Saskatchewan boosts funding to student internship program

The provincial government is increasing funding to invest $1.5 million in the Mitacs program, supporting more than 300 research internships.

The Government of Saskatchewan is investing more than $1.5 million into an educational program this year, representing an increase of $430,000 from last year.

The newest government investment into education will help to fund up to 300 research and development internships through the “Mitacs” program, for students and post-doctoral fellows.

Mitacs programs help students gain industry experience, expand their professional network and develop skills for high-quality jobs.

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Saskatchewan’s advanced education minister Ken Cheveldayoff says the funding boost was necessary.

“I talk to students, and I have two children that have gone through similar type of programs, and they just see a big benefit of getting their foot in the door, allowing them to experience a work atmosphere.”

One of Mitacs most recent success stories is 24-year-old Mesa Kennedy.

Her internship saw her work collaboratively with the First Nations Power Authority and the Petroleum Technology Research Centre.

Kennedy said the Mitacs internship presented her with several opportunities, including attending nuclear energy management school at the University of Saskatchewan this summer.

“Over 200 people had applied in all of Canada and only 50 students got in. And I’m very proud to say that I’m one of those 50 students, and one of the youngest, if not the youngest, Indigenous women to be able to finish that course.”

Mitacs CEO Stephen Lucas said the added funding from the provincial and federal governments will allow for a wide array of student internships to be undertaken.

“We fully expect internships in the energy sector here, mining and critical mineral sector, in agriculture and agrotech, in life sciences.”

Kennedy told CTV News the Mitacs internship has helped her find a career path and also helped sharpen some useful life skills like public speaking.

“Before this internship, I wouldn’t have known of all these different job opportunities in the clean energy sector, but now I do,” she said. “And another way that this has helped me was to grow my confidence and my speaking skills in public.”

Kennedy is currently working on the Carry the Kettle Nakoda First Nation as an assistant land manager.