Boréal Launches Dual Engineering Program to Tackle Timmins' Workforce Crisis

TIMMINS, ON – May 29, 2026 – In a direct response to a deepening skilled labor crisis, Collège Boréal has officially launched a pivotal Construction Engineering Technician — Civil and Mining program at its Timmins campus. With the first cohort of students set to begin this September, the initiative aims to build a new talent pipeline for Northern Ontario’s two most vital industries.

The announcement, made amidst a gathering of local dignitaries and industry leaders, marks a significant strategic investment in the region's economic future. The program is designed to address a well-documented and urgent need for skilled workers in sectors that are the lifeblood of the northern economy but face chronic staffing shortages.

Addressing a Critical Regional Need

The timing of the program's launch is no coincidence. The Timmins region is projected to have over 3,700 new mining-related job openings by 2029, primarily in skilled trades and production roles. This looming demand is compounded by an aging workforce and difficulties in attracting new talent, creating what industry reports from bodies like the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters have called a "chronic shortage" of skilled labor across Northern Ontario.

Local employers in both construction and mining have become increasingly concerned about their ability to staff projects and maintain operations. This new program is seen by many as a crucial piece of the solution.

"The launch of the Construction Engineering Technician — Civil and Mining program at Collège Boréal is excellent news for our region," said Gaétan Malette, Member of Parliament for Kapuskasing—Timmins—Mushkegowuk. "By training skilled talent right here in Northern Ontario, in French, we are directly helping meet the needs of key sectors such as construction and mining, while strengthening our regional economy."

Echoing this sentiment, George Pirie, Member of Provincial Parliament for Timmins, noted the program's role in localizing opportunity. "By training students right here in Timmins, this program will help meet the growing demand in the mining and construction sectors, while providing participants with the skills they need to build a solid and rewarding career in the North."

An Innovative Educational Pathway

What sets Collège Boréal's two-year diploma apart is its unique, integrated curriculum. While many colleges offer civil engineering technician programs, Boréal’s offering is specifically tailored for Northern Ontario by combining civil construction principles with the specialized demands of mining engineering.

Students will delve into a comprehensive curriculum that includes geology, structural analysis, mining methods, and project management. The program emphasizes practical, hands-on learning, a cornerstone of Boréal's educational philosophy. A key feature includes training activities conducted in actual underground mining environments, giving students invaluable real-world experience before they even graduate. This focus on experiential learning ensures graduates are not just theoretically knowledgeable but also site-ready.

"As a graduate of this program at the Sudbury campus, it’s great to see it now offered in Timmins, where I’ve made my home," commented Gilles Paradis, Superintendent of Mine Technical Services at Kidd Operations. "It’s an excellent program that gives students valuable technical knowledge and hands-on experience in the mining and construction sectors, helping train tomorrow’s workforce and leaders in these fields."

The program is also delivered in French, providing a bilingual advantage that is highly valued by regional employers and strengthens the Francophone community's role in the provincial economy.

A Proven Record of Success

Collège Boréal brings a formidable track record to this new initiative. The institution has consistently ranked at the top of Ontario's 24 colleges in key performance indicators. In the 2022-2023 academic year, Boréal achieved the number one rank for graduate satisfaction for the 18th time, with an 87.3% satisfaction rate. Even more telling for future employers, the college secured a 100% employer satisfaction rate for the fifth time.

These statistics are a testament to the college's focus on aligning its programs with labor market needs and ensuring graduates are prepared for success. With a graduation rate of 71.3%, the second highest in the province, Boréal has demonstrated its ability to guide students to completion and into meaningful careers.

"Offering the Construction Engineering Technician — Civil and Mining program in Timmins reflects several of Collège Boréal’s core values," stated Daniel Giroux, President of Collège Boréal. "The expertise of our faculty and our campus staff’s accountability to regional employers are clear examples of Boréal’s efforts to provide the communities we serve with the skilled, bilingual workforce they need in sectors that support their development."

Building Timmins' Future at Home

The establishment of this program was bolstered by significant government support. In 2022, Collège Boréal received over $8 million in combined federal and provincial funding to develop new French-language post-secondary programs specifically designed to address labor needs in Northern Ontario. This strategic investment is now bearing fruit, creating accessible educational opportunities that prevent talent from having to leave the region for training.

For the Timmins community, the program represents more than just a new curriculum; it is a commitment to local empowerment and talent retention.

"Employers are looking for skilled workers who understand both civil construction and mining environments, and programs like this help create direct pathways for local students to build meaningful careers close to home," said Ashley Richards-Gagnon, President of the Timmins Construction Association. "We are proud to support initiatives that strengthen our workforce while creating more opportunities for the next generation."

Mélanie Dufresne, Director of Collège Boréal’s Timmins Campus, emphasized the institution's community focus. "More than ever, Boréal Timmins is listening to its partners and community by launching a program that once again meets the expectations of regional employers. We are giving Boréal’s future graduates the opportunity to thrive in rewarding careers that contribute to the economic growth of Greater Timmins and Northern Ontario."

As the first students prepare to walk through the doors of the newly equipped facilities this fall, the program stands as a concrete symbol of collaboration between education, industry, and government, all working to build a more prosperous and sustainable future for the region.