SASKATOON — Nutrien’s transformative gift of $15-million to Saskatchewan Polytechnic – the largest gift from a corporate donor in its history – to support the construction of the new Joseph A. Remai Saskatoon Campus will have a lasting and positive impact for Saskatchewan, says Trevor Berg, SVP, Potash Operations at Saskatoon-based Nutrien, a leading provider of crop inputs and services.
“This commitment will ensure we continue to bring new people and new ideas to our industry,” he says. “As we evolve and introduce new technologies in our business, we need well-trained people who can help make our operations safer, more efficient and more sustainable.”
The investment supports Sask Polytech’s Time to Rise campaign to fund the construction of the new Remai Saskatoon Campus that will offer modern, technology-rich learning for students and greater opportunities for applied research and investment.
“With this significant contribution, we are not just constructing a new campus, we are building a launchpad for tomorrow’s leaders,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, Sask Polytech president and CEO, adding that the gift will leave a lasting impact on the post-secondary institution and future generations of students.
As a top employer in the province, Nutrien needs a skilled workforce with the technical training and innovative thinking to move the company’s business forward, says Mr. Berg, noting the Nutrien School of Mining, Manufacturing and Engineering Technologies will play a vital role in preparing students for careers not only with Nutrien but across the mining industry.
While support for the new Remai Saskatoon Campus is the most recent example, the two organizations have collaborated on many initiatives for more than 40 years, including education programs that improve safety and diversity throughout Nutrien and scholarships that help with the costs of post-secondary education.
Over the decades, many Sask Polytech graduates have grown their careers at Nutrien, demonstrating the importance of ongoing investment in continued education to ensure there is a strong pipeline of qualified workers to fill in-demand jobs that will advance the company’s purpose of ‘Feeding the Future.’
“By 2050, the global population is expected to reach nearly 10 billion,” says Mr. Berg. “Even now, food security is not a given around the world, and we must continue our mission to safely and sustainably grow our production to meet that growing demand. We have the people, the assets and the natural resources right here in the province, so we can continue to grow, innovate and meet that demand.”
Mr. Berg notes that 96 per cent of Sask Polytech graduates get jobs, and over 90 per cent stay in Saskatchewan. Approximately 300 current Nutrien employees in Saskatchewan graduated from Sask Polytech, and the school has worked closely with the company to develop programs and training that meet the evolving needs of industry.
“I look forward to seeing this investment make a positive impact for future generations of Sask Polytech students enrolled in the skilled trades to support our province, our industry and Nutrien to address the challenges we face today and the opportunities we will face tomorrow,” says Mr. Berg.
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This article was originally published in the special feature in the November 28 Globe and Mail, produced by Randall Anthony Communications.
— Submitted by Sask. Polytech Media Relations
