(From left, back) Dave King, Lakeland College dean of trades and technology, Kate Svidrak, Lakeland alumna and current Cenovus employee, Craig Party, senior manager, operations and maintenance, Adam Waterman, chair of the Lakeland College Board of Governors, Angela Minish, dean of business and energy. (From right, front) Clayton Ulrich, senior field manager, conventional heavy oil operations, Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, Lakeland president and CEO, Patricia Hill, director, Lloydminster refinery and terminals. (Image Credit: Lakeland College)

By battlefordsNOW staff

education

Cenovus invests $2M in Lakeland College to boost energy workforce training

Apr 7, 2026 | 5:17 PM

Cenovus Energy is investing $2 million in Lakeland College to expand training programs and modernize facilities aimed at preparing more students for careers in the energy sector.

The funding will support upgrades to the Cenovus Energy Production Lab and Cenovus Energy Power Engineering Lab at the Lloydminster campus, along with modernization of learner spaces in the School of Trades and Technology at the Vermilion campus.

The investment will also introduce new dual-credit programming, including an energy course through Lakeland’s School of Energy and an electrical course in the School of Trades and Technology, allowing high school students to earn college credits while completing their secondary education.

In recognition of the contribution, Lakeland’s Applied Engineering Building at the Vermilion campus will be renamed the Cenovus Energy Industrial Trades Building.

“Cenovus Energy’s investment is a powerful example of what’s possible when industry and education work together,” said Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, president and CEO of Lakeland College, in a release issued Tuesday.

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“As a valued longstanding partner, Cenovus understands the importance of supporting students and the lasting impact that investment has on our communities and industries. Their commitment reflects a shared belief in the value of education and its role in driving economic growth.”

Jeff Lawson, Cenovus executive vice-president of corporate development and chief sustainability officer, said the investment will help ensure students are prepared for future workforce demands.

“A strong energy sector depends on a steady pipeline of skilled, future-ready people. That pipeline can only be built when industry, government and post-secondary institutions like Lakeland College partner on shared workforce needs,” Lawson stated.

The college said providing students with “modern, industry-aligned learning environments” is central to its approach, allowing them to train with the same technology, equipment, and spaces they will encounter in the workplace.

It added that expanding dual-credit programming will help students explore career options earlier while supporting rural sustainability and workforce development in the region.

“These courses enable high school students to earn college credits while completing their secondary education, providing them with a head start on their education and future careers,” the school stated.

Cenovus and Lakeland have an established partnership that has supported initiatives such as Feast on the Farm, student awards, the Energy Centre and Residence Village, along with practicum opportunities and employment for graduates.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com

by battlefordsNOW staff

Cenovus invests $2M in Lakeland College to boost energy workforce training

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