the rise, we’re seeing a push for new mines across Saskatchewan,” he explains. Saskatchewan’s rich mining culture has always been a cornerstone of the region’s economy. Still, the current boom in uranium, especially in the northern part of the province, is drawing considerable attention. He highlights the proposal of two additional uranium mines in the north and new copper and nickel mines as key developments the company is closely monitoring. Bolen adds to the discussion, pointing out the shifting focus of local utilities toward nuclear power. “The local utility is exploring nuclear power alongside ongoing investments in renewables,” he notes. JA Tech has already established its presence in the renewable energy sector, but nuclear power represents uncharted territory. While the company hasn’t yet ventured into nuclear projects, Bolen’s comment suggests a keen interest in this area as a potential avenue for future growth. ADDRESSING WORKFORCE SHORTAGES: CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIC RESPONSES Saskatchewan’s economy is rapidly expanding, and JA Tech faces the dual challenge of managing growth while grappling with a significant shortage of skilled tradespeople. Nordick candidly addresses the issue, describing the shortage of skilled tradesmen and technicians as one of the province’s most pressing challenges. “There’s a lack of skilled tradespeople for a province that’s growing so fast,” he explains, noting that the demand for electrical engineering technologists, electricians, and instrumentation technicians is surging beyond what local labor markets can supply. These professionals are integral to JA Tech’s operations, particularly in maintenance, testing, and commissioning—the company’s “bread and butter,” as Nordick puts it. In response, JA Tech has developed a multifaceted recruitment approach, focusing on local and emerging talent pools. “We start at the base level, in schools like Saskatchewan Polytech,” Nordick says, highlighting the company’s proactive efforts to engage with students early in their education. By delivering presentations that outline career opportunities in electrical engineering and high4 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 09
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx