A major investment from Canadian Natural Resources Limited will help Lakeland College modernize its trades learning spaces and prepare more students to step directly into careers in the energy sector.

Canadian Natural announced a $500,000 investment in Lakeland College on September 18, with the funding going toward upgrades to classrooms and labs used for hands-on trades education.

The investment builds on a longstanding partnership between the company and Lakeland and is focused on ensuring students are learning with modern equipment, technology and facilities that reflect what they will encounter in the workforce.

Bringing industry and education together

Lakeland College President and CEO Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart said partnerships with industry play an important role in connecting what students learn in the classroom with the skills employers need.

“Canadian Natural’s continued support of Lakeland is meaningful and transformative for our students,” said Wainwright-Stewart.

“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.”

The $500,000 commitment will support modernization across Lakeland’s trades facilities, giving students access to updated learning spaces and resources as they train for careers in the skilled trades and energy industries.

Preparing students for careers in energy

For Canadian Natural, the investment is also about helping build the workforce the energy sector will need in the years ahead.

“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,” said Julie Woo, Vice-President of Corporate Affairs, Technology and Innovation at Canadian Natural.

“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 milestone in Canadian Natural’s support of Lakeