Fastest Growing Industries: Mining. A guide for newcomers to British Columbia

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2 Contents 1. Overview of the Mining Industry Occupations in the Mining Sector Hiring Forecast by Region Finding Jobs Additional Resources Overview of the Mining Industry Introduction Mining is one of the fastest growing industries in British Columbia. Mining is also one of the highest paying sectors across Canada. British Columbia has the largest mining sector in Canada with more than 1,200 mineral exploration and mining companies, including 19 mines operating in the province. According to industry experts, the mining industry currently employs over 10,700 people in British Columbia. Industry experts predict that B.C. will need more than 10,000 workers in the mining It is estimated industry during B.C. the will next need 10 more years. than 16,000 workers in the mining industry over the next 10 years. The existing number of new workers won t meet future job demand. Immigrants are seen as a key source of talent as mining companies seek to meet their hiring needs in the years ahead. The industry has responded by developing a number of programs to attract newcomers. These include: initiatives to attract newcomers to remote locations of the province corporate efforts to encourage diversity in the workplace strategies for streamlining foreign-credential recognition Last updated: April 16,

3 One such initiative is the ITA s Immigrants in Trades Training program, which helps you overcome barriers to entering the trades, including jobs in mining. This program can provide you with hands-on experience, financial assistance, safety training, English courses, and career counselling. More information: The Immigrant Employment Council of BC is another organization that is seeking to create job opportunities for new immigrants in the mining sector. One of their funded projects is the creation of a Hiring Assessment Tool for new Canadians in the oil & gas and mining industries. This is a collaborative project between the Northern Lights College and employers in the Oil and Gas and Mining industries. It responds to employers needs to have enough workers to complete major projects in Northern BC over the next twenty years. More information : In order to address the looming shortage of mining workers in Canada, the Federal Government has added new selection criteria for people wishing to immigrate to Canada. If you do not have a job offer, then you must have experience in one of Canada s in-demand industries, which includes mining and oil and gas extraction. More information: Last updated: April 16,

4 For more information on the mining sector see: BC Career Pathways Guidebook: Mining Careers Canadian Mining Industry Employment, Hiring Requirements and Available Talent 10-year Outlook. Mining Industry Human Resources Council Mining Association of British Columbia Mining and Oil & Gas Extraction. WorkBC Last updated: April 16,

5 2. Occupations in the Mining Sector The mining sector is made of up numerous and varied occupations. Each career has its own unique set of experience and training requirements. The majority of mining workers in BC have a university certificate, diploma or degree. However, you can find mining jobs at all skill levels. Some careers are in greater demand than others. Occupations in Highest Demand: In BC the top occupations with the greatest hiring forecasts are: Geologists Mining Engineers Accountants Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanics Electricians (surface) Metallurgical Engineers Millwrights Maintenance Supervisors Chiefs, Managers & Superintendents Mechanical Engineers Mining Supervisors Source: Mining Association of British Columbia The Mining Industry Human Resources Council identifies 66 core occupations within the mining sector. For a list of these occupations, along with projected future demand see: Canadian Mining Industry Employment, Hiring Requirements and Available Talent, 10-Year Outlook: [pages 43-45] Last updated: April 16,

6 You can also use the following tool to find out future demand by job title: MiHR s Employment Forecasting Tool The table below shows the range of jobs within the mining sector: Source: For detailed information on any of the occupations in the mining sector, including job description, educational requirements for working in BC, salary, and more see: WorkBC Career Profiles [search by job title] A Career in Mining. Job Opportunities Last updated: April 16,

7 3. Hiring Forecast by Region According to industry experts, the majority of job openings are in the northern and interior regions of British Columbia. Comparatively few new jobs are in Metro Vancouver (Mainland/South West region). Job prospects are best if you are willing to relocate to other regions of the province. Hiring Forecasts by Region: Region Mining Stone/Sand Exploration Total North Coast ,420 1,580 Nechako ,750 Northeast Cariboo/Vancouver Island 1, ,090 Thompson Okanagan 1, ,650 Mainland/South West Kootnay 6, ,800 All Regions 11,330 1,430 3,890 16,650 Source: Additional information on mining activities in specific regions can be found at: Mining in the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako Smithers Exploration Group [serves mining interests in Northwestern BC] Northern Interior Mining Group Mining in Kamloops. An Industry Snapshot Move Up Prince George Last updated: April 16,

8 4. Finding Jobs Online Job Postings Mining Association of BC Job Board Career Mine Mining Industry Human Resources Council Jobs Northern Miner Jobs Association for Mineral Exploration BC Job Board Creating a List of Potential Employers You can use directories to produce lists of employers in the mining industry in British Columbia. Contact them directly to find out if they re hiring. Canadian Mining Companies. Careers in Mining Northeast BC Coal Mines Mining Suppliers Directory. BC Last updated: April 16,

9 5. Additional Resources Still looking for more information? Try looking at the following resources: Explore for More British Columbia. BC HR Task Force Skills Connect for Immigrants Program Canadian Mining Certification Program Welcome BC. Occupational Guides for Immigrants Northern BC Mining SkillSource Questions? Please ask the Information Staff at the Central Library or telephone Please note that the information in this guide is also available online through the Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre website at Last updated: April 16,