The reserve communities within the northern Manitoba region where Hudbay operates struggle with high unemployment. Helping stimulate business start-ups and small businesses and developing job skills within the indigenous communities near our operations not only helps the communities; it also benefits Hudbay by growing the base from which we hire and increasing the number of qualified suppliers from which we procure services and goods. To help achieve this mutual benefit, in 2018 we held an economic development workshop in which individuals from three nearby communities participated in an interactive discussion on needs, challenges and ways to increase both access to bidding opportunities and the awarding of contracts.
With younger generations being the fastest growing segment of the population in the region, we also increased efforts to engage youth and students and to raise awareness about the economic, employment and training opportunities our mining operations offer. In 2018, we held mine tours with students that showcased the various careers available at our operations. In early 2019, we held a mechanics course for students that included job shadowing our heavy-duty underground mechanics. Other events and activities are planned for 2019 to not only help develop potential future talent for Hudbay, but also support broader efforts to improve the well-being of the communities near our operations.