The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Dear Editor, I am writing regarding the new testing at HBM&S that interested applicants have to pass before being considered for employment. I personally feel that this testing is ridiculous and detrimental to our community! I recently spoke to three individuals who applied at our mine. All three were brought in for testing, all three failed and were told they would have to upgrade before being considered for employment. The thing I find ridiculous is the fact that all of these men applied for labourer positions. All three are under the age of 25 and all three have either made roots here or intend to make permanent roots here should they find the right employment. As a community, we are constantly complaining of the dwindling population and here we have a perfect example of turning people away. I have heard that there are departments complaining about a shortage of general labourers, and here we have three men who are all in top-notch shape, have impeccable employment records and would thrive in these labourer positions. Explain to me why, when they have specified that they are interested in doing general labour, they are being tested for grade 11 math, spelling, grammar and problem solving? Do all of the men in the smelter sit and break down trigonometry equations while they are on coffee break? Or maybe in the zinc plant they correct each other's grammar and spelling while having a conversation about nouns and pronouns. I understand that they are wishing to have better educated employees, but a grade 11 equivalency test for a labourer position? I feel that this new testing is not only turning people away from HBM&S, but is turning people away from our community. All of these men who have been refused a job have plans to get married and have children, so we have not only turned them away, but their potential families, too. Let's use some common sense and quit making the process so darn difficult. Test people for their physical fitness as appropriate to the position they have applied for. If they apply for a trade then the grade 11 equivalency testing should come into play. Set up trial-basis employment for those who apply as a labourer. Give an individual something like eight weeks to see if they can do the work, if they are reliable, have common sense and a good work ethic, etc. - you know... the important stuff good employees are made of. At least they will be given a chance and if they don't work out, then no harm done. Anonymous [Editor's note: HBMS has instituted the Stanine aptitude test for candidates interested in entry level positions. The test measures applicants at a grade 11 level in various disciplines, including math and science. HBMS says that applicants who fail a particular section of the test are allowed to be re-tested in that section.]
