After West Coast breakthrough Polytechnic develops underground training programme

 Tai Poutini Polytechnic’s reputable pre-employment programmes for the mining industry are full steam ahead after West Coast mining company Pike River Coal struck coal near Greymouth after two years of tunnelling. The Mine was officially opened on Friday by the Rt Honourable Gerry Brownlee.

 

Located 50kms north east of Greymouth, the Pike River coal mine is expected to boost employment demand and career opportunities for students at the West Coast Polytechnic.

 

Mining and Extractive Industries Head of Department Peter Fairhall says the full-time 18 week programme prepares students for a career in the underground mining industry. He expects there will be an influx of high job placement due to the Pike River discovery and ongoing requirements of Solid Energy for new workers.

 

“Because we manage all of Pike River’s training, we have a clear understanding of the industries training needs. The programmes that we have in place are considered New Zealand’s best and certainly meet both industry and employment needs”, Fairhall says.

 

The mining programmes taught at the West Coast Polytechnic are specifically designed to train potential new employees in the burgeoning underground industry. The programmes have been designed by industry professionals with a major focus on health and safety.

The coal and gold mining industry has taken off in New Zealand due to exceptional demand for our high quality resources. Most recently this has been driven by Asian market demand and due to the high price of commodities overseas.

 

Fairhall says the demand for skilled workers has outstripped availability and so future employment prospects are excellent.

 

“We have very close links with other mining and associated companies such as Oceana Gold, Solid Energy and Boart Longyear, so in terms of pre employment training programmes, we are held in high regard by industry leaders,” Fairhall says. “Many of our students are looking at a career change and come from a cross section of backgrounds such as army and horticulture. We provide these students with that stepping stone necessary to enter the mining industry with ease.”

 

Tai Poutini Polytechnic takes on 12 students each programme and opens up career opportunities in the mining, tunnelling, quarrying and civil construction industries.