by Derek Neary
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jan 09/98) - Eleven of 15 graduates from Aurora College's Geotech Training Program will be employed by Diavik Diamond Mines, some of whom were scheduled to begin work today.

Their primary duty will be to analyse core samples at the drilling sites, according to Steve Nitah, community liaison officer for Diavik. The company sponsored the program in conjunction with Aurora College, and recognized the need for local technicians.

"We decided to follow a policy of hiring Northern people ... predominantly aboriginal people," Nitah said. "We got (Aurora) College involved for their expertise in the teaching aspects of it."

John Tees, an instructor with the program, said the students received an introduction to camp life by training on site. He added that emphasis was placed on health and safety concerns -- from proper dress and equipment to appropriate conduct.

"When you're out on the barrens like that, make sure somebody knows where you are at all times. Always go out in twos," Tees offered as an example of the advice imparted to the trainees.

Each graduate also received certificates for first aid, WHMIS, supervisory level 1 and geotechnical core logging.

Brian Borgford, manager of corporate programs and continuing education at Aurora College, said Diavik was instrumental in backing the three-week program, which ran through November and December.

Among the graduates of the course were Yellowknife residents Mike Morin, Vince Halushka, Roland Conrad and John Wilfladt.