Cambrian President Sylvia Barnard was in South Africa in September on a two-week mission that was aimed at building relationships and exploring opportunities with the education, mining and government sectors. Highlights of the mission included attendance at the Electra Mining Conference and at a briefing session hosted by the Canadian Senior Trade Commissioner, a presentation and dialogue with De Beers South Africa and De Beers Canada, and a series of meetings with potential educational and training partners that included Damelin Emalahleni, the Maccauvlei Training and Conference Centre, Anglo American, the National Tooling Initiative program, and the University of Limpopo.

 

“The mining industry in South Africa is facing the same challenges as Canada when it comes to finding a well-skilled workforce.  While the country has a robust postsecondary educational system, there are gaps in the skilled trades and mining sector training.  Cambrian is developing partnerships with postsecondary educational insitutions as well as with industry clusters to share our expertise as well as that of our partners in the Federated School of Mines. This involves exploring the use of a variety of delivery methods, including distance education from the College’s eDome.  South Africa is a very complex country with much potential and exciting opportunities.”  Sylvia Barnard, President, Cambrian College.