to mining. Education and training can help career seekers get their foot in the door and obtain an entry-level position, or it can help them to advance their career and attain a higher position.

Making the most of your international education and experience

The mining industry offers over 120 different careers with a wide range of entry requirements. For some careers, you can get started by following on-the-job training by the employer, while others require specific education, training and work experience.

Many people come to Canada with international education, training and work experience and it can be difficult for employers to determine where they fit in the Canadian workplace. When you prepare your resume and apply for a position, make sure to provide detailed information on what you will bring to the job. It is essential that you describe your knowledge, skills and experience in detail.

Why should you have your education evaluated?

It is important that you understand how your education compares to Canadian education. As a new Canadian, you need to have your education evaluated to:

1. Communicate your knowledge, skills and experience with Canadian employers
2. Obtain certification, licensing, or registration in a regulated career
3. Become accepted into an educational institution or program

Be sure to discuss your individual needs with a credential evaluation agency so they can provide you with the best service or refer you elsewhere.

Identify what education is relevant for your career

Depending on the type of work you wish to pursue, you may need a credential evaluation to have your education and training compared to education in Canada.

Generally, three types of education may be relevant for your career in mining:

• High school graduation (for example: diploma or certificate) 
• Skilled trades, vocational or college education (for example: certificates, diplomas) 
• University education (for example: degrees)

Have your education evaluated

The evaluation process of international education and training is well defined. It is often easier to start the process in your home country because you may need to supply original documents or officially sealed envelopes.

The education evaluation process

1. Complete your application with the credential evaluation agency
2. Review the document requirements for your application
3. Have your documents translated into English or French (Note: translation must be completed by your school, college, university or by a certified translator)
4. Provide your original documents to the credential evaluation agency
5. Receive and review your report
6. If you are not satisfied with your evaluation, you may want to ask for more information or a second opinion

If you do not have formal education or you cannot provide proof of training and education, consider applying for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) to determine whether your skills and knowledge are equivalent.

The skilled trades training evaluation process

Some careers in mining require training and certification in skilled trades. The apprenticeship and certification authorities in the province or territory you plan to work in will evaluate your international skilled trade certificate or related training.

Here is how the process usually works:

1) Gather the documents required by the apprenticeship and certification authorities in the province or territory you plan to work in. These include:

• Application forms,
• Employer declaration forms,
• Employer letters,
• Letters of reference,
• Trade and work experience verification forms, or
• Skills checklists

2) Provide information to the apprenticeship and certification authorities in the province or territory you plan to work in

3) The information you provide is verified with employers and journeypersons to confirm your work hours, scope of work and level of competency at your trade.

For some regulated trades, you will have to undergo a practical assessment, such as a skills demonstration. The evaluation process is thorough because Canadian provinces and territories need to ensure that internationally trained tradespeople have the required trade time, scope of trade experience and overall competency required to work safely and effectively in the mining industry. Some trade credentials are accepted across Canada. The most common credential is called the Red Seal, and is recognized across Canada. Tradespeople who hold this credential are eligible to work anywhere in Canada. If you meet the Red Seal examination requirements, you may be eligible to write its examination.

If you do not have a high school diploma or your diploma is not recognized

Some careers in mining require a high school diploma (grade 11 or 12). If you do not have your certificate or your certificate is found to be “not equivalent”, you can get your diploma in other ways.

One way to get your high school equivalency is by registering to take General Educational Development (GED) tests. The GED tests cover five different subject areas and you must pass all five tests to get your GED certification.

Another way is to turn life experience into academic credit by applying for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). Some provinces and territories use PLAR to assess your relevant knowledge and experience so credits can be assigned toward your high school diploma.

Describe your work experience

The mining industry offers a variety of different careers. Some are entry-level careers that can lead to jobs with more responsibility and higher compensation. Other careers have strict regulations and requirements that you must meet in order to be considered.

Document your education, achievements and experience

If you want to work in an unregulated job, it is helpful to write a summary of your education, achievements and experience. Here are some activities to help you get started:

• Describe the tasks you carried out in your previous employment
• Describe the skills and knowledge you used at work
• Get reference letters from supervisors, colleagues and other respected individuals you worked closely with
• Show work samples (if possible)
• Offer to complete a short assignment to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to the employer

Become a licensed Engineer

To work in a regulated engineering career, you must meet specific provincial or territorial requirements and obtain your Professional Engineering Credentials (P.ENG.). These requirements are often called, “entry to practice competence”. In general, the criteria to become licensed include:

• Education: You hold a degree from an accepted (accredited) undergraduate program, or you have equivalent qualifications.
• Work Experience: You fulfill the work experience requirements in the province or territory where you are applying for a license.
• Professionalism and Ethics: You pass an ethics exam, which tests your knowledge of related laws, professional standards, ethical standards and other topics. Good Character: You demonstrate good character.
• Good Character: You demonstrate good character.