Innovation March-April 2023

This graph shows how the number of students enrolled at university in earth sciences has dropped and continues to drop, even more prominently than the number of students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science program.

THE FUTURE Encouraging high school and university students to go into the geosciences takes time and effort. The battle against negative perceptions is still being fought. But the demand that's growing in the critical minerals area also brings more attention to the industry, explained Waldie. When that happens the interest in the geosciences starts to rise again. Is it enough to meet the needs ahead? "I don't think it's catastrophic," said Waldie, "but I think it will get tight."

HARNESSING INTEREST IN GEOSCIENCES While provinces and countries compete for geoscientists today, most believe the long-term answer to staving off future shortages is to target youth. Resources are widely available from various organizations, but the difficulty is getting the information in front of those who may be interested, explained Waldie, which could include students along with parents, teachers and guidance counsellors. "We'd like to have a coordinated approach to all high schools. It's hitting the kids when they're going to start moving into that decision-making stage.," Waldie said. AME provides programs for the school curriculum aimed at students in Grades 4, 7, and 10. As well, the organization does regional, ground-based community outreach. Johnston also said AME has embarked on a three-year marketing campaign aimed at young adults to help them understand the mining industry as it is today. "I think there's an opportunity to get young kids— university- and college-aged—into programs and get them into the field and introduce them to geology through smaller interest points and really get them excited and then wanting to go back and learn more."

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