Careers In Mining: Inspiring The Next Generation

Mar 7, 2024 - one year ago

The Ontario Mining Association (OMA) and Edge Factor have united in a strategic partnership aimed at empowering schools, mining companies and organizations across Ontario to inspire youth to consider a career in mining.

A dynamic and diverse workforce pipeline will sustain current operations across the province and help Ontario reach its ambition to be a critical mineral global supplier of choice to the green energy transition.

Together, these partners have crafted multimedia tools that tell the impactful stories of individuals in the mining industry and spotlight the various occupations, essential skills and cutting-edge technology that define modern mining. These multimedia tools are available as part of the This is Mine Life program on the Edge Factor platform and on the Ontario Mining Association’s This is Mining YouTube channel. Educators, companies, youth and their families are able to share this program in classrooms, homes, and at events to inspire youth to consider launching a rewarding career in Ontario’s mining sector.

Edge Factor is a smart platform and developer of story-driven tools designed to inspire people to explore, prepare and connect on their career journey. President & Founder Jeremy Bout, expresses his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “The mining industry is a vital driver of Ontario's economy. To support its continued success and future-facing ambition, it is crucial to cultivate a skilled workforce that can help meet the 21st century demands. The team at Edge Factor is excited to partner with the mining industry in Ontario to connect in a new and exciting way that inspires the next generation of mining professionals to find passion in what they do.”

Ontario Mining Association President Chris Hodgson echoed this enthusiasm adding, “with the rising demand for the minerals and metals we responsibly produce here in Ontario, the future of our industry looks very bright. People are the ultimate resource to help us fulfil our purpose to power the green energy solutions of today and tomorrow. We’re excited to partner with Edge Factor because the need for fresh ideas to help build a robust talent pipeline has never been stronger. Through this partnership, we know we can reach the next generation to build knowledge, skill and passion for what we do and its critical importance to society.”

This partnership is an Employment Ontario project, funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario. By harnessing the power of storytelling, this partnership aims to inspire, educate, and shape the future of the mining industry in Ontario.

“Setting up the people of Ontario for success, both now and in the long-term, has always been at the core of our government's mission,” said George Pirie, Minister of Mines. “That is why we are proudly supporting the Ontario Mining Association and Edge Factor's initiative to inspire brilliant people across Ontario to be the skilled labourers of tomorrow and work in our world-class mining industry. Mining in Ontario is thriving, and the world needs us to build a made-in-Ontario critical mineral supply chain that will power the electric vehicle revolution and the technologies of tomorrow."

“Mining has been the backbone of Ontario’s economy for generations and will be for years to come,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Our government is proud to invest in this program which will help a new generation of miners find meaningful work while also building our province’s technology, construction, and automotive sectors.”

Edge Factor is known for its story driven career and workforce development solutions. Using cinematic storytelling to guide students and job-seekers through diverse industries, technical education, soft skills, and local training and career opportunities. In partnership with the OMA and Mining Matters, Edge Factor’s film crew went behind the scenes at Impala Canada’s Lac des Iles Mine in Northwestern Ontario to film an Industry Tour, and episodes for their Launch Point, Career Profiles, Skilled Responders and Geek Out series. This content features an Exploration Geologist, and a Heavy Duty Equipment Operator sharing their story on what inspired their career journey, the day to day responsibilities, as well as real-life skills they use on the job.

In the month of January, learners can head to Edge Factor to create a free account and access and share this content for free! Edge Factor’s Learn & Earn free programming is accessible to everyone, where learners of all ages can Learn & Earn their way to achieving a badge and be entered to win prizes! This Is Mine Life program includes a cinematic story of an Exploration Geologist, Career Profiles, and a Geek Out on the use of a Handheld X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) device used to analyze minerals and metals in real time.

Students and learners can create a free account and complete the online experiences to learn valuable skills that will move them forward in their career journey.

Source: OMA