–Oyu Tolgoi is implementing the largest and most extensive vocational education training programme in Mongolia’s history–
We talked with D. Amarchimeg, a Training Superintendent at Oyu Tolgoi LLC, concerning the progress of technical specialist training, scholarship programmes and internship opportunities
Mining specialists were rarely trained in Mongolia in the last few years. Today, many of the large mining companies need highly specialised engineers and technical staff. What does Oyu Tolgoi do to address the need for these specialists?
Oyu Tolgoi is one of the largest mining projects in the world and is using the most innovative equipment and technology available to date. Therefore, highly trained engineers and technical specialists are essential in this venture. Our company prepares its specialists in a variety of ways. For instance, we are, this year, implementing the 'Graduate Programme' for selected new graduates in mining related disciplines. We are going to select 65 new graduates to attend either Mongolian or foreign universities for a two-year structured programme. This developmental programme will include several phases. Advancing the graduates theoretical knowledge, the successful applicants will be involved in on-the-job trainings as well as distance-learning programmes and in-class workshops. In addition to this, intensified English language training will be provided. The main advantage of this programme for the graduates will be a rotational learning opportunity with Rio Tinto. Under the programme, graduates will work and be actively involved in on-the-job training at major Rio Tinto-operated mines located all over the world. After the completion of the rotation, the graduates will directly be recruited as employees of Oyu Tolgoi.
Are early participants of this programme already in on-the-job training? When are the results expected to come?
The first 6 graduates are now working at the Kennekot mine located in the state of Utah in the America. The following 6 graduates headed for Australia last May to train at the Rio Tinto-operated Northparkes mine for a period of 12 months. In early August, 13 new graduates are going to the Kennekot mine for the same purpose for a period of 12 months. These new graduates will work, practice and learn at these active mines and bring back new skills to the Oyu Tolgoi project.
What challenges are the graduates facing? Perhaps the answer to this question may become an invaluable lesson for these students whom are now learning mine related disciplines.
Currently, the biggest challenge for these graduates is English. Therefore, the language training continues steadily and they receive other training packages on-line as well. We are planning that 25-30 new graduates will be posted at overseas mines this year. The trained graduates will become the first engineering and technical staff to receive training at international mine sites. I think this type of training is viable because it is held at the workplace. Nowadays, it’s very seldom that an organization prepares its own specialists in this way. Hence this programme will presumably serve as a shining example for other companies.
Many students are studying in mine related disciplines. What should the students bear in mind before they apply for such programme?
We set a criterion that the applicants must be graduates who studied in a mine related discipline. Furthermore, GPA and English proficiency are obviously something to be considered. Even during internships, students should motivate themselves for learning. Above all, they should learn English perfectly. In addition, Oyu Tolgoi is working on modifying and bringing the MUST & NUM curriculums up to world standards. It is not only a significant contribution to the education sector, but it is also a major step towards strengthening the quality of the students’ knowledge base.
Students need a proper study environment. This scholarship programme plays a great role in meeting such demands. What scholarship programme are Oyu Tolgoi offering and how many students will participate?
Oyu Tolgoi is making contributions to the Mongolian education sector and developing long-term, sustainable changes. One of these contributions is the scholarship programme. We plan to grant national scholarships to 200 students and overseas scholarships to 30 students between 2010 and 2015. Furthermore, we plan to offer scholarships to 150 South Gobi students for studies in national universities. The national scholarship programme started in 2010 and the overseas scholarship began in 2011. Sophomore and junior level students who are studying at accredited universities and colleges in Mongolia in engineering, mining operation, environment, and other similar disciplines in science, technology and mining are eligible for the national scholarship programme. The deadline for the scholarships is in August and September. Our overseas scholarships are granted for Oyu Tolgoi affiliated universities in USA, Canada, and Australia, provided the interested candidates meet the requirements of the target university. The scholarship is dedicated for aspiring bachelor and master degree students.
What should the scholarship applicants focus on to become a recipient of the programme? What is the criterion? Is the opportunity open to everyone?
The opportunity is open to everyone. We announce scholarship opportunities publicly through various media outlets and anyone is free to apply. We carry out the scholarship selection process according to our own criteria. It is obvious that students are in need of scholarship opportunities. Through the program we will pay their tuition fees. If the student is from outside of Ulaanbaatar, the accommodation expenses will be covered under the scholarship as well, plus a monthly stipend will be given for living expenses. For the overseas scholarships, one way travel expense to the chosen country will be granted and the scholarship also covers expenses related to visa issuance and other university-related costs. The overseas scholarship is granted for a two years term.
What are the other programmes that Oyu Tolgoi offers to contribute to student development? There are many other students studying in non-mining disciplines and they presumably need such opportunities as well.
Oyu Tolgoi implements internship programmes to applicants that do not necessarily need to be studying in mine sector disciplines. It can be any discipline, whether it is human resources, construction, information technology, etc. We are offering great opportunities for student learning and self-development. Of course, they will also be paid a salary for their association with us. Oyu Tolgoi publicly announces information with regard to internships in daily newspapers, and at www.ot.mn
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