Workforce Development in Saskatchewan’s Minerals Industry
Building Saskatchewan’s Future Workforce in the Minerals Industry
Saskatchewan’s minerals industry is a cornerstone of the province’s economy and is well-positioned for growth. To sustain and expand its operations, developing a skilled and diverse workforce is essential. As part of its strategic goals, IMII is committed to supporting its members in building a workforce that is both capable and representative of the communities in which they have offices and operations.
The minerals industry faces a critical shortage of skilled tradespeople, technical experts, and professionals—roles essential to the industry’s ability to meet the growing global demand for minerals driven by megatrends like decarbonization, population growth, and urbanization. Addressing this shortage requires innovative solutions that break down barriers to employment and encourage more people, especially from underrepresented groups, to pursue careers in the minerals industry.
IMII is focused on creating new pathways that will increase enrollment and retention in apprenticeship programs, technical courses, and university programs critical to the minerals industry. By developing innovative, accessible pathways for young people and other underrepresented groups, IMII is helping to ensure the industry has the skilled talent necessary to meet its future needs.
The Workforce Development Challenge Program is a key initiative designed to create innovative pathways that attract young talent to the minerals industry and address the increasing demand for high-skill, high-opportunity roles. By fostering collaboration between industry leaders, government agencies, and academic institutions, IMII is helping to solve the workforce challenges that the sector faces.
Through these efforts, IMII is working to build a more inclusive, skilled, and future-ready workforce—one that will continue to drive Saskatchewan’s economic growth for years to come. Now is the time to invest in the pathways that will ensure the minerals industry has the talent it needs to thrive.
IMII’s Workforce Development Challenge Program
Tackling this challenge requires innovation and collaboration. By bringing together training providers, employers, and workforce intermediaries such as government ministries, IMII aims to create pathways that reduce barriers to employment. The integration of new digital technologies can also help accelerate training and support faster completion of programs, ensuring workers are equipped with the skills the industry needs.
IMII believes that by leveraging the collective expertise of its diverse membership—including minerals companies, post-secondary institutions, and government agencies—it is uniquely positioned to lead the way in workforce development.
IMII is inviting proposals from members and potential partners to develop and deliver projects in two key areas:
- New pathways for youth outside of school to enter the minerals industry workforce; and
- New pathways into high needs occupations which both attract new people into selected occupations and shortens the time it takes to demonstrate competency in these occupations.
Stay tuned – the request for proposals will open soon.
Stay tuned – the request for proposals will open soon.
IMII’s Workforce Development Challenge Program
THIS SECTION READS AS JUST FOR/ON YOUTH, WHEN IT IS NOT. THE PROGRAM IS ALSO MORE LIKE THE D&I CHALLENGE PROGRAM WHERE WILL BE SEEKING PROJECTS. THAT IS, IT DOES NOT EXIST YET.
Empowering Youth with New Pathways to Success in Saskatchewan’s Minerals Industry
Saskatchewan is a global leader in potash and uranium production, with world-class operations driving both economic growth and job creation. However, like many industries, the minerals sector faces a critical challenge: attracting skilled talent to meet the demands of an expanding workforce. IMII’s Workforce Development Challenge is designed to address this challenge by creating innovative, flexible pathways to bring more young people into the minerals industry and high-demand occupations.
New Pathways for Youth: Connecting to Purposeful Careers
Saskatchewan’s minerals industry employs thousands of people across the province, providing high-paying and rewarding opportunities. Yet, there is a growing need to attract more young people to this vital sector. Many youth, particularly those outside of traditional school systems, face barriers in accessing pathways that lead to stable and fulfilling careers.
To address this gap, IMII has collaborated with industry members to design two key priority areas:
- Engaging young people outside of traditional education systems by connecting them to post-secondary programs and careers in the minerals industry.
- Creating new pathways for post-secondary education completion in high-demand occupations within the sector.
FlexPath: Non-Linear Pathways to Career Success
For many youth, the traditional school-to-college-to-career trajectory doesn’t fit their journey. FlexPath is an innovative program designed to offer non-linear pathways for young people, especially those who may not have followed the conventional route of high school graduation and immediate post-secondary enrollment.
FlexPath Objectives
Connect youth directly to the minerals industry through mentoring, entry-level job placements, and career development.
Provide flexible, supportive education and training options, including night classes and short-term programs, offered by post-secondary institutions.
Focus on competency-based learning rather than traditional credentialing, offering hands-on experience in partnership with industry and educational institutions.
By offering flexibility, mentorship, and practical job experience, FlexPath ensures that youth have the guidance and resources they need to thrive in the minerals industry.
