DEH GAH GOT'IE KOE/FORT PROVIDENCE
Before starting the Mine Training Society's underground mining program, Shelby Nadli never saw herself as a miner.

Shelby Nadli, centre, is surrounded by family and friends as she receives the NWT Mine Leadership Award. - Bill Braden/Mine Training Society photo

But on Nov. 12, the Fort Providence woman graduated from the program with something extra: the NWT Mining Leadership Award, which she received at a standing-room-only ceremony in Yellowknife.

Nadli said she hadn't been told about the award prior to the event and it came as a big surprise.

"They told me to give a speech but I couldn't," she said.

"I was speechless."

The award, sponsored by Diavik Diamond Mines, DeBeers Canada and Dominion Diamond Corporation, celebrates Nadli's efforts to help out her classmates.

Hilary Jones, general manager of the Mine Training Society, said Nadli was chosen for the award because she went "over and above normal expectations."

Nadli copied out all her notes to share with classmates and make it easier for them to study.

"She was also always kind, always supportive and she held her own. She was one of the best drivers in the class," Jones said.

Nadli entered the program out of the blue after deciding to go back to school due to a lack of jobs in Fort Providence.

"I just applied and got accepted. I've been really enjoying it so far - it's a fun program," she said.

Fresh from graduation, Nadli is now deciding between two job offers from Diavik and Ekati.

The underground mining program is 14 weeks long and saw 12 graduates from the latest course. Jones said the program has a 90 to 95 per cent success rate in placing students in employment.

The program itself is an ongoing partnership between Aurora College, the diamond mines and the GNWT.

Jones said this year the program had its federal funding cut, which prompted mining partners to step in and donate equipment so the program could move forward as planned.

Donations included a haul truck, scoop tram and Toyota multi-utility vehicle.

"They stepped up to the plate," Jones said.

Students began with a six-week community-based program to give them the necessary information to decide whether they want mining as a career choice. From there, they travelled to Yellowknife to familiarize themselves with equipment manuals and begin operating equipment.

"All in all, when you count in trainee-ships, (the program) is 36 weeks long. It's a huge investment of time," Jones said, adding that the safety training students receive help them meet the standards of quality mining companies set.

Training includes a driving simulator, as well as actual equipment for them to practise on.

A description of the program from Aurora College states the course also provides an overview of other careers in the mining industry.

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