A look at opportunities for new mining graduates

Despite some recent headlines that suggest that the mining industry is “slowing down,” we, on the other hand, (as a recruitment firm) see continued strength and growth and  steady competition for skilled employees both within Canada and globally.

Because of the anticipated loss of up to one-third of the sector’s workers to retirement over the next 10 years, today’s graduates are in a very advantageous position to step into high-demand, well-compensated roles. 

While there are plenty of international opportunities right now, much of the momentum in the mining sector job market still remains right here in Canada. 

For example, expanding gold mining projects in Ontario, new potash developments in Saskatchewan, and new operating facilities in New Brunswick, are the catalysts in recovering mining employment rates back to pre 2008 recession levels.  The opportunities in Saskatchewan,  alone, are especially strong for both new graduates and senior professionals for at least the next 10 years.

While Ontario and British Columbia still have the largest number of employees in the sector, and offer many opportunities for new entrants into the labour force, Saskatchewan and Quebec are not far behind and offer growing opportunities close to larger populations.

Along with high demand, the location of mining projects in more remote locations contributes to mining earnings out-pacing the national average by up to 25 per cent. But, financial incentives are just one part of the package that the industry’s employers need to put in place to attract and retain high-demand young professionals. 

While we are seeing more programs to attract younger workers (under 29) and female workers, the mining sector still struggles to bridge this gap. Work-life balance programs, career progression opportunities and the potential for international/global opportunities are key to the attraction and retention of these new employees.

And as for global opportunities,  Canadian mining grads do not have to go that far from home, with the US mining sector still one of the biggest draws, and likely to increase as the US economy improves and demand for raw materials grows as a result.

While still strong, international demand in Australia and South America has slowed as compared to recent years. Although European requirements waned over the past few years due to economic pressures, pent-up demand for materials and resources is enormous.

For those interested in the gold sector, China is currently the largest producer as well as the largest consumer of gold, with current consumption outpacing internal production.

This has implications for gold mining in both China and here at home. 

*Stephen McCrum is a staffing expert in the Engineering and Technical Division of Randstad Engineering (formerly ATS Reliance) of Toronto.