Canadian Natural Resources Limited is investing $500,000 in Lakeland College to modernize trades and energy training facilities at the college’s Lloydminster and Vermilion campuses.
The investment was announced Sept. 18.
The funding will support upgrades to classrooms and laboratories across the college’s trades facilities, enhancing learning environments and giving students access to updated tools and technology.
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“This support is meaningful and transformative for our students,” said Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, president and CEO of Lakeland College. “There is tremendous value in having industry and education aligned around a common goal, preparing students for the real world with a practical education that delivers real skills and real results.”
“Investments like this help us create learning environments that turn education into opportunity,” she said.
Where the funding goes
The announcement does not specify how the money will be divided between the two campuses or which specific upgrades it will fund.
Lakeland’s Vermilion campus houses the Trades Centre, where students train as electricians, carpenters, welders, heavy equipment technicians, automotive service technicians, parts technicians and steamfitter-pipefitters.
In Lloydminster, the college’s Energy Centre includes two power labs, boilers, steam turbines and a control room for hands-on power engineering training.
The two-year process and power engineering diploma combines classroom instruction, lab work and industry practicums, preparing students for fourth- and third-class power engineering certification exams.
Career options extend beyond oil and gas into power generation, chemical plants and hospital power plants.
Long-standing partnership
Julie Woo, Canadian Natural’s vice-president of corporate affairs, technology and innovation, said the company is proud to support that training.
“We are proud to partner with Lakeland College to create opportunities for students to explore careers in the oil and natural gas industry through hands-on learning experiences,” she said.
“At Canadian Natural, we believe investing in education and workforce readiness contributes to building a stronger future in the communities where our employees live and work.”
The latest contribution marks the second major investment from the Calgary-based energy company to the college.
Canadian Natural previously funded a classroom at Lakeland’s Lloydminster campus, which was later named the Canadian Natural Resources Limited Lecture Theatre in recognition of that support.
The investment follows Cenovus Energy’s $2 million commitment to the college earlier this year and a $7 million provincial investment in agricultural training announced in July.
Established in 1913, Lakeland College serves more than 7,000 students annually through its campuses in Vermilion and Lloydminster, as well as through online and off-site programming.
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