Cenovus Energy is hoping to build itself a talent pipeline from Saskatchewan Polytechnic in Saskatoon.
The company donated $2.5 million on Friday toward the institution's Time to Rise fundraising campaign for the construction of the new Joseph A. Remai campus at the University of Saskatchewan.
The donation announced by Cenovus president and CEO Jon McKenzie in Saskatoon includes the naming rights to a Cenovus Energy Labs facility to be housed at the new campus.
McKenzie said the plans call for a state of the art chemical lab and power engineering and instrumentation engineering labs.
"The Cenovus Energy Labs will provide students with the latest technology for hands-on training skills Cenovus will need both today and in the future," said McKenzie.
"Our industry is continually evolving and it's an imperative that we equip students with the knowledge they need to innovate and excel. I think this lab will do exactly that."
McKenzie said once completed, Cenovus Energy Labs will provide hands-on learning for about 5,000 students who take courses at Sask. Polytech to become power engineers or process engineers.
"This are the kind of jobs we hire for in the area and we look forward to a robust pipeline of future talent for our industry," said McKenzie.
Cenovus has about 1,300 employees in the Saskatoon area.
Larry Rosia, president and CEO of Saskatchewan Polytechnic told the audience he is grateful for the Cenovus donation to their Time to Rise capital funding campaign.
"This generous donation will propel the new campus forward into the future," said Rosia directing special thanks to Cenovus.
"It will allow us to equip our campus with the latest tools and resources, ensuring our students and possibly your future employees are at the forefront of innovation and are preparing for the evolving demands of the energy industry."
Advanced Minister of Education Colleen Young was on hand for the announcement following her attendance at the groundbreaking for the first of three buildings at the Joseph A. Remai site on Aug. 29.
Construction is set to begin as early as 2026 with the new campus located at Innovation Place.
Read more: Cenovus Energy Hub secures more funding
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