Why Nutrien Is Rethinking Mining Education

Mention mining and many people leap to old stereotypes: a burly guy, a hard hat, a pickaxe, and a smudge of dirt on his cheek.

It’s time to rethink that image.

Today’s miner looks very different. She may have grown up with a video game controller in her hands, has training in the use of engineering software, and the glow on her face is from a 3-D computer rendering of our underground operation.

Our world – and our operations – have changed. And that’s why Nutrien is investing in new approaches to training people who will play an essential role in the future of our company, our province, and our goal of feeding the future.

A New School for a New Era

Earlier this year, Nutrien announced a $15 million commitment to Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s “Our Time to Rise” campaign. This investment will support the Nutrien School of Mining, Manufacturing and Engineering Technologies at a new Sask Polytech campus connected to the University of Saskatchewan and Innovation Place.

Why this investment? And why now?

In simple terms, we’re going to need the help. Looking ahead, the world’s population is expected to increase by about 25 percent over the next quarter century, reaching $10 billion by 2050. Farmers will need to produce more food – and they will need more potash to grow healthy crops.

That means our six potash operations in Saskatchewan, which currently employ more than 3,000 people, are going to need a new generation of people with the training and skills to ensure we keep pace. That includes traditional roles, as well as new opportunities shaped by evolving technologies that are making mining safer, more efficient, and more sustainable.

The Nutrien School will give students more opportunities to learn their trades using the right tools in the right environment to prepare for the future of the potash industry.

Partnering With Educators

As we prepare for the future, we recognize the importance of our partnerships with educators who prepare students for careers in industry.

In addition to Sask Polytechnic, we’ve partnered with the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) to establish pawâcikêwikamik – the Nutrien MakerLodge at the SIIT campus.

The Cree word means “a lodge supporting those who dream.” The MakerLodge is intended to give Indigenous students more opportunities to bring their talents and ideas to the tech economy in an environment that acknowledges their culture and community connections.

In its early days, the Nutrien MakerLodge has facilitated training that included students from more than 60 First Nations. We believe it will clear a path for more talent, ambitious Indigenous students to participate in industry in the province.

It’s a new approach. The nature of mining is changing and we’re changing with it.