Two employees of the Tahltan Nation Development Corporation (TNDC), Gavin Day and Daniel Moon, have received certifications to train the next generation of heavy equipment operators in Tahltan Territory. After two weeks of advanced training at Caterpillar’s Tinaja Hills Learning Center in Tucson, Arizona, they returned with certifications in Hydraulic Excavator (HEX) and Track Type Tractor (TTT).
Day also made history as the first person in Canada to complete the practical portion of Caterpillar’s Level 3 certification for HEX. This achievement enables TNDC to train operators to meet Caterpillar’s high safety and operational standards.
These certifications are part of TNDC’s Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) Training Program, which combines hands-on experience, work training, and camp life exposure. Supported by the Government of BC and Finning Canada, the program addresses the region’s need for skilled operators while creating opportunities in Tahltan Territory.
TNDC’s strategic partnership with Finning Canada is key to building local expertise and supporting long-term sustainability for the company and its workforce. Both Day and Moon expressed excitement about passing on their newly gained knowledge to future generations, furthering TNDC’s mission of creating career opportunities and boosting local skills.
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