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Idaho mining companies know there is a great workforce shortage looming in their resurgent industry. The University of Idaho is moving quickly to meet the need, teaming up with North Idaho College (NIC) on a unique Geological Engineering degree.
The new offering from the U of I’s College of Science, College of Engineering and NIC will provide viable options for working professionals in the Silver Valley, and valuable skills for traditional students interested in the industry.
In Coeur d’Alene, U of I center CEO Andy Fields worked closely with NIC president Nick Swayne to respond to pleas for mining workforce from the nearby Silver Valley. Mines in central and southeastern Idaho also plan to resume operation in the coming years to boost production of elements critical to electronics, health care and numerous other products.
“We have cobalt, gold and antimony mines opening across Idaho, and a massive regrowth of mining in the state,” said Alistair Smith, College of Science professor and chair of the Department of Earth and Spatial Sciences. “We need critical minerals for all kinds of things from hospitals to national defense, and industry estimates that by 2030, 50% of the mining workforce will have retired. There’s a big need for new workers and a lot of companies are looking to retrain their current employees.”
Fields said the new program will equip graduates for high paying jobs in a sector that looks much different than it did in the previous century.
“These companies are very innovative, from mitigating risk and creating a safer work environment to their water treatment systems,” Fields said. “There are a plethora of jobs for our graduates, and we’re committed to building a sustainable workforce pipeline. We’re empowering local students and helping take care of Idaho industries.”
The mining uptick will not only provide excellent job opportunities, it could also boost local communities in Idaho.
“There are great opportunities for people in the Silver Valley, but the mines are also going to attract talent to the area,” Fields said.
The U of I and NIC’s partnership builds on a strong relationship. Many students transfer from NIC to the U of I each year, and the two schools share facilities on the campus near downtown Coeur d’Alene where we collaborate on 2+2 programs for place-based students to earn bachelor’s degrees in computer science and elementary education. Now we share a pathway for students to launch rewarding careers in an industry that is vital to Idaho’s success.
“We feel indebted to NIC for reaching out and working with us on this,” Smith said. “This degree advances our land-grant mission through strengthened partnerships with NIC and with industry.”
The U of I is proud to play a central role in the Gem State’s mining resurgence. We’re grateful for our partners in industry and higher education that help us deliver value for students and great return for our state.
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