In this interview, Vicki Conrad, HR Country Manager – Canada at Sandvik, discusses how the company is responding to these challenges by rethinking talent development, modernizing perceptions of mining careers, and building stronger connections between industry, academia, and the next generation of STEM graduates.
Sandvik’s recent talent report highlights a significant challenge in Canada’s mining sector: an aging workforce with only around 5% under age 25. How does this demographic shift impact the industry’s growth and innovation potential?
VC: Canada’s aging mining workforce is definitely a challenge, but it also offers an opportunity for the sector to rethink and innovate. With so many experienced professionals retiring, the industry risks losing valuable institutional knowledge, but this transition also opens the door for a new generation to reshape what mining looks like.
In Canada, we’re seeing strong interest from younger generations in areas like sustainability, automation and emerging technologies – all of which are central to modern mining. At Sandvik, we’ve seen that innovation thrives when you create a space for new voices. By creating a space for new perspectives, the industry can accelerate change, help challenge the way things have typically been done, and guide a path towards a more technologically advanced and sustainable future.
In addition, for our customers, this means access to solutions that are not only more efficient and cost-effective but also aligned with their own sustainability goals. By embracing automation and emerging technologies, we help customers improve safety, optimize productivity, and reduce environmental impact—giving them a competitive edge in a market that increasingly values responsible and innovative mining practices.
This is how we can positively impact the industry’s growth and innovation potential.
Given that many Canadian STEM students are unfamiliar with today’s modern mining technologies and career opportunities, what role can Sandvik’s talent training programs and industry partnerships play in changing this perception?
VC: We honor where we’ve come from, recognizing the technological advancements and expertise that laid the foundation for today’s innovations. Those pioneers have put the mining industry in a great position to bridge the gap. Did you know that Sandvik had machines that were remotely controlled as early as the 1970’s and full automation since the early 2000’s?
However, a lot of people outside the industry still picture mining as it was decades ago. Closing that perception gap is something we’re committed to. Our training programs and partnerships are designed to show STEM students the modern reality of mining. One built on automation, AI, electrification, and sustainability.
For example, we offer internships and co-op programs that let students get hands-on with advanced technologies. And we work closely with universities and other academic partners to develop educational modules that align with what STEM students are learning today. When people see how tech-forward and impactful this industry is, their perspectives start to shift.
Could you describe how Sandvik’s training initiatives, such as your specialized talent development programs, help prepare young professionals to thrive in mining’s rapidly evolving technological landscape?
VC: Our training programs are developed specifically with the future in mind because mining today, and especially tomorrow, is all about innovation. We focus on helping young talents build skills in areas like predictive analytics, robotics, and electrification.
One example is our cross-disciplinary training, which combines mechanical, electrical, and software expertise. This kind of approach prepares young talents to navigate highly automated and data-driven environments, setting them up not just to succeed, but to lead in this new era of mining.
Environmental sustainability and climate change are critical issues shaping the future of mining. How is Sandvik, and the wider Canadian mining sector, innovating to address these concerns while attracting environmentally conscious young talent?
VC: Sustainability is central to everything we do at Sandvik. Mining is essential for the energy transition – think about the minerals and metals used in electric vehicles or solar panels and even nuclear energy – but we also know the process itself has to become more environmentally responsible.
That’s why we’re developing technologies like battery-electric vehicles and drills, energy-efficient rock processing equipment, and advanced automation. These innovations not only reduce diesel emissions but reduce heat and noise levels, creating a safer and healthier environment for the industry.
For young talent, this kind of innovation is a huge motivator. As we found in our recent survey, when students see that they can make a meaningful contribution to climate action while pursuing a career in mining, they start to see this industry in a whole new light.
As the mining industry embraces digitalization, automation, and electrification, what specific skills and expertise should Canadian STEM graduates focus on to remain competitive and valuable in this new environment?
VC: If I had to pick three areas for STEM graduates to focus on, they would be automation, data science, and sustainability. These are the cornerstones of modern mining. Understanding AI, robotics, and machine learning will set young talents apart as the industry moves further toward autonomous and digitally optimized operations.
Equally important is the ability to work across disciplines. Mining is becoming a space where mechanical, electrical, and software expertise overlap. Collaboration is critical to developing integrated solutions that meet the complex needs of modern applications while having a fulfilling, purpose-driven career. Graduates who can think broadly and work across different specialties, while also understanding the environmental implications of their work, will be in high demand.
Career progression is essential for attracting and retaining talent. What development paths and opportunities can young Canadian engineers and technologists expect once they join the mining sector?
VC: There’s no shortage of opportunities for growth in this industry. It’s one of the reasons I love working in mining and that I was able to bring transferable skills from finance and banking into Sandvik. For young engineers and technologists, the pathways can include everything from working on advanced automation projects to developing solutions for greener mining practices.
At Sandvik, we focus on career-long learning. Whether it’s through specialized training programs, mentorship opportunities, or global project experience, we make sure our employees are always growing and taking on new challenges. For those just starting out, it’s a sector where you can take on meaningful responsibility early and see the real impact from your work.
Mining can sometimes be perceived as remote, physically demanding, or traditional. How has Sandvik helped evolve the working culture and operational environment to make mining a more attractive career option for Canada’s younger, tech-savvy professionals?
VC: We know the industry has historically carried certain perceptions, and we’ve made a concerted effort to address them. Today’s mining environments are safer, smarter, and more connected than they’ve ever been. At Sandvik, we’ve developed technologies that enable remote equipment operation, which reduces the need to be on-site in remote locations.
We also focus on fostering an inclusive, forward-thinking culture. One that values innovation collaboration and continuous improvement. We want to show young talents that mining isn’t just a job; it’s a career where you can apply cutting-edge skills while contributing to solving some of the world’s biggest challenges.
Collaboration between industry, academia, and government is often cited as key to closing Canada’s mining talent gap. Can you share examples where such partnerships have successfully enhanced recruitment or training pipelines?
VC: Collaboration through partnerships is key to moving the needle on recruitment and training. We work closely with universities and technical colleges in Canada to develop programs that expose students with real-world mining challenges. For instance, co-creating learning modules on robotics or mechanical systems helps students understand how their skills can be applied directly within the sector.
Globally, initiatives like our partnership with a South African university to integrate mechanical, electrical, and software training into a mining curriculum highlight just how effective these efforts can be.
Locally in Canada, Sandvik Canada donated BEV equipment to a college that allowed students to work on actual machinery and batteries that are used in mining production. They can see and touch the technology; this better prepares them with real world applications when they enter the job market.
These partnerships don’t just teach students about mining; they inspire them to pursue it.
Finally, what advice would you offer to Canadian STEM graduates who are curious about mining but are unsure if it’s the right fit for them?
VC: If you’re curious about mining but unsure, the best thing you can do is explore it firsthand. Modern mining looks very different to the traditional image many people have in their minds. It’s an industry driven by innovation, digitalization and purpose. Where you can work with advanced technologies, tackle big challenges like climate change, and make a real difference.
If you’re not sure where to start, talk to people working in the sector, explore internships or co-op placements, or even just take a closer look at what companies like Sandvik are doing. You might discover that mining offers exactly the kind of challenge, impact and career growth you’re looking for.