MOOSE JAW — It started as a one-year co-op placement. It ended with a full-time hire. For K+S Potash Canada (K+S), bringing on a Saskatchewan Polytechnic co-op student wasn’t just about extra help. It was a smart talent strategy.
When K+S Potash Canada welcomed Sheila Calderon De Rojas, a Business diploma student specializing in Human Resources (HR), for a co-operative education placement, the goals were to add extra capacity and support the student’s learning. What they gained was far more.
From the interview, the match was clear. The employer stood out with its culture, professionalism and well-structured HR team. In return, they saw a student ready to contribute, learn quickly and take initiative.
With guidance from the HR team, Calderon De Rojas was onboarded, supported with mentorship and given the independence to grow.
Working in a fast-paced environment at K+S’s Bethune Mine, Calderon De Rojas supported many parts of the employee lifecycle—from onboarding, recruitment support, learning and development initiatives, as well as representation at career fairs to engage future talent.
“That trust changed everything,” Calderon De Rojas says. “I was given responsibilities and that made me want to do my best work.”
Additionally, she was the first point of contact for HR related inquiries, responding to employee questions across all levels. She proactively created standardized templates for common inquiries, applying skills learned at Sask Polytech to develop clear, efficient responses that streamlined workflows and saved valuable time.
“That was when I realized I was truly adding value,” she says. “They trusted me to improve how things were done.”
During the placement, K+S invited her back as a full-time employee.
“It was the biggest accomplishment of my co-op experience,” she says. “It meant they saw me as part of their future.”
She accepted a role that will start immediately after graduation in April, solidifying her career path in human resources and continuing to contribute to her employer’s success.
“Sheila arrived with a solid foundation from Sask Polytech and she put that learning into action immediately. We’re proud to welcome her back full-time after she completes her studies,” says Samantha Palagian, HR specialist with K+S who worked alongside Sheila in her role.
For K+S, Sask Polytech’s co-op program delivered what employers are looking for: job-ready talent with fresh skills, a low-risk way to evaluate future employees and stronger retention through early engagement.
For Calderon De Rojas, she now sees her career in HR not just as a field of study, but as a place where she can contribute, grow and make a difference.
When asked what she would tell other students considering a co-op placement, her message is simple, “Embrace change. Step outside your comfort zone. Co-op gives you the chance to test your career path and discover what truly fits.”
De Rojas encourages other employers to consider taking students, “Co-op is a win-win-win for students, employers and Sask Polytech. More placements mean more chances for students to grow.”
-Submitted by Sask Poly media relations
