Haver & Boecker Niagara hosts course for university students

Haver & Boecker Niagara partnered with the University of Toronto’s Lassonde Mineral Engineering Program for the fifth year 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 in 2016. Page’s original attendance at the course set in motion his hiring with the company as its technical application specialist.

Dieter Takev, vice president of engineering and technology, and Duncan High, division manager of process equipment technology at Haver & Boecker Niagara’s North American operation, also presented.

According to the company, a demonstration of Haver & Boecker Niagara’s NIAflow plant simulation software, led by Page, is unique to this particular course. The course aimed 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 says. “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 pandemic-related restrictions, organizers opted for a virtual format this year.

“Opportunities like this give the students a point of view beyond what I can convey in an academic setting,” says 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,” says 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.”