Local students will prepare for careers in the mining industry as a result of a partnership agreement signed between Cumberland College and the International Minerals Innovation Institute (IMII). Officials were on hand Thursday at the Nipawin College campus to announce the partnership that will provide over $500 000 towards purchasing equipment for trades training, specifically the Applied Certificate in Electrical and Applied Certificate in Industrial Mechanics. Additional safety training pertinent to the trades will also be included in this new programming.
“With the support from IMII, Cumberland College is able to offer trades programming on a more frequent basis,” said Tom Weegar, Cumberland College President. “Owning the equipment allows for greater flexibility in delivery, and will increase the number of times each program is offered on an annual basis.”
“IMII is pleased to help reduce the gap between hiring requirements and the available talent pool,” said Engin Özberk, Executive Director and Senior Technical Advisor IMII. A recent report from the Mining Industry Workforce Information Network, indicates a gap of 110 workers for millwrights and industrial mechanics and 65 workers for industrial electricians, over the next 10 years.
The goal of the partnership is to inject 60 electrical and 36 industrial mechanics apprentices into the Saskatchewan workforce over the next five years.
About Cumberland College
Cumberland College has been in existence since 1975 with a mandate to provide training and education for adults in Northeast Saskatchewan. Full-time and part-time programming is offered in the areas of college certificates and diplomas, university courses and degrees, as well as adult basic education. Additionally learning is available in the areas of literacy, safety, and continuing education. The College’s mission is to provide excellent lifelong learning opportunities today, preparing individuals and communities for tomorrow and, as such, is committed to increasing education, training and labour force development in the region. The College has recognized, and is anticipating, a high demand for labour in many sectors of the regional and provincial economy.
About the International Minerals Innovation Institute
International Minerals Innovation Institute, a unique industry-government-post-secondary education partnership jointly funded by industry and government, is a catalyst to developing industry-driven education and training programs to address labour force needs in the sector and conducts industry-driven research and development to address workplace health and safety, environmental sustainability, social license, policy research, exploration, mining, processing and economics of commodities to ensure the continued growth of the industry.
IMII’s current activities and future plans are being driven by industry priorities. Through the Board of Directors and separate panels for both education and training and research and development, collaboration occurs amongst industry, government and post-secondary education institutions to clearly define the need, solution, implementation plan and outcomes together.
