News Releases
2024
5 Dec |
TNDC EMPLOYEES RETURN FROM GLOBAL HEAVY EQUIPMENT INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION TRAINING IN TUCSON ARIZONATahltan Nation Development Corporation (TNDC) is pleased to announce two of its employees, Gavin Day and Daniel Moon, recently returned to Tahltan Territory from two weeks at the Caterpillar Tinaja Hills Demonstration & Learning Center in Tucson, Arizona.
During their time in Tucson, Gavin and Daniel achieved Level 2 operator certification for Hydraulic Excavator (HEX) and Track Type Tractor (TTT). These notable certifications are valid throughout their careers in heavy equipment and are globally recognized through Caterpillar, the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment. Training and development of employees is a priority at TNDC. This has led TNDC to partner with the Government of BC and several industry partners, including Finning, to create a multi-faceted capacity development program in Tahltan Territory – the groundbreaking Tahltan Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) Training Program.
The HEO Training Program addresses an industry problem, by combining equipment training in Tahltan Territory with on-the-job practical operating work experience and camp life experience. TNDC has a strategic relationship with Finning Canada, the world's largest Caterpillar dealer. This partnership sees Finning training our people and providing operational support to drive productivity and efficiency for our clients, minimize equipment wear and tear, enhance our maintenance program, in turn maximizing the lifespan of our fleet. Skilled operators, backed by top-notch training is a key element in this pursuit.
“On week two Gavin focused on HEX in the field, honing his skills to attempt the Level 3 instructor in house certification. During the week Gavin showed extraordinary professionalism and completed every task asked of him, including writing his exam and achieving his Level 3 in house instructor certification on HEX – which required a written safety test (100% to pass), written knowledge test (80% to pass), and it involved a timed practical. Awesome job Gavin!” Brad Nunn, Application Specialist Mining, Finning (Canada)
“I am very pleased to say I passed my Level 3 instructor certification on excavator, and I am the first to pass the in-class and practical portion of the certification process in Canada. This means that once I complete my CIAP I will be a certified instructor on HEX. This is a huge achievement, not only for me but for the company, as we can create operators that comply with Caterpillar’s high standards on both safety and operating skills. We are very excited to bring back the knowledge we received to the Tahltan Nation and create better operators in our Tahltan HEO Program, and who work for TNDC. I would like to thank the entire TNDC management team, as well as Caterpillar and Finning for making this possible.” Gavin Day, Trainer, TNDC
“I cannot thank enough TNDC, CAT Finning, and all the people that made this special opportunity happen for myself and Gavin. We had an experience of a lifetime that I will never forget. We gained experience and knowledge that I plan on passing onto the younger generation and the future of this company. I will forever be grateful for this once in a lifetime opportunity that TNDC has given me.” Daniel Moon, Trainer, TNDC
"I am filled with pride and admiration for Gavin and Daniel’s accomplishments in Arizona. Their dedication and hard work exemplify the essence of accomplishment. The skills they have gained will advance TNDC’s reputation as a trusted partner to our clients and the knowledge they will share with our employees, many of whom are Tahltan, will advance our commitment to Building Trust – Building Futures. This successful training is further testament to TNDC’s strong partnership with Caterpillar and Finning, strategic partners who have played a vital role in making this achievement possible." Todd den Engelsen, CEO, TNDC |
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