BHP and Carlton Trail College showed off its first cohort of trainees as part of the new BHP Potash Academy.
Thirteen trainees undertook an on-site orientation at the Jansen potash mine site in Canada this week and will be commencing classes at the BHP Potash Academy, located in Humboldt, Saskatchewan, on January 20.
The paid traineeship runs for eight months and equips those new to the mining industry with essential capabilities required at Jansen, including skills needed for production and maintenance technician roles.
The college program comprises classroom, theory learning, and practical workshop training to provide students with real hands-on experience.
Trainees will earn a certificate at the completion of the program, ‘Mining Essentials, an Applied Certificate in Industrial Mechanics’, and will earn a permanent full-time role at Jansen.
“We are excited to continue our partnership with Carlton Trail and are thrilled to welcome the Potash Academy’s first cohort,” BHP general manager of operations Graham Reynolds said.
“The launch of Potash Academy is an important milestone that will support the long-term success of Jansen and economic growth and participation in the region.
“We look forward to working with this great group of trainees who bring diverse experience that they can apply to BHP and the mining industry.”
Carlton Trail College president and chief executive officer Amy Yeager said the launch of this new partnership between the college and BHP is bridging the gap between workforce needs, classroom learning and the real-world application of skills.
“We look forward to delivering this unique initiative that will shape the future of both training and industry,” she said.
Minister of advanced education Ken Cheveldayoff said BHP is a strong partner that supports Carlton Trail College and other post-secondary institutions in developing a skilled and representative workforce.
“This partnership is a clear demonstration of the success that comes from Saskatchewan post-secondary institutions working with key industry partners to create training opportunities that meet the needs of students and employers in the region,” he said.
BHP anticipates there will be around 5500 jobs created during the construction of the Jansen mine and 900 long-term jobs once operational.
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