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Mining day a blast

Sudbury students hear from industry at seventh annual Mining Day

Sudbury students pursuing mining careers learned a little something about pursuing innovation at Cambrian College’s seventh annual Mining Day, Feb. 8.

What started as a strategy by an English teacher to engage mining students at the college has morphed into a full evening of networking and presentations.

“The Pursuit of Innovation” was this year’s theme.

Students from Cambrian, Collège Boréal and Laurentian University heard from some of the major players in the Northern Ontario mining sector.

Along with representatives from the three schools and their industry partner, Stantec Consulting, there were presentations from Redpath Raise Boring, Boart Longyear, TesMan, and the Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation (CEMI). 

“We wanted to break down the barriers between employers and employees with the future looming ahead,” said Kate Bruce, a program coordinator and professor of mining at Cambrian. “The more exposure we can give them to industry the better.”

That exposure is crucial to industry.

“From an industry perspective we're always recruiting,” said Sherrie Burrell, the strategic sector coordinator for Stantec, “There's little connect between what you learn in school and what's actually happening in industry.

“[At mining day] they get comfortable with the data, people, atmosphere, and interaction.”

After last year’s “Boom and Bust” theme, she said many students had questions if they were in the right course. 

This year on the other hand, she said people were energized and enthusiastic. 

Many of the presenters spoke from a global perspective, which had students dreaming big and appreciating the chance to learn more about the industry.

“It's great to learn more about the companies that came this year,” said Brette MacDonald, a Cambrian student.

“We want to hear what they're doing to have for future graduates, and what the future for us will look like,” added classmate McKenna Urso.

For student Ashley Taylor, “it's cool that we're able to meet employers, and interact with people for worldwide opportunities.”