The project, which is expected to last through 2025, will double jobs at the mine site to 1,200, while employing a wide range of tradespeople.

The program is being funded by the province’s Skills Development Fund and sees up to 80 participants train in either trade and receive job placements to work on site.

The head of the Canadian Labour Congress has expressed worries that labour groups could be left out of talks over a federal pledge to let workers access skills training programs before they become unemployed.

The project will include adding more than 200 kilometres of new track and electrifying over 600 kilometres of track.

Run in partnership with Family Services Kent and the Prosperity Roundtable, the program will offer 75 young people a free, three-week introductory training course in hand and power tool use, safety and woodworking design.