293-3 Building a Workforce-Driven Mining Technician Program at a Two-Year Institution: Year One Results from the College of Western Idaho (CWI)

Session: Developing and Assessing Workforce Skills in Geoscience Courses and Programs

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Abstract:

Mining in the western United States faces a growing workforce shortage driven both by looming retirements and a lack of technically trained entry-level professionals. The College of Western Idaho (CWI) has developed and deployed a Mining Technician Associate of Science degree focused on applied geoscience, workforce readiness, and industry engagement.

The Mining Technician program grew out of a small, field-focused geology curriculum with strong regional relevance but limited workforce alignment. Early program development was guided by collaboration with Idaho-based mining companies, locally active professional societies, four-year transfer partners, and state advocacy groups. Support from NSF-ATE later strengthened our curriculum development, instructional infrastructure, and assessment while preserving the program's workforce-driven origins.

The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning and professional practice through coursework in core logging, drilling operations, geologic mapping, hydrology, GIS, environmental compliance, and mining operations, complemented by MSHA certification. Instructional strategies include embedded field laboratories, industry site visits, project-based assessments, a robust internship program, and mentorship from practicing professionals.

Early indicators of success include increased enrollment, strong student engagement, internships and job placements with regional mining operations, and increased statewide recognition of CWI as a workforce pipeline. This case study presents a potentially replicable model and encourages two-year institutions, professional societies, and industry partners to collaborate in developing regionally relevant, workforce-aligned geoscience programs.

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