BHP Potash Academy: A New Dawn for Saskatchewan's Mining Industry

HUMBOLDT, Saskatchewan, Jan. 15, 2025 - BHP and Carlton Trail College are pleased to announce the launch of BHP Potash Academy and its inaugural cohort of trainees. The first intake of 13 trainees is already participating in on-site orientation at the Jansen mine site this week and will hit the classroom at BHP Potash Academy at Carlton Trail College in Humboldt, Saskatchewan, on January 20. This eight-month paid traineeship is designed to equip those new to the mining industry with essential skills required for production or maintenance technician roles at the Jansen mine site in Saskatchewan.

The program includes a mix of classroom and theory learning, as well as practical workshop training for hands-on experience. At the end of the program, trainees will earn a Certificate in Mining Essentials, an Applied Certificate in Industrial Mechanics and permanent, full-time employment at the Jansen mine site to contribute to the operation's long-term success.

"We are excited to continue our partnership with Carlton Trail and are thrilled to welcome the Potash Academy's first cohort. 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," said Graham Reynolds, General Manager of Operations, BHP.

"With the launch of this new partnership between our College and BHP, we are bridging the gap between workforce need, classroom learning and the real-world application of skills," said Amy Yeager, Carlton Trail College President and CEO. "We look forward to delivering this unique initiative that will shape the future of both training and industry."

"BHP is a strong partner that supports Carlton Trail College and other post-secondary institutions in developing a skilled and representative workforce," said Minister of Advanced Education Ken Cheveldayoff. "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."

The BHP Potash Academy, officially formed in July 2024 by BHP and Carlton Trail College, was created to help kickstart additional career pathways to the mining industry in Saskatchewan. It is an extension of a long-term partnership between BHP and Carlton Trail College that previously delivered pre-apprenticeship and related industry training. BHP anticipates approximately 5,500 workforce opportunities during construction of the Jansen mine and 900 long-term jobs once operational.

More information on Potash Academy and how to apply can be found at career8.successfactors.com.

The BHP Potash Academy is set to have a significant impact on the local economy and job market in Humboldt and the surrounding region. The Jansen mine project is expected to create approximately 5,500 workforce opportunities during construction and 900 long-term jobs once operational. The academy will help kickstart additional career pathways to the mining industry in Saskatchewan, contributing to these job opportunities and fostering economic growth and participation in the region.

The academy's focus on bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application of skills will not only benefit BHP but also the broader job market. Trainees will earn a Certificate in Mining Essentials and an Applied Certificate in Industrial Mechanics, equipping them with essential skills required for production or maintenance technician roles at the Jansen mine site. These skilled workers can contribute to other industries in the region, further bolstering the local economy.

BHP's commitment to supporting the communities where they operate is evident in the BHP Foundation Canada Country program. The program invests in the future of young Indigenous people through improved education, learning, and career pathway opportunities. This aligns with the academy's goal of creating a skilled and representative workforce that truly reflects the communities they are a part of.

In conclusion, the launch of BHP Potash Academy at Carlton Trail College in Humboldt marks a new dawn for Saskatchewan's mining industry. The academy's focus on bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application of skills, combined with BHP's commitment to economic growth and community support, will have a significant positive impact on the local economy and job market in Humboldt and the surrounding region. The academy is set to create new career pathways, foster economic growth, and contribute to a more diverse and inclusive local job market.