September 25th 2024
Elko, Nevada – NORCAT and Great Basin College are pleased to announce that recent funding from the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) will support the launch of the GBC-NORCAT Mine Skills Training (MST) facility. This state-of-the-art mine safety training center, set to open in Fall 2024, is a collaboration between Great Basin College (GBC) and NORCAT, designed to deliver essential skills and safety-focused training for the Nevada mining industry.
Established through a partnership between GBC and NORCAT, the facility will offer a comprehensive range of mining-specific corporate training services, including hands-on instruction, advanced technologies such as virtual and augmented reality, and industry-leading educational resources. With funding provided through the Workforce Innovations for a New Nevada (WINN) fund, the center is expected to serve as a catalyst for growth in the Nevada mining sector, supporting up to 1,150 jobs.
"NORCAT is proud to partner with Great Basin College to provide critical mine safety training to the Nevada region," said Jason Bubba, Chief Operating Officer at NORCAT. "The funding from GOED allows us to move forward with our shared vision of preparing the next generation of mining workers. Our GBC-NORCAT MST facility will not only create opportunities for hands-on training but also showcase the future of mining through innovative educational approaches."
Dr. Amber Donnelli, Interim President of Great Basin College, shared her enthusiasm for the upcoming launch: "The GBC-NORCAT MST facility represents a transformative step for the mining industry in Nevada. We are committed to delivering best-in-class training that addresses the evolving demands of the sector, and this partnership with NORCAT will enhance our ability to produce safety-conscious, highly skilled professionals who will contribute to the prosperity of our region."
The Nevada Governor's Trade Mission to Ontario, Canada in 2023 was critical in securing a partnership between Great Basin College and NORCAT, addressing a significant gap in the state's mining sector by unifying new workforce pathways, and adding substantial value to the regional mining and mining technology sector. The Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development, instrumental in securing the $832,230 WINN funding for this project, views the GBC-NORCAT MST facility as a significant contribution to Nevada’s economic landscape. "The development of this new facility marks a key investment in workforce development for the mining sector, a vital part of Nevada’s economy," said Tom Burns Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED) Executive Director. "Through this partnership, we are building a pipeline of skilled workers that will meet the needs of local employers while advancing safety and innovation in mining."
About NORCAT
NORCAT is a global leader in skilled labour training and development. It is focused on developing and delivering programs, services, and resources that enhance productivity and safety in the global skilled labour industries. NORCAT proudly serves as the "one-stop shop" for all that is the future of mining technology and innovation.
About Great Basin College
Great Basin College, "The Gold Standard in the Silver State", offers associate and baccalaureate level education in academic, career and technical fields. Welcoming over 4,000 students annually from all corners of the country, both online and at our various campuses and centers, GBC's presence extends across two time zones and spans more than 86,000 square miles throughout Nevada. A leader in rural higher education, GBC takes pride in developing students who are well-prepared to meet the demands of industry and who contribute to the success and prosperity of the local economy.
About the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED)
Created during the 2011 session of the Nevada Legislature, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development is the result of a collaborative effort between the Nevada Legislature and the Governor’s Office to restructure economic development in the state. GOED’s role is to promote a robust, diversified and prosperous economy in Nevada, to stimulate business expansion and retention, encourage entrepreneurial enterprise, attract new businesses and facilitate community development.