Calgary, Feb 28, 2002 – Lakeland College has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with KeySpan Energy Canada, Alberta’s largest independent sour gas processor, which sets in motion a new petroleum-related curriculum. KeySpan signed the MoU on behalf of other oil and gas industry companies.
The MOU outlines a program designed to give employees and prospective employees an opportunity to receive college certification with a flexible combination of work experience, college courses, industry-related programs and credits from other institutions. Students will have an opportunity to be certified in careers such as plant operator, field inspector and pipeline maintenance and operations.
“The energy industry and Alberta’s educational institutions are working together to develop innovative career-based programs.” says Jim Bertram, KeySpan’s President and CE0, “While the prime beneficiaries are the students, the partners will obviously benefit from the program in the longer term.”
The competency based program allows candidates to learn the relevant occupational material anywhere, have their learning evaluated by certified assessors, fill in any gaps with instruction from highly qualified educators and trainers, and receive a globally recognized certification from an accredited college.
“Ultimately, we see this program as an efficient way to significantly upgrade skills in our workforce by providing access to a college education while maintaining full-time employment,” says Owen Baker, Chief Inspector for KeySpan.
KeySpan is co-ordinating industry efforts to provide the curriculum -- composed of industry-related material, college material and supplier curriculum – on a CD format.
The relationship developed by Lakeland College and KeySpan will assist in furthering the existing work experience curriculum towards a higher competency of college graduate learning. Lakeland College intends to pursue an applied degree in Production and Process Management in conjunction with industry. “We’re hoping that KeySpan’s involvement in this program will ultimately lead to broader participation on behalf of other energy companies in Calgary and Alberta,” said Brian Larson, Vice President of Academics at Lakeland College.
