THUNDER BAY – Mining The North Superior Workforce Planning Board has launched Reality Blast, a new website designed to offer a realistic resource tool to allow prospective workers to find ways to engage with the mining careers in the region.
The NSWPB has worked with community partners to find ways to make this project work.
The website went live today – Madge Richardson, the Executive Director of the NSWPB outlined the website, and how it is an interactive site that will be constantly upgraded.
There is a print option on the website, so it is easy to keep information as well.
It is a great tool for individuals who are looking for work in the mining sector.
“Where do I work now?”.
Understanding which mines are open, which jobs are coming up.
Presenting the mining company brand and opportunities was seen as a key for the companies to get their message out. Employers saw it as a very good tool.
“Making informed decisions is key”, stated NSWPB Business Co-Chair Frank Pullia.
“High school students, starting to think about a career in mining now have a good resource to start their planning,” added Pullia. “Having an online portfolio will help”.
Individual pathways plans for students which can be shared with parents offers synergy.
The tool does not go into the particulars on each mine site job offering.
Determining career pathways using Internet sites are increasingly seen as key so that youth can find the information they need.
Which mines have hiring preferences was seen as important by the employment agencies.
The Reality Blast is designed to assist prospective workers in seeing which jobs paths are open at the mine operations.
The website offers insight into what the mine offers to employees in terms of travel times, facilities at the mine sites, and direct links to all of the mine operations.
There are also links to the needed website that prospective employees can visit to gain specific information from service providers in Thunder Bay.
From an industry perspective this offers a way to allow mining companies to get their information out. Adding to the understanding and assist prospective employees find employment is seen as key.
One of the goals is reducing out-migration.
Mining employment is a complex issue.
Right now most of the mining companies, especially in the Ring of Fire in Northwestern Ontario are still in the environmental assessment stage.
The site includes current operation mines, and mines currently under way toward development.
The Reality Blast will provide opportunities for youth, prospective employees and mining companies to connect.
