Nutrien’s commitment to education and talent development
Innovation and industry have been driving forces in Saskatchewan’s potash sector for decades, and Nutrien is reaffirming its dedication to fostering these strengths for the province’s resource sector’s future.
Recently, Nutrien announced a landmark $15 million contribution to Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Time To Rise campaign, marking the largest corporate donation in the institution’s history. This commitment underscores Nutrien’s longstanding partnership with Saskatchewan Polytechnic and its investment in nurturing local talent to fuel the province’s economy.
“The importance of ongoing investment in continued education, particularly in institutions like Sask Polytech, cannot be overstated,” says Chris Reynolds, Nutrien’s executive vice-president and president, Potash. “Our collaboration with Sask Polytech has demonstrated its significance time and again, providing a strong pipeline of skilled workers essential for advancing our purpose of Feeding the Future.”
The Nutrien School of Mining, Manufacturing and Engineering Technologies, made possible by this substantial contribution, will be an integral part of Sask Polytech’s major campus renewal. Situated in an Innovation Corridor near Innovation Place on the University of Saskatchewan, the new campus will not only modernize learning environments, but also serve as a hub for innovation and industry collaboration.
“For over 40 years, Nutrien and Sask Polytech have forged a mutually beneficial partnership that plays a pivotal role in Saskatchewan’s economy,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, president and CEO of Sask Polytech. “This transformative donation reinforces our commitment to preparing future leaders and ensuring they have access to cutting-edge resources and training.”
With approximately 300 current Nutrien employees in Saskatchewan being Sask Polytech graduates, this investment directly supports the development of a skilled workforce tailored to the needs of industry. Kyle O’Brien, a mine technologist at Nutrien’s head office, exemplifies the seamless transition from Sask Polytech to the workforce.
“As part of the first cohort of students in the Mine Engineering Technology program at Sask Polytech, I experienced firsthand the program’s industry-aligned approach,” says O’Brien. “The hands-on education and tailored curriculum prepared me for the challenges of the mining sector, ultimately leading to a fulfilling career at Nutrien.”
Nutrien’s commitment to supporting educational institutions like Saskatchewan Polytechnic not only benefits the company but also strengthens the local community. As a steadfast advocate for education and talent attraction, this investment and partnership with Sask Polytech reflects Nutrien’s commitment to fostering economic growth and building a skilled workforce for generations to come.
“Nutrien’s investment in education and workforce development demonstrates its dedication to the long-term prosperity of Saskatchewan,” says O’Brien. “As a Nutrien employee and Sask Polytech graduate, I’m proud to be part of an organization that prioritizes sustainable growth and invests in the future of our workforce.”
Nutrien is the largest potash producer in the world and the only Canadian company producing this critical mineral at our six mines in Saskatchewan. We call Saskatchewan home and have been working with post-secondary institutions like Saskatchewan Polytechnic for decades to ensure graduates have the right education, with the right tools, to move into a career with us.
