Education is essential to powering Saskatchewan’s growing minerals industry. As the sector embraces automation, digital tools, and sustainable practices, building a workforce equipped with technical skills, safety knowledge, and applied experience is more important than ever.
IMII plays a pivotal role in this by connecting post-secondary institutions with industry partners and funding immersive learning tools, such as virtual reality labs—ensuring students can translate classroom knowledge into real-world performance.
Although there are many educational pathways into mining, there are several direct programs that can help Saskatchewan people enter into careers in mining this fall:
A two‑year diploma offered at the Nutrien School of Mining (Saskatoon campus), this program includes two paid co‑op placements and features a new virtual mine lab funded by IMII. Students dive into mine design, ventilation, geotechnical labs, surveying, ore transport, and safety protocols.
IMII funded the development of mining engineering options at the University of Saskatchewan to accelerate industry readiness from local engineering graduates. USask offers mining‑focused options across multiple engineering disciplines—including geological, mechanical, civil, and environmental engineering. These pathways equip students with the technical foundation and research exposure to work in mining.
Explore USask engineering pathways →
IMII funded the Digital Transformation initiative that provided funding to Morris Interactive to develop a digital skills training program specific to potash mining and potash supply chains, tailored to Indigenous learners. Morris has gone on to deliver similar programming in Northern Saskatchewan, as well as partner with IMII member Mosaic to deliver training that leads to potash mining careers such as Machine Operator, Rock Truck Driver, Drilling Helper, and Apprentices.
This 10–12‑week program runs from fall to winter, with offerings in Saskatoon, Regina, Yorkton, and Creighton. It is specifically designed for Indigenous learners—but open to all—focusing on safe work practices, underground mining, processing operations, industry certifications, and an on-site practicum
Launched in early 2025 in Humboldt, SK, the BHP Potash Academy is an eight-month paid training program delivered in partnership with BHP and Carlton Trail College. It combines technical coursework with on-site learning to prepare students for roles at the Jansen mine and in the broader potash industry. While the first cohort will celebrate their graduation in September 2025, applications for the third cohort have not yet opened. Student recruitment is managed directly through BHP, and further program details will be available in fall 2025.
Delivered at the Meadow Lake Campus, this full-time program runs from September 8, 2025, to May 29, 2026. Students gain practical skills in maintaining and servicing heavy equipment—critical for operations in open-pit mining and mineral transport. With training scheduled weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., this program sets a strong foundation for skilled trades in resource sectors.
Learn more → www.northwestcollege.ca
This specialized program equips students with the skills needed to work in early-stage mining and geological fieldwork. Topics include sampling, mapping, geotechnical instrumentation, and safety practices—making it ideal for those seeking careers in exploration or environmental monitoring.
Learn more → www.northlandscollege.ca
Suncrest College offers programs from Heavy Equipment Operator to Power Engineering to Industrial Mechanic. These programs are ideal for those interested in mine operations and learning energy systems for mining facilities.
Find out more → www.suncrestcollege.ca
Partnerships with Industry, including many IMII member companies, provides crucial co-op and summer work terms and apprenticed trade positions with our academic members University of Regina, USask, SaskPoly, SIIT and community colleges. These members all rely on these projects to provide real-life experiences to complement educational training.
Work experience gained as students forms a critical bridge to mining careers. Internship and co-op programs such as those offered by IMII member, the University of Regina’s engineering programs (notably civil and mechanical) feature robust co-op placement opportunities, allowing students to gain hands-on mining experience and build industry connections necessary for future careers.
Discover URegina engineering programs →
By investing in a wide range of education and training opportunities across engineering, trades, business, and environmental sciences, Saskatchewan is laying the groundwork for a strong, resilient, and inclusive mining workforce. As innovation transforms the industry, these programs ensure that tomorrow’s talent is ready to lead with knowledge, skill, and purpose. IMII is proud to support the partnerships that make these pathways possible and remains committed to building a brighter future for mining through education.
IMII’s office is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. Treaty 6 encompasses the lands of the Cree, Dakota, Nakota, Saulteaux (SO-TOE) and the Homeland of the Métis Nation. We pay our respect to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our enduring relationship with one another and recognize the importance of reconciliation in building a shared future.
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