A Nevada-based mining training initiative, led by Sudbury’s NORCAT, has received more than $800,000 in state support.
Great Basin College, based in Elko, Nev., is the recipient of $832,230 from the state’s Workforce Innovations for a New Nevada program, which will help roll out the NORCAT training.
“I was introduced to the NORCAT team in 2016 and had the privilege of visiting their facilities in Northern Ontario in 2017,” Sheldon Mudd, executive director of the Northeastern Nevada Regional Development Authority, said in a news release.
“I immediately recognized the potential their training programs had for the mining industry in Nevada and began making the appropriate connections to introduce their unique training model to relevant stakeholders.
“It is great to finally see a partnership develop between NORCAT and Great Basin College, the premier training institution for Nevada’s mining industry.”
Through the partnership, which was announced in June, NORCAT will deliver training programs and advisory services through a blend of hands-on instruction, cutting-edge virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and industry-leading education.
A portion of the funds will also be used toward equipment and technology.
“The program will bring about an estimated 1,150 jobs through employer partners at Lithium Americas, Sawtooth Mining, and Nevada Gold Mines,” according to the news release.
NORCAT is known globally for its mining-industry safety training, even winning an award last year for its Certi-Fire VR (virtual reality) program, an accredited program, sanctioned by the Office of the Fire Marshal, that certifies licensed electricians to install, test, verify, and maintain fire alarm systems.
