All-women class highlights Cameco’s new trades training program

Northern students have a new opportunity to build skills and grow their careers in the trades with a new pilot program spearheaded by Cameco.

And this year, all 10 students and one of the instructors are women.

“We’re hoping to get northern residents interested in a career in mining – women in particular,” community and indigenous engagement director, Kristin Cuddington, says. “Women are under-represented in mining, and we want women to see themselves in non-traditional roles.”

The three-year program comes in response to workforce challenges Cameco faces as it works to meet the world’s growing demand for uranium.

Northern trade positions are hard to fill; our tradesperson workforce is aging and nearing retirement; and we expect future production to ramp up and will need more skilled trades workers.

The demand for labour in the province’s mining sector will grow by 35 per cent by 2034, according to the Saskatchewan Mining Association. Cameco’s pilot project will introduce students to the skilled trades before they commit to a career path.

For the training program, Cameco is partnering with Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT). SIIT will provide pre-trades training focusing on industrial and heavy-duty mechanics, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and welding. A limited number of apprenticeship opportunities with Cameco will also be available after students complete the course.

This paid training opportunity, wages covered by Cameco, will take place at Rabbit Lake Mine in Treaty 10 territory. The site has been in care and maintenance status since 2016 and can provide classroom space, a shop, equipment, and employees on hand to mentor students. Cameco will also provide student travel, food and lodging.

“This program is a great step forward to include First Nations women in the trades and mining industry," says SIIT trades and industrial program coordinator, Helen Ninnies from Cumberland House, who is one of the instructors.

"This door opens the opportunity to learn though hands-on training of the trades involved in the mining sector at an actual mine site. I look forward to meeting with the students and empowering them through the exploration and training of the six trades in this course and hope to inspire them to continue working toward a career within the mining industry. This is an exciting opportunity for everyone involved."

Students will attend the program 14 days onsite and 14 days offsite each month from January to June. Elders will be brought onto the team as advisors for culture and support.

The students are scheduled to begin orientation and safety training at Rabbit Lake on January 10, 2025.