BHP BILLITON LAYS A FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE

BY RICUS GRIMBEEK

Canada’s first diamond mine, EKATI, began producing diamonds in the Northwest Territories a decade ago, and it’s still going strong. Over that time, the mine’s operator, BHP Billiton Diamonds, has continued to focus on building a legacy of learning for its workforce and the communities in which the mine operates.

When EKATI started operations in 1998, it became apparent that a basic literacy program was needed for many in the local workforce, particularly Aboriginal employees. It was necessary to develop our core Workplace Learning Program to build literacy and numeracy skills so employees could work safely, meet job requirements and have opportunities for future advancement.

The program has been a huge success, its relevance as great today as when it was launched in 2001. Over 180 workers have used the program, creating the foundation for their next steps in learning. The program has helped 54 workers obtain their General Education Diploma, or Grade12 equivalent, while working in their jobs. Other training includes basic literacy, life skills, introduction to computers, money management, small business start-up, effective communications and listening skills, resume writing and interview skills, and pre-trades math in preparation for apprenticeship entrance exams.

Not all the training is geared to classroom study. An element of fun helps make the program successful. Special activities and games are sometimes introduced, and BHP Billiton participates in NWT Literacy Week, when employees volunteer to read at local schools in their communities. They also participate in the NWT PGI Golf Tournament for Literacy fund raiser. BHP Billiton is very proud to support such events.

The program has also served as a model for others. BHP Billiton has made components of its program available to interested contractors, community groups and organizations, and also advised local adult educators and others about establishing a program of their own.

For the future, we’re expanding the program to deliver more specialized programs, such as specific software training, apprenticeship rather than pre-apprenticeship support, advanced writing skills and team-leader and supervisor-skills training to enable advancement within our organization.

I have a passion for developing people and creating opportunities for them to grow—not only for EKATI employees and contractors, but also for the communities in which we operate.

My vision is to build a high quality of life for employees and the community by building a safe, low-cost, sustainable mining business. To accomplish this, we need to invest in the future by supporting training today. Our competitive advantage lies in our ability to recruit and retain the best people in our industry. We do this by providing a work environment that values them and rewards them for innovation and high performance.

Seeing employees smile and feeling their pride over their accomplishments—knowing that these individuals will benefit forever from their personal achievement—is worth the investment we make as a company. That’s sustainability, and it’s what our program is about.

We also have to think about life after mining, so we have started a process to define the 2040 vision for the communities in the Northwest Territories. Training will play a big part in creating a sustainable future for everyone touched by us.

BHP Billiton knows the value of investing in workplace literacy and essential-skills training, and its commitment to development is unwavering. It is evident in the way it adapts programs to meet current needs and the demands of an expanding underground mining operation that requires more technical and specialized skills. The company is serious about creating opportunities for people to grow and be the best they can be. That’s truly leaving a legacy of learning.

Ricus Grimbeek is President and Chief Operating Officer, EKATI Diamond Mine, NWT.