Cenovus Energy is investing $2 million in Lakeland College to modernize student learning spaces and expand dual-credit programming at its Lloydminster and Vermilion campuses.
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The funding announcement was made on Tuesday, April 7, and will support upgrades to the Cenovus Energy production lab and power engineering lab at the Lloydminster campus. It will also modernize learning spaces in the school of trades and technology at the Vermilion campus.
Furthermore, the investment will establish a dual-credit energy course through Lakeland’s school of energy and a dual-credit electrical course in its school of trades, allowing high school students to begin post-secondary training while earning credits.
In recognition of the contribution, Lakeland’s applied engineering building in Vermilion will be renamed the Cenovus Energy Industrial Trades Building.
Stacey Ruller, Lakeland’s manager of donor and alumni relations, said the funding is “transformational” for students and programs.
“It allows our students to train on the same hands-on equipment they’re going to see the moment they enter the workforce,” said Ruller. “It builds confidence and ensures they are job-ready.”
Ruller said the dual-credit programming will also help strengthen regional training opportunities by allowing high school students to explore careers in energy and trades while earning credits toward post-secondary education.
“It allows us to promote electrical and energy programs right in our region and gives students the opportunity to continue that learning after high school,” she said.
The funding is focused on upgrading existing equipment and facilities at the Lloydminster and Vermilion campuses. No additional programming beyond the new dual-credit courses is planned at this time.
Ruller added alumni have responded positively to the announcement, noting many graduates already work in the energy sector and with Cenovus.
“We celebrate those partnerships,” she said. “They are critical to our success.”
Clayton Ulrich, senior manager of the upstream division with Cenovus in Lloydminster, said the investment strengthens the company’s long-standing relationship with the college.
“For us, it’s a huge opportunity to continue to build that partnership and support student advancement,” said Ulrich.
He said the initiative aligns with ongoing workforce demand in the energy sector, particularly for skilled trades.
“The industry is growing in Saskatchewan and Alberta, and there will continue to be a high demand for skilled workers,” he said.
Ulrich added Lakeland plays a key role in preparing students for careers in the field.
“Success for us is making sure students are prepared to enter the industry and have a clear understanding of what that work looks like,” Ulrich added.
The sentiment was echoed by a Lakeland alumnus now employed at Cenovus, who credited the college’s industry ties for her career readiness.
“What made all the difference for me was how hands-on the learning experience was,” said Kateryna Svidrak. “The labs and equipment helped me gain confidence quickly, and so much of that is because of the relationship Lakeland has developed with industry leaders like Cenovus.”
Taylor Weaver – Meridian Source
The $2-million investment marks a new chapter in what has become one of the college’s most significant corporate relationships. To date, Cenovus has invested more than $7.2 million into Lakeland’s power engineering, trades, and Indigenous student success initiatives.
The partnership also serves as a direct pipeline to the workforce; since 2023, more than 80 students have completed practicums or student roles with Cenovus, with many transitioning into permanent careers.
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