NORCAT celebrates Timmins expansion as demand for training grows

Northern health and safety training school NORCAT is celebrating another expansion of its Timmins operations, in response to increasing demand for mining industry training.

Chief operations officer Jason Bubba said the company outgrew its previous location at a historic building on McIntyre Road and has moved into the government complex in South Porcupine.

“On any given day, we can have up to four classrooms going, with various training programs, as well as trainers who go out to our clients’ locations to deliver training,” said Bubba.

Ken Stewart, the Timmins location’s manager, first operated out of his home computer room. He said he’s glad to see the branch’s growth since opening in 2014.

Now located across the street from Northern College and right next to the local Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development office, Stewart said the extra space will allow for additional training programs.

It will also be able to use the latest technology from NORCAT’s flagship centre in Sudbury, including virtual reality, alternate reality and simulation technology.

“We’re up to nine staff now -- it is fantastic,” said Stewart.

“Another (program) one that’s on our to-do list is to try and bring in rigging and slinging. It would be something that the mines require and the contractors that support those mines.”