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We are committed to optimizing the number of New Caledonians who would participate in the Goro project during both the construction and operating phases. Our objective is to have over 90 per cent of the jobs at Goro Nickel held by New Caledonians during the operation phase.
All of the direct jobs at Goro Nickel will require specific qualifications in mining and ore processing. We are working closely with local training agencies and educational institutions to ensure that local people have the right skills and training to successfully gain employment.
Already, several dozen pilot plant operators have obtained training toward a university diploma in metallurgy offered by the University of New Caledonia, and eight individuals undertook training toward a university diploma in chemical analysis. Numerous employees have also completed a 48-week machine operator certificate program. Other on-the-job training will be provided to our employees as we move forward with the Goro project.
Before commercial operation startup, we plan to use our pilot plant as a training centre. About 50 people per year are expected to participate in the four year, $5 million program, learning the skills needed for employment in the construction and operation of the plant.
We are working closely with our educational partners to develop and implement ongoing training programs. Our partners include: the Centre de Formation aux Techniques de la Mine et des Carrières (CFTMC) of Poro, the Department of National Education, the Ecole Territoriale de Formation Professionnelle des Adultes (ETFPA), the Ministry of Labour and the University of New Caledonia and high schools. Training will help support all job levels ranging from construction positions to machine operators to metallurgical specialists.
Prior to project suspension, recruitment and information centres were opened in Yaté, Mont-Dore and Nouméa to help match the local skill base with the requirements of the job site at various phases of the project. We plan to reopen these centres when the project resumes.
We are collaborating with local recruitment institutions such as Employment Agency, the Training and Employment Department and the Youth Integration Mission to inform prospective employees and position for hiring when the project resumes. School-to-work transition organizations are supporting these efforts by distributing information about the project and by identifying and evaluating interested candidates prior to training or recruitment.
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