Workplace Learning Program (WLP) at BHP Billiton’s Ekati Diamond Mine (TM)
Strand Focus: Learning & Employability
Title: A Diamond in the Rough
BHP Billiton Diamonds Inc. is the first Canadian diamond mine and the Ekati Diamond Mine™ (Ekati) is located in the Northwest Territories (NWT). A major impetus for the BHP Billiton Diamonds Workplace Learning Program (WLP) was our first Core Guiding Principle: Safety is the first priority in the planning and execution of all activities. The WLP ranges from pre-literate to pre-apprenticeship levels. The WLP includes reading, writing, math, oral communication, and a computer-phonics program. The program offers individual literacy assessment; one-on-one and group instruction; and computer-based literacy training. Over 80 employees from all areas of the mine are currently taking part in the program. Two full-time resident Adult Educators offer programming that meets the needs of its workforce who work a 2 week in/2 week out rotation on both day and night shifts.
Abbreviations appearing in the submission:
GNWT - Government of Northwest Territories
NWT- Northwest Territories
WCB - Workers-Compensation Board
WLP -Workplace Learning Program
Submitted by: Susan Devins and Elke Heinemann - Adult Educators, Training Department
Dale Schierbeck - Training Program Developer, Training Department
BHP Billiton Diamonds Inc.
# 1102 4920 – 52nd Street, Yellowknife NT, Canada X1A 3T1
Phone: +1 867-880-2274, Facsimile: +1 867-880-4012
Susan.r.devins@bhpbilliton.com, Elke.Heinemann@bhpbilliton.com
Application validated by:
Robert Marshall
Training Superintendent
BHP Billiton Diamonds Inc.
# 1102 4920 – 52nd Street, Yellowknife NT, Canada X1A 3T1
Phone: +1 867 880-2298, Facsimile: +1 867 880- 4012
Robert.rj.marshall@bhpbilliton.com