NORCAT offers a number of industry specific Common Core programs out of our Sudbury, Timmins, and Thunder Bay locations, including our flagship Basic Underground Hardrock Miner Common Core and our newly launched Surface and Underground Diamond Driller Assistant Common Core.
Forestry specific Common Core programs, including Forestry Pit and Road Construction Equipment Operator Training Program Common Core and Mechanical Harvesting Equipment Operator Training Program Common Core are delivered at NORCAT's Thunder Bay location.
The NORCAT Underground Centre is a unique facility that offers an array of training programs for the development of future mine workers as well as customized programs to meet the needs of mining companies, all delivered in an operating production mine.
Better Jobs Ontario has replaced the Second Career program. The program now offers increased eligibility for the unemployed and underemployed as well as those on social assistance, gig workers, youth and newcomers to Ontario.
You can receive financial support of up to $28,000 to pay for:
You may also get additional funding for:
You are eligible if you are looking to train for high-demand occupations and either:
A fast-track stream is available for those who have been laid-off due to COVID-19.
You can apply even if you are self-employed, new to Ontario, a gig worker, or receiving social assistance such as:
Please visit the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD) website.
You can also contact your local Employment Ontario office for confirmation of your eligibility for financial assistance under the Better Jobs Ontario program.
Service Type Common Core is required to be completed before an employee can perform any underground work. This level of safety training has proven useful to individuals who wish to secure employment with mining service contractors.
Upon successful completion of the program, plus WHMIS training or proof of WHMIS training, NORCAT will provide the trainee with a NORCAT card plus all documentation of the Service Type common core training. NORCAT does not register the Service Type Common Core.
The Underground Hard Rock Miner Common Core program incorporates 2 days of theory, including information from the Occupational Health and Safety Act as it pertains to the Common Core modules, as well as an in-depth practical session for the remaining working days of the program (5 weeks total). In the practical sessions, all aspects of each module are reviewed and practiced. Every module of the training will be completed to the trainee’s personal satisfaction and to the satisfaction of the instructor to ensure the complete working knowledge and skill required for every module.
This comprehensive training program complies with the standards set out by the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities (MLTSD). Each successful graduate of the program will be registered with the MLTSD under Program #770010 Underground Hard Rock Miner.
The Surface Miner Common Core program is intended for all production employees working full and part-time, in a Surface Mining operation. These employees must be trained and accredited in the Surface Miner Common Core and in the Specialty modules which pertain to their area of work.
The program consists of 28 modules in total. NORCAT performs the first 3 modules (Section 1) as they are the core minimum modules for entry to a pit, quarry, or excavation site. The 25 specialty modules (Section 2-6) are available upon request.
Training elements for the Generic Supervisor Common Core Program include both classroom instruction and hands-on task demonstration. To be accredited in the Generic Supervisor Common Core Program, the employee must have demonstrated competency in each of the 770141 Program Modules.
It is the candidate’s responsibility to inform the local Apprenticeship Client Services office of a change of name, address or transfer to a new employer and provide the required documents for registration.
All candidates must be employed by a sponsor employer WITH APPROVED MLTSD SIGNING AUTHORITY.
To be accredited in the First Line Underground Mine Supervisor – Underground Hard Rock Miner Common Core Program, the employee must have demonstrated competency in each of the 770121 Program Modules.
Courses are delivered over a minimum three month period with one week each month for classroom and field instruction. A final complete audit and exam is required after four to six months on the job. All candidates must be employed by a sponsor employer WITH APPROVED MLTSD SIGNING AUTHORITY.
To be registered in Program # 770121 you must have a current, standard level Workplace Safety and Insurance Board of Ontario (WSIB) approved first aid certificate, have Full Basic Underground Hard Rock Miner Common Core accreditation (Program #770010, Modules U0000 - U0012), and meet OHSA requirements for competent person.
The Basic Mill Process Operator – Mineral Ore Common Core Program #810050 was developed by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development. It has been developed with cooperative efforts from the MLTSD, in consultation with representatives from industry.
The program consists of 4 basic mill common core modules and 10 groups of specialty modules. NORCAT performs the first 4 modules (Section 1) as they are the core minimum modules for entry to a mill. The specialty modules (Section 2) are available upon request.
Achieve accreditation in the The Forestry Pit and Road Construction Equipment Operator Training Program #600100 Common Core. Training and evaluations are provided for the specialty modules. Upon completion of the entire program, the approval of the signing Authority and the trainer participants will receive full accreditation from the MLTSD.
This program is a forestry equivalent to the Surface Miner Program #770210, the mandatory program for Surface Mining Operations.
The Mechanical Harvesting Equipment Operator Training Program (#850715) is intended for all forestry workers and their supervisors engaged in a logging operation. Training and evaluations are provided for the specialty modules.
Upon completion of the entire program, the approval of the signing Authority and the trainer participants will receive full accreditation from the MLTSD.