Workplace Safety North (WSN), a not-for-profit health and safety association based in Sudbury, Ontario, is fast-tracking its mining supervisor training programs as operations continue to face hiring pressures and demand for more flexible upskilling options.

The association launched an accelerated pathway for three of its common core programs, compressing certification into just four to five days depending on the program, while maintaining full alignment with provincial safety standards.

“If you look at our [classic pathway], the way it’s laid out is in such a way that a company can take up to a year to run their supervisors through it,” said Cindy Schiewek, executive director of health and safety services for WSN, adding that, with growing demand for more rapid skills development in the mining industry, WSN found that many clients were inquiring about introducing a training option with a shorter timeframe to get people up to speed on supervisory competencies more quickly.

The accelerated delivery option is available for WSN’s Generic First Line Supervisor, Underground Hard Rock Mining Supervisor and Underground Soft Rock Mining Supervisor programs. Open to both new and existing supervisors, the model is combining practical instruction with competency-based learning and is allowing participants to choose which modules best suit their needs.

Accelerated training is being offered on a regular basis at either WSN’s head office in Sudbury, or at public facilities in Timmins and Thunder Bay, along with companies having the option of booking training on-site for employees across the province.

At the same time, WSN will continue to offer its classic pathway, a more in-depth approach to supervisor education that can be taken on its own or alongside the streamlined option.

Flexible learning options

All common core programs focus on areas such as health and safety legislation, hazard identification and risk assessment, workplace inspections and reporting, emergency preparedness, workplace communication and more.

Schiewek explained that the first two days of the accelerated pathway begin with covering the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development Modular Training Standards for mining. The remaining days build on this foundation.

To enrol in either the classic or accelerated pathway, supervisors in Ontario are required to have completed first aid training, along with having basic mining experience in underground, surface or soft rock operations.

The accelerated pathway was developed after WSN reviewed the format for the classic pathway, which offers an à la carte selection of up to 10 different modules. That review found that a lot of information was being repeated across multiple sessions as participants could complete only selected modules.

Schiewek noted that the classic pathway still remains a strong option, particularly for those looking to “dive deeper” into specific focus areas. These areas could include blasting-related safety for underground operations, mobile equipment safety, haul road management or rock stability awareness.

WSN ran several pilots of the accelerated pathway between January and March 2025 across its three supervisor program options. According to Schiewek, the feedback was very positive from a time-commitment standpoint, with participants appreciating a faster option that allowed them to return to or start work sooner while still gaining the necessary training.

Participants take part in Workplace Safety North’s accelerated training program. Courtesy of Workplace Safety North

Participants also provided feedback on the delivery format, with some suggesting the four- to five-day program could be more effective if split over two separate weeks rather than delivered in a single week. They noted that the volume of information can be significant, and some learners may not be able to attend five consecutive days of training. WSN is reviewing the feedback as part of ongoing refinements to the delivery model. At the same time, the association acknowledged that there are differing perceptions about what the accelerated format means for course content.

“I think with this new delivery model, the perception out there may be that since it’s leaner, we’re going to lose some [important] content,” said Robert Marin, health and safety specialist for WSN. He disagrees with that perception, explaining that the change is less about removing content and more about presenting the training as a clearer, more connected learning experience.

To support the accelerated model, WSN is also offering optional follow-up coaching sessions through its Coaching for Performance program. This will allow experienced staff who have worked as mining supervisors or have ample experience in the common core suite to visit sites to observe trainees, provide mentorship and validate the application of key skills learned during the program.

“We’re going to [provide you with] what you need to know with the accelerated pathway, then we want to work with the client to help develop that skill set even further by providing coaching for performance out in the field,” Marin said.

Free refresher training

WSN also announced that beginning this summer until March 31, 2027, the organization will offer free refresher training for supervisors who have already completed any of WSN’s common core programs. Schiewek explained that while there is no legal requirement for those who have completed the common core program to do a refresher, it is recommended for those who want to stay up to date on potential legislation or workplace safety changes.

“[Within] industry, there are mixed opinions on whether or not there should be a refresher [for the common core pathway],” she said. “We heard these comments and thought that it was reasonable that a supervisor should be exposed to a refresher and be updated on things like [evolving] legislation, mental health and more.”

The 16-hour refresher course can be delivered in a flexible, split format and is available online, in-person or on-site for companies that prefer to have training delivered directly to their workplace.

WSN believes the online model is especially important for making the training more accessible, particularly for those residing or working in remote locations. The on-site option is equally important, as many operations are located in isolated areas of the province.

“There are certain clients where, because of geography and the way that employees’ shift schedules work, it’s much easier for us to go to them [to offer training],” said Schiewek.

She emphasized that supervisors play a pivotal role in shaping workplace safety culture, as their day-to-day decisions directly influence how safety standards are understood and applied on the ground.

“At WSN, we look at leadership supervisor development as a suite of services, so when it comes to these programs and options that we offer, we always try to make sure that we listen to what clients are looking for and that we have something for everybody based on where they’re at in their own [learning] journey,” she said. “It’s all about making sure everybody is competent so that they can go home safe and healthy at the end of the day.”

Registration for both the accelerated and classic pathways, along with refresher training, can be completed through the WSN website at www.workplacesafetynorth.ca.