A three-month mining pre-employment program is being offered to the Cowessess First Nation and surrounding area, with the aim of connecting Indigenous communities with the potash industry.
“This partnership will improve employment opportunities for Indigenous job seekers, and increase participation in the resource sector,” Minister of Immigration and Career Training Jeremy Harrison said. “We’re excited to join forces with Morris Interactive to create meaningful opportunities in Saskatchewan, empower Indigenous talent and enable growth in the mining sector.”
Morris Interactive is facilitating the training. “We’re very excited to partner with the Government of Saskatchewan to continue to equip future Indigenous leaders within the mining industry,” Morris Interactive CEO Matthew Cey said. “The combination of driven students, the growing group of program partners (Mosaic, Cowessess First Nation, Conexus Credit Union and the Government of Saskatchewan), and the program’s industry sponsors are the foundation that truly leads to meaningful careers. We embrace the opportunity to see the students join the mining sector and take ownership of long-term careers that they are proud of.”
This Indigenous Mining Pre-Employment Program will introduce participants to the mining industry, prepare them to pursue jobs and train on the basics of potash mining using virtual reality, simulators and drone technology. The 10-week program consists of eight weeks in-classroom and two weeks of work experience at Mosaic’s Esterhazy mine site.
“This additional support for the Morris Interactive program by the provincial government is excellent news,” said Bruce Bodine, Senior Vice President, North America for The Mosaic Company. “Mosaic also made a major investment in the program in 2022. The work practicums at our sites provide education, mentorship and opportunity for Indigenous students looking to enter the potash industry.”