Mining Techniques is designed to give students maximum flexibility for education and entry into the workforce. Graduates of the Mining Techniques program may choose to enter the workforce after receiving their one-year Ontario College Certificate. Alternatively, graduates may choose to enter directly into the second year of the two and three-year mining technician and technologist programs at Cambrian College in Sudbury or into the second year of the mining technician program at the Haileybury Campus of Northern College. An articulation agreement among the three Ontario colleges provides for the full credit recognition of prior learning.

Students in the Mining Techniques program will acquire skills in basic geology, mining methods, surveying, computer aided drafting, communications, mathematics, basic computer applications, plus essential employability and general education skills.

Workforce opportunities exist in areas such as assisting geologists with core sampling, mapping, and prospecting, preparing reports, surveying or functioning as part of an engineering team, coping with situations in the field, office, or underground. Other typical fields of work include drafting; environmental studies; industrial, geological, and geophysical fieldwork; ventilation engineering; and rock mechanics.