May 18, 2011
NWCC wins Mining and Sustainability Award
SMITHERS – Northwest Community College’s School of Exploration &
Mining (SEM) has been recognized as an
industry leader in promoting sustainable development within British
Columbia’s mining sector.
The Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC) presents the award
annually to honour those committed to
advancing and promoting sustainable development in BC’s mining
sector.
“The Environmental Monitor Assistant Program at NWCC’s School of
Exploration & Mining provides innovative
training that focuses on sustainable development and environmental
excellence,” says NWCC President Dr. Denise
Henning. “We are very proud that EMAP is being recognized by both the
industry and the province as a success. The
school is committed to those core concepts while it develops programs
to prepare First Nations and other northerners
as the industry’s next generation of employees.”
The Mining and Sustainability Award is a joint initiative between the
Mining Association of British Columbia
(MABC) and the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. The
award provides MABC the opportunity to
publicly recognize the diverse companies, communities, First Nations,
non-governmental organizations, government
agencies and individuals committed to advancing and promoting
sustainable development in the B.C. mining sector.
“As the mining sector embarks on a period of growth not seen in a
generation, it is more important than ever to find
new and better ways to dig the minerals that are critical to a clean
and green economy out of the ground,” said Pierre
Gratton, President and CEO of the Mining Association of BC. “This
award is intended to celebrate those new and
better ways, and it is an honour to recognize this year’s recipients
for their leadership.”
NWCC’s School of Exploration & Mining continues to rack up the
awards. In the past three years, SEM’s industry
specific training programs have been recognized with a number of
prestigious awards, including the 2009 & 2010
Northern BC Business & Technology’s Sustainability Award, as well as
the 2010 Premier’s Innovation and Excellence
Award from the Province of BC.
The award was presented at a special event in Smithers during BC’s
Mining Week, May 16-20, 2011.
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For more information contact:
Kristine Kofoed
Director of Communications and College Advancement
Northwest Community College
Phone: 250.638.5470
Toll-Free: 1.877.277.2288
Email: kkofoed@nwcc.bc.ca
Since its inception in 2004, Northwest Community College’s School of
Exploration & Mining (SEM) has taken a leadership role
in providing training for the minerals industry workforce in Northern
BC communities.
In partnership with Smithers Exploration Group and the Province of BC,
SEM develops and delivers essential courses and
programs targeted for the minerals industry. This means job-ready
skills and employment for students. Of more than 700 SEM
graduates, greater than 70% have found employment or returned to
school.
SEM’s innovative program design and delivery, strategic partnerships,
and commitment to social and environmental responsibility
have been recognized through several provincial, national and
international awards.
To learn more about the exciting events and programs happening at NWCC
visit us at nwcc.bc.ca
Northwest Community College is an accredited post-secondary education
institution that offers a range of comprehensive courses
and programs to the northwest region of British Columbia. It serves
this area through campuses in Haida Gwaii (Kaay Llnagaay,
Masset, Village of Queen Charlotte), Hazelton, Houston, Kitimat, Nass
Valley, Prince Rupert, Smithers and Terrace. NWCC
celebrates the diversity of its northern and First Nations populations
and reflects this diversity in its programs, services and
workforce.
