ESTERHAZY, Sask. — Suncrest College officially opened its enhanced industrial mechanics training facilities in Esterhazy on Oct. 21, made possible through a $1.5-million investment from Mosaic over three years.
Since the funding was announced, Suncrest College has been working to enhance the learning environment, upgrade specialized training equipment and expand opportunities for students pursuing careers as industrial mechanics, also known as millwrights.
In January, the college established a task group to guide the project’s implementation and co-ordinate improvements to the industrial mechanics training space. The investment has supported the purchase of specialized equipment, including hydraulic and pneumatic training benches, metal lathes, drill presses and bench grinders, giving students more opportunities for practical, hands-on learning.
The Esterhazy campus has also undergone modernization to create an improved space for students and employees, supporting a more welcoming and functional learning and working environment. The upgraded training space has officially been named the Mosaic Industrial Mechanics Lab in recognition of Mosaic’s $1.5-million investment and its commitment to developing Saskatchewan’s skilled trades workforce.
The investment is also helping Suncrest College expand access to training through a new Industrial Mechanics Applied Certificate program, launching for the first time in February 2027. The college is working with Good Spirit School Division to create a pathway for high school students to complete the program before graduating in June, offering an opportunity to gain valuable skills, earn a post-secondary certificate and fast-track a career in the trades while still in high school.
In addition, $25,000 in scholarships will be available annually to students enrolled in the program, helping reduce financial barriers and encourage more learners to pursue careers in industrial mechanics.
Mosaic’s $1.5-million investment in Suncrest College is part of its broader $4-million commitment over three years to workforce development across Saskatchewan.
“The future of Saskatchewan depends on developing skilled, local talent. Through partnerships like this one, we can help remove barriers to education and create more opportunities for students to pursue training and careers close to home,” said Lawrence Berthelet, vice-president of potash at The Mosaic Company. “Mosaic is proud to support Suncrest College's vision and to celebrate the opening of this important new learning space in Esterhazy.”
“This investment is making a meaningful difference in how we prepare students for careers in the skilled trades,” said Alison Dubreuil, president and CEO of Suncrest College. “The upgraded lab, specialized training equipment and new program will create more opportunities for students to develop the skills local employers need. We are excited about the partnership with Good Spirit School Division to help high school students get an early start on their training and careers.”
A significant portion of Suncrest College’s Industrial Mechanic Apprenticeship participants in Esterhazy are currently employed by Mosaic, reflecting the strong connection between the college’s training and the needs of local industry.
Through enhancements to facilities, equipment, programming and student financial support, the partnership is helping strengthen the skilled trades workforce while creating more opportunities for learners to train close to home.
