Group prepares for mine work
Doug Ashbury
Northern News Services
Fort Resolution (Dec 11/00) - When Stanley Beck heard about a welding course that would likely lead to a job at Diavik mine, he jumped at it.
Beck is one of 15 people who recently completed a six-week aluminum welding trades course delivered in Lutsel K'e.
He said the work schedule at the diamond mine will allow him to continue trapping and life on the land.
"It fits perfectly. I couldn't ask for a better situation," said Beck, who is from Fort Resolution.
Beck, who hopes to get work mine soon, wants to raise his science skills to get into an apprenticeship program.
Nine of the 15 graduates were from Lutsel'Ke, four from Fort Resolution and two live in Yellowknife but are members of the Lutsel K'e band. Four of the 15 graduates will be heading to Edmonton to work with a Diavik contractor.
Sean Willy, Diavik's workforce development co-ordinator, said the graduates all should be working for the company next year if they want.
Willy is in charge of building a database of Northern workers. The database is up to 900 names, and Willy recently returned from Fort Smith where he interviewed 90 people.
The construction of the mine at Lac de Gras is expected to be in full swing next year.
Willy said there will be 800 to 1,000 workers on site.
Diavik diamond mine investors are expected to give the go-ahead for the $1.3 billion mine soon.
"This program is designed for next year (when we will) need lots of welding and infrastructure work," Willy adds.
More training
Band councillor Raymond Marlowe is among the Lutsel K'e residents who took the course.
"This is the first time we've had a course in Lutsel K'e," said Marlowe, adding he would like to go for more training.
"The main goal is to work at the mine," he said.
Welding teacher Doug Phillips said the group did well considering most had never touched a welding rod before.
Besides welding training, adult educator John Lapp provided additional instruction in the classroom.
The latest trades course was the third one held in the NWT.
A welding course and a carpentry course were already offered in Rae-Edzo. Several community-based courses are scheduled for the Dogrib communities and Inuvik.
Course participants from Fort Resolution include: Stanley Beck, James Sanderson Jr., Larry Beaulieu and Harry Rymer.
Lutsel K'e band members who completed the course include: Raymond Marlowe, Gabe Enzoe, Michael Sanderson, Joseph Catholique, Dwayne Catholique, Jessie Catholique, Alvin Catholique, Aaron Catholique, Paul Catholique, Ron Fatte and Fred Nitah.
