CATHARINES, Ontario— Haver & Boecker Niagara continues its valuable partnership with the University of Toronto’s Lassonde Mineral Engineering Program by hosting a one-day course in Screening Basics and Mechanical Performance for its students. This year’s course was led by Liam Page, a graduate of the program who attended Haver & Boecker Niagara’s first course back in 2016 — setting in motion his hiring with the company as the Technical Application Specialist the same year. Dieter Takev, vice president of engineering and technology and Duncan High, division manager — process equipment technology for Haver & Boecker Niagara’s North American operation, also presented.

Unique to this particular course is a demonstration of Haver & Boecker Niagara’s NIAflow plant simulation software, led by Page. The course is meant to reinforce the information students are taught in class with real-world examples from industry experts.

“It was an interesting perspective to be on this side of the program several years after I was one of the first to take part,” Page said. “It’s such a valuable tool to see equipment in person and talk to industry veterans about how things will look outside of the classroom.”

Typically, the course is held in person at Haver & Boecker Niagara’s facilities. However, due to COVID-19 restrictions, organizers found a way to still make it happen in a virtual format.

“Opportunities like this give the students a point of view beyond what I can convey in an academic setting,” said Sam Marcuson, adjunct professor at the University of Toronto. “Even in a virtual format — as we had to do this year — students can ask questions and get perspective on the operating world and how it differs from what’s in the textbook. Additionally, I think it’s important for the students to see recent graduates in action.”

Haver & Boecker Niagara plans to continue the partnership with the University of Toronto as well as open the same opportunities to other interested educational institutions.

“These students are our future, so it’s our mission to do everything we can to make sure they’re prepared to jump headfirst into this industry,” said Karen Thompson, president of Haver & Boecker Niagara’s North American and Australian operations. “It’s especially rewarding to have Liam present the course, as he was one of the first to take part several years ago.”

Interested in Haver & Boecker Niagara’s Screening Basics and Mechanical Performance course, or NIAflow? Emailinfo@haverniagara.ca.