CORAL HARBOUR - A group of 12 eager students are taking a 16-week introduction to mine training course through Nunavut Arctic College in Coral Harbour.

Another group is taking a similar course through the college in Arviat. Coral instructor Denise Lockett said the course provides students with an understanding of the exploration and mining cycles, basic geology, first aid, CPR and safety. She said completion of the program can help students gain employment in either the mineral exploration or mining industries.

"The course started at the beginning of September and continues until midDecember," said Lockett. "It covers the complete mine cycle from exploration to closure – including all the different types of exploration work you can do – as well as job and business opportunities in both exploration and mining."

The Coral students attending the course are Madeline Shimout, Emily Eetuk, Cindy Ningeongan, Kenneth Ningeongan, Benita Shapangak, Arthur Angootealuk, Patrick Murphy, Geoff Jones, Jonathan Emiktowt, Geraldine Stanley, Justin Pameolik and Logan Kadlak.

Lockett said the course helps students identify areas of interest and gets started in that direction. She said it also gives its graduates a step up over others seeking employment in the industry.

"All my students should be job-ready by the end of the course.

"The course in Arviat, which is being taught by Ian Mitchell, is running along a similar timeline."

Lockett said she's been very impressed by her students efforts during the program. She said they've responded well to the content and have worked hard since their first day in class.

"There's a lot of overall interest in the course, and the students are really interested in the geology of the area, as well.

"The topic of leaving home to work has come up, but people are better prepared for that these days because the Internet allows them to communicate better with their families.

"They see a two-week-in, two-week-out rotation at a job isn't too much of a hardship for them.

"I expect all my students to finish and do really well in this course."