Rankin Inlet (Sep 24/03) - New mining courses being offered by Nunavut Arctic College in partnership with Kivalliq Partners in Development will ensure locals are not left in the dark if the Meadowbank mine opens in Baker Lake.

"The community has been asking for years to get ready for Meadowbank mine that may be opening in Baker Lake," said Laura Kowmuk, CEO of Kivalliq Partners in Development.

"The courses mean that there will be people from the community who will be trained and they will be able to participate in the new economy."

Up to 15 people can be take their trades entrance exam through this new program.

Level of competency

"They'll find out what level of competency they have. We talked about A,B, C,D levels," said Kowmuk. "The greater competency they have, the better chance they have to, say, get into plumbing."

A student who successfully completes the entrance exam has many options. They are ready for the mining industry, and the commercial trades industry, as well.

"The board is excited," Kowmuk said, "because there's actually an action plan. They're putting their money where their mouth is and funding this program."