Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre (Sask DLC) is teaming up with four leading energy companies to launch innovative online high school courses focused on the oil and gas sector.
Cenovus Energy, Vermilion Energy, Whitecap Resources, and Teine Energy are collectively contributing up to $160,000 over two years to support the development of the Energy and Mines - Oil & Gas 20 and 30-level courses. This funding will also help establish a coordinator role to facilitate student work placements and industry engagement.
Starting in Semester 2 of the current school year, students can enroll in the pilot of Energy and Mines - Oil & Gas 20. The advanced 30-level course is set to launch in the 2025-26 school year. Each course combines 50 hours of online theory with 50 hours of hands-on industry work placements, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the oil and gas industry, safety protocols, and career pathways.
“The energy sector is an important part of our province’s strong and growing economy — both locally and globally,” said Everett Hindley, Minister Responsible for Sask DLC. “It is exciting to see Saskatchewan students gaining the skills and knowledge they need for successful futures in the oil and gas industry.”
The courses are designed to align with the Ministry of Education’s existing Energy and Mines curriculum and will be available to full-time Sask DLC students as well as those attending local high schools across the province.
In addition to financial support, Teine Energy and Whitecap Resources will host students at their Saskatchewan facilities for work placements. A steering committee, with representatives from the participating companies, is providing critical industry insights to ensure the courses are both practical and relevant.
Tyler Homan, Vice-President of Production and Operations at Teine Energy, emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent.
“The future of our Canadian industry relies on bright and talented young minds driving their own success and sharing prosperity across our communities,” said Homan.
Nicolas Zaher, Vice-President at Cenovus Energy, highlighted the program’s role in building a strong talent pipeline.
“By providing students with accessible courses, Sask DLC is developing a workforce equipped to take on today’s energy jobs and advance the industry in this important region,” said Zaher.
The new oil and gas courses add to a robust lineup of Sask DLC programs offering hands-on learning and work placements in fields like agriculture equipment, welding, construction, and power engineering. The initiative underscores the province’s commitment to equipping students with the skills and experience needed to thrive in key industries.
“This program will help students gain valuable skills and a deeper understanding of an industry that drives economic prosperity and energy security for Saskatchewan and the country,” said Whitecap Resources President and CEO Grant Fagerheim.
With industry-backed support, these new courses are set to provide Saskatchewan students with unmatched opportunities to explore and build careers in the vital oil and gas sector.