The 18-month project, involving local partners which include Vale Canada, Technica Mining and Glencore's Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations, will use the earmarked funds to develop, test and deploy interactive "blended learning programmes" that are technology-enabled and scalable.

The programmes include a delivery model that brings together virtual reality and e-learning with equipment simulation and in-the-field equipment competency validation' applied to select pieces of mining equipment. NORCAT said training on each piece of equipment will take two weeks, and the trainee will focus on operational safety, efficiency and productivity.

"Integrating online learning, virtual reality, equipment simulation training, and in-the-field competency validation could transform how skilled labour industries like mining develop, engage, and deploy training and development programs to fill their skills gaps," Future Skills Centre executive director Pedro Barata said.

The Future Skills Centre (Centre des Compétences Futures) is funded by the Government of Canada's Future Skills Program. NORCAT announced its strategic partnership with Vale for the effort in March.