The University of Saskatchewan’s Aaron Phoenix and the Potash Corp’s Leanne Bellegarde sign an agreement to place interns with the mining company. Photo by Mervin Brass
On Tuesday, the University of Saskatchewan signed an agreement with the PotashCorp of Saskatchewan to provide internships for aboriginal engineering students.
The agreement will provide a summer employment opportunity and experience working in the potash industry.
The College of Engineering’s Aaron Phoenix says students will be provided with an industry mentor.
“I think it would be absolutely wonderful for students to work at PotashCorp They have great ways to support the students and to develop the students,” says Phoenix. “I think that for any engineering student this is a fantastic opportunity to have the appropriate mentorship while you’re in placements during the summer.”
PotashCorp’s Leanne Bellegarde says the company pays their interns quite well just before delivering two $5,000 cheques for tuition to last summer’s two interns.
The College of Engineering’s indigenous initiatives coordinator Matthew Dunn worked for Potash Corp early in his career.
“I learned a lot as an engineer, I was able to get my professional engineering designation at that time and just become a better engineer,” says Dunn.
PotashCorp will hire three aboriginal interns this summer.