EMPLOYEES of a mining company were given the chance to get a degree at St. Paul University-Surigao through a partnership agreement.

The Taganito Mining Corporation partnered with the school to enable their 22 employees to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering degree.

The TMC said the off-site classes will be held virtually and onsite, maximizing access to actual operations and the pool of experts available in the field.

SPUS Vice President for Academic Services Dr. Antonio Talamayan and Dean of the College of Engineering Vincent Guilalas conducted an orientation for the pioneering students.

The students work as geologists, chemists, geodetic engineers, safety inspectors, and data analysts in the company.

Talamayan said that TMC’s technical pool of engineers, geologists, and other mining professionals will be tapped as resource speakers for the students’ technical subjects, such as engineering, surveying, and geology.

“The best educational services are delivered to students when there is a partnership between the university and the industry,” Talamayan said.

He said the two-year curriculum for TMC’s maiden batch of students is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education.

Engineer Artemio Valeroso, TMC resident mine manager, said the initiative is part of the thrust of Nickel Asia to upgrade the learning and skills of its employees.

“It is very fortunate for us to partner with SPUS, which has also been our partner in producing our mining scholars and engineers,” Valeroso said.

TMC General Administration Division Manager Salvador Cabauatan said the program seeks to provide employees with an opportunity to pursue a bachelor’s degree in mining engineering without taking a leave from work and with the support of the company.