Education Programs

Academic (minimum grade needed in bracket)

There are three options to enter this Program. Choose from one of the following options. 

Option A: 

1. Grade 10 completion or equivalent

2. English

One of:

• English 10 (C+)
• ENGL 030 (C+)
• equivalent

3. Math

One of:

• Apprenticeship and Workplace Math 10 (C+)
• Applications of Math 10 (C+)
• Principles of Math 10 (C+)
• MATH 030 (C+)

Option B:
completion of ESTR 037 (Intermediate-Level Essential Skills for Trades) with 67% or higher

Option C:
Completion of the following sections of the Canadian Adult Achievement Test (CAAT)*:

• Reading Comprehension (10.0)
• Number Operations (10.0)
• Problem Solving (10.0)
• Mechanical Reasoning (51/70, 6th Stanine or higher)

Note(*): Based on the results of your assessment(s), you may be required to participate in an assessment interview to determine your admissibility. Interview may be conducted via teleconference if necessary. 

Admission Advice

1. If you do not meet the above admission requirements, you can gain program entry by successfully completing appropriate assessments and/or upgrading courses. Feedback on the Assessments will be provided to help you make informed decisions about appropriate selection of upgrading courses. For more details, please contact a NLC academic advisor.

Applications should be submitted as early as possible. Qualified applicants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Academic

1. Grade 12 graduation or mature student status

2. English

One of:

• English Studies 10
• English First Peoples 10
• ENGL 030
• ENGL 032 
• Equivalent

3. Math

One of:

• Apprenticeship and Workplace Math 10
• Essentials of Math 10
• Applications of Math 10
• Principles of Math 10
• MATH 0301/0302
• MATH 032
• Equivalent

Note: It's also possible to meet admission requirements through one of the following:

• satisfactory standing in a CAT Assessment Test
• permission of the Instructor

4. Physics 11 and/or Pre-Calculus 11 is recommended 

Admission Advice

1. Please note that many employers require Grade 12 completion. 

2. You are also encouraged to enhance your employability by enrolling in Occupational First Aid (OFA) Level 1. OFA courses are scheduled throughout the year at NWCC.

Applications should be submitted as early as possible. Qualified applicants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

• English Studies 11
• English First Peoples 11
• equivalent 

1. If you are a mature student (ie - at least 19 years old) and do not have Grade 12, you can still be admitted with a score of at least 71% on an MPO assessment. 

2. If you are an international student, please refer to the English Language proficiency page to ensure that you meet the English requirements.

3. Interested applicants should be aware of the working environment of a Mineral Processing Operator which often includes a 12-hour work shift, living in camp, continually on your feet walking around monitoring equipment up and down stairs.

4. The following requirements may apply for parts of the program:

• ability to pass a drug and alcohol test, a medical test of declaration of physical fitness (must be in good health and physically fit to climb stairs frequently at a mine and lift 20kg)
• good vision (corrective lenses are acceptable) and hearing
• have a full range of body and limb movement
• hold a valid drivers’ license