Local energy companies are partnering with Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre (Sask DLC) and Teine Energy to support new online oil and gas high school courses with work placements.
Cenovus Energy, Vermilion Energy and Whitecap Resources are helping to provide support and industry expertise to Sask DLC’s development of new Energy and mines – Oil and Gas 20 and 30-level online courses.
The four energy companies who each have operations in the province, provided a combined $160,000 over two years to support the creation of the new courses. The money will also help fund a coordinator position who will facilitate work placements and industry engagement opportunities.
“The energy sector is an important part of our province’s strong and growing economy – both locally and globally,” said Everett Hindley, the minister responsible for Sask DLC. “It is exciting to see Saskatchewan students will be able to learn about the career opportunities that exist here in our province and gain the skills and knowledge they need to have a successful future in the oil and gas industry.”
Nicolas Zaher, Cenovus Energy vice-president, Lloyd thermal and conventional heavy oil operations, says it’s the talent of their people that drives their success.
“By providing students with accessible courses, Sask DLC is developing a strong pipeline of talent for our company, equipped to take on the energy jobs of today and tomorrow and advance our industry in this important region,” he said.
Dion Hatcher, president and CEO of Vermilion Energy says they are excited to help students gain important skills needed for work in the energy sector.
“At Vermilion, our people are our strength,” Vermilion Energy Inc. President and CEO Dion Hatcher said. “That is why we are excited to work on this collaborative initiative to help students gain valuable skills to help them find a fulfilling career in the energy industry.”
The new Oil and Gas 20 course will be offered in semester two of this school year as part of the pilot for the new online course. The next portion of the course will be available to students starting in the 2025-26 school year.
In the 20 and 30-level courses, students will be taking 50 hours of online theory to learn about the industry, safety and career paths available to them. They will also receive 50 hours of hands-on learning through an industry work placement. Course registration is limited to ensure all students are matched with work placements.
The courses are available to full-time Sask DLC students or high school students attending local schools throughout the province.
Teine Energy and Whitecap Resources have also agreed to host students work placement hours at their locations throughout Saskatchewan to supplement student learning.
“Whitecap Resources is very pleased to support this initiative, which will give students an opportunity to gain an understanding about the oil and gas sector that provides economic prosperity and energy security to the Province of Saskatchewan and the entire country, and in turn, further economic security of individuals who choose to work in the industry,” said Grant Fagerheim, Whitecap Resources president and CEO.
The four companies also have the opportunity to provide a representative to the steering committee.
Read more: Cenovus reports 2025 capital budget
