Over $1.1 million for training simulators in Kootenays

by Keith Powell — March 12, 2013

CBT CEO Neil Muth and CBT chair Greg Deck being interviewed by Kootenay Business magazine publisher Keith Powell at the recent College of the Rockies Career Fair where the new $1.1 million announcement was made. — Photo courtesy Marie Milner.

The Ministry of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology distributed the following media release this morning.

This announcement is for over $1.1 million in investment from the government of British Columbia and Columbia Basin Trust to support the College of the Rockies Mining Haul Truck Simulator Initiative. The initiative will benefit the entire Basin region.

The B.C. government has invested $580,000, and Columbia Basin Trust has contributed $560,000.

The initiative will help train a labour force that is in high demand by the local mining sector. Teck Coal alone anticipates hiring 3,600 people in the next five years, the majority of which start as haul truck drivers.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Dan Gilmore, communications manager with the Ministry of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology at 250-942-6400.