Greater Sudbury, Ontario — NORCAT marked its 30th anniversary this year, celebrating three decades of growth and impact in advancing safety, skilled labour training, innovation and applied research in mining across Northern Ontario and internationally.
Since its establishment in 1995, NORCAT has continued to adapt to the evolving needs of industry, innovators and the communities it serves. Born out of Cambrian College as a regional initiative has since grown into a multi-national organization, supported by purpose-built infrastructure, specialised facilities and a world-class Advisory practice whose expertise reaches far beyond Northern Ontario.
As NORCAT expanded, it focused on building capacity where it could deliver the greatest value for workers and industry. In 1997, the transformation of the former Fecunis Mine into the NORCAT Underground Centre created an environment for hands-on training and more recently real-world technology testing, strengthening NORCAT’s ability to support generations of workforce development and applied innovation. The move into NORCAT’s headquarters on Maley Drive in 2009 further expanded the organization’s ability to deliver programming, convene partners and scale services.
Over three decades, NORCAT has evolved from offering traditional instructor-led and classroom training to e-learning, and now to a technology-first, blended learning approach that leverages tools such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). Today, trainees not only learn the theory but put their skills to the test in realistic, risk-free environments built in-house by Studio NORCAT’s development team. These award-winning tools enable repeatable, measurable skills transfer at scale while keeping hands-on practice central.
"When we started, there were five of us working out of the basement of Cambrian College, trying to solve problems that didn’t yet have solutions," said Ed Wisnewski, Chief Technology Officer at NORCAT.
In 2012, after 17 years of leadership, Daryl Lake announced his retirement as CEO and Don Duval, former Vice President of Strategy & Operations at the MaRS Discovery District, became NORCAT’s CEO. NORCAT then expanded its footprint across Ontario with operations in Timmins, Thunder Bay and the Greater Toronto Area, improving access to training and advisory services for more communities and employers.
As demand increased, NORCAT extended its presence beyond Greater Sudbury to improve access to training and innovation supports across Ontario, including operations in Timmins, Thunder Bay and the Greater Toronto Area. Last year, NORCAT expanded its reach internationally by establishing a presence in Elko, Nevada, reflecting the organization’s growing role in supporting industry and workforce development in the global mining industry.
Alongside its multi-site operations, NORCAT’s Advisory department has worked with clients on nearly every continent, partnering with organisations across Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America, to help reach health & safety and operational goals through strategy, workforce design, technology selection and implementation. NORCAT delivers advisory outcomes through a mix of on-site engagements and technology-enabled deployments, translating field experience into scalable solutions for partners worldwide.
"Over time, those early ideas grew into technologies and programs that others around the world began to follow," Wisnewski said. "Thirty years later, the foundation is in place, and the next generation is building on that vision. The path forward is clear, and there is no reason to slow down."
While NORCAT’s footprint has grown, its focus on delivering practical value to the communities it serves has remained consistent. Across the six locations where NORCAT operates, its services contribute to workforce readiness, economic resilience, and job opportunities by helping employers access skilled talent and supporting individuals in building the capabilities required for safe, sustainable careers.
At the centre of that growth are the people, the people who built NORCAT, and the people who continue to provide exceptional services every day.
"What has always set NORCAT apart is its people," said Jason Bubba, Chief Operating Officer of NORCAT. "From the very beginning, this organization was built by individuals who believed in working together, supporting one another, and solving real problems for industry. That sense of belonging and shared purpose has remained a constant over 30 years and continues to shape how we operate today."
As NORCAT begins its next chapter, it will be guided by a new CEO that will work with the NORCAT team, our customers, and key stakeholders to build on the incredible momentum and platform that has been established.
Media Contacts
NORCAT | Cynthia Furlotte | Communications Lead | cfurlotte@norcat.org
About NORCAT
NORCAT is a global leader in developing and delivering training and technology solutions that enhance productivity, safety, and innovation in the skilled labour industries. Through its immersive learning platforms, innovation programs, and global training network, NORCAT empowers workers and organizations to thrive in the future of work. Learn more at www.norcat.org.