College of the Rockies (COTR) is a public post-secondary institution located in the southeastern corner of the province. College of the Rockies has six campuses serving the East Kootenays and the industries in the area including coal mining.

Trades programs of particular interest to mines in BC include:

• Heavy Duty Mechanics – 6 classes per year plus one Heavy Duty/Commercial
  transport foundation program per year.
• Industrial electrician – one class per year
• Welding – 8 intakes per year for all levels
• Industrial warehousing – 2 levels per year in 2009 and one for 2010
• Millwright – 2 classes per year

COTR also offers Construction Electrician, Carpentry, Automotive Service Technician, Planermill Maintenance Technician Level  1 and 2, and Plumbing.

Mining Apprenticeship Program

The COTR of the Rockies has a partnership with Teck Coal’s five Elk Valley mines to place Heavy Duty mechanic and Industrial electrician apprentices at the five mines for their apprenticeship hours. This Mining Apprenticeship Program has more than 20 apprentices working at the mines to complete their apprenticeships. Under the partnership COTR actually employs and indentures the apprentices but they complete the work at the mines, much like a paid co-op model. The program is unique in BC and Canada.

Continuing Education in First Aid  and Safety

COTR also offers a full offering of Continuing Education programs. The Fernie Campus, which is located closest to the Elk Valley mines offers First Aid and safety certifications including:

• Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in BC (now on-line)
• OFA Level 3
• OFA Level 3 Recertification
• EMR
• OFA Level 1
• St. John’s Standard First Aid
• Avalanche Skills Training Level 1
• H2S Alive
• Confined Space Entry and Rescue
• Forklift Safety
• Fall Protection (in partnership with the BC Construction Safety Association)
• Hoisting and Rigging
• Class 1 and 3 Driver Training
• Airbrakes
• WHMIS (on-line)
• TDG (on-line)