Pre-Pre-Employment Training for Mining: Real-World Exposure
A critical barrier to youth entering the minerals industry is the lack of real-world exposure to mining operations. IMII’s Pre-Pre-Employment Training Program aims to bridge this gap by providing young people with immersive experiences on mining sites. This hands-on experience will build confidence, understanding, and excitement about a career in the minerals sector.
Program Highlights
Realistic Site Experience
Participants will work in environments that mirror actual mining operations, helping them understand the industry’s unique working conditions.
Supportive Learning Environment
With multiple instructors and field liaisons, the program ensures a supportive and safe learning space for participants.
Job Readiness
By experiencing the job firsthand, youth are better prepared for subsequent training and employment.
By giving youth an authentic look at mining careers before they commit to formal training, this program will increase enrollment in pre-employment programs and improve retention rates in the industry.
AI-Supported Remote Learning:
Bringing Education to Remote Communities
Saskatchewan’s minerals industry is concentrated in urban areas, but many qualified individuals live in rural, remote, or reserve communities. IMII believes that leveraging AI technology and remote learning can bring mining education directly to these communities, making training more accessible for people who cannot relocate to larger cities.
Key Features of the Program
Mixed Reality and 3D Learning
Combining AI, mixed reality, and 3D models to bring interactive and engaging learning experiences to remote areas.
Localized Support
Delivering training in rural and remote communities using smartphones and other accessible technologies.
Flexibility
Offering on-demand learning materials that accommodate various schedules and personal circumstances.
This initiative will help connect more people from underrepresented communities with career opportunities in the minerals industry.
Digitally Transformed Apprenticeships:
A Modern Approach to Skill Development
The traditional apprenticeship model has served the industry well for years, but there is an opportunity to digitally transform apprenticeship programs to meet the evolving needs of the modern workforce. IMII’s vision for a Digitally Transformed Apprenticeship Program aims to leverage emerging technologies like augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) to shorten training times and increase learning flexibility.
Program Features
Competency-Based Learning
Training will focus on skills and competencies rather than time spent, allowing apprentices to demonstrate proficiency faster.
Hybrid Learning
A blend of on-site learning and virtual training to accelerate skill development.
Flexible Certification
Shortened paths to industry-recognized certification, including Red Seal trades.
With an emphasis on flexibility and experience-based learning, this program is designed to meet both industry needs and the preferences of modern apprentices.
Entry-Level Instrumentation Interns:
A New Pathway to High-Tech Careers
As the minerals industry embraces digital transformation, there is a growing need for skilled Instrumentation, Control, and Automation Technicians. IMII’s Entry-Level Instrumentation Intern program provides a unique opportunity for individuals to start in the workforce and develop their skills while earning industry credentials.
Program Structure
Work First, Study Later
Interns will gain hands-on experience on-site, starting with practical training before transitioning to formal education.
Supported Learning Path
As employees of partnering companies, interns will receive tailored academic support and career mentorship.
Remote Training Options
Companies will be encouraged to bring training directly to rural and remote areas, making education accessible to a wider audience.
This program addresses both industry needs and the challenges of attracting young people to technical careers in mining, offering an innovative alternative to traditional educational pathways.
Mining-Like Engineers: Pathways for Aspiring Engineers
There is a growing shortage of qualified mining engineers in Saskatchewan and beyond, and IMII is committed to developing new pathways for mining engineers. By working with academic institutions and industry partners, IMII will pilot initiatives to create fast-tracked and accessible education pathways that lead to careers in mining engineering.
Key Proposals
Mining Engineering Pathways
Offer core mining engineering courses to students in related fields, such as civil or environmental engineering.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Develop pathways that recognize previous academic qualifications, including for foreign-trained engineers, to fast-track their integration into the local workforce.
With these programs, IMII aims to make mining engineering a more accessible and attractive career option for students and professionals.
Building the Future Workforce for Saskatchewan’s Minerals Industry
Saskatchewan’s minerals industry is vital to the province’s economy and is poised for growth. However, to sustain and expand operations, there must be a focus on developing a skilled, diverse workforce. IMII’s Workforce Development Challenge Program is designed to create innovative pathways for young people and underrepresented groups to enter and succeed in the minerals industry.
By fostering collaboration between industry, educational institutions, and governments, IMII is helping to build a more inclusive, skilled, and future-ready workforce that will continue to drive Saskatchewan’s economic success for years to come.
Now is the time to invest in innovative pathways to ensure Saskatchewan’s minerals industry has the skilled talent it needs to thrive.
