The NMA reports that Hecla Mining Co is hard at work training the next generation of job seekers in Alaska. The company, which owns and operates Greens Creek mine in southeast part of the state, has partnered with the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) to embark on an educational program that trains local high school students for technically focused mining careers.

The program began in 2011 when Hecla donated $300,000 to UAS to create an “Introduction to Mining Occupations and Operations” course for local high school students. This quickly expanded into a program called The Pathway to Mining Careers. “The pathway” begins with an introductory course for high school juniors and seniors and concludes with enrollment in Hecla Greens Creek Mine Academy, where students earn the federally recognized certification required to work at any mine in the United States.

“Our focus here at UAS is to get students interested in careers in mining,” said Graham Neale, the Director of UAS’ Center for Mine Training, and to educate the local Alaska workforce in those skilled positions. We’re interested in casting a wide net to high school students, letting them know about the opportunities available in the mining industry, different types of careers. Speakers talk about how they got to where they are. Health and safety, equipment operations, mechanics – you get it from the horse’s mouth, from those who have walked the walk in the mining industry.”

The results so far have been encouraging—258 students have taken the intro class, 48 advanced to the Hecla Greens Creek Mine Academy, and 15 went on to graduate with a UAS certification in mining.

“I try to dispel the notion that mining is just about being underground, breaking rock and getting dirty,” Neale said. “Geology jobs, environmental jobs, legal jobs, financial jobs. All those careers are available to them if they so choose.”

One of the most effective methods Neale has found in convincing young students to pursue mining education is a reality check on the quality of life afforded by working in a technical job for a mine. In Alaska, for instance, entry-level mining salaries run from $60,000 to $75,000. “That’s a lot of money for someone working in rural Alaskan communities—it’s a lot of money for anyone,” Neale said.

NMA says “Hecla’s partnership with UAS is a shining example of how mining can transform local economies and spur job creation for a new generation of career seekers.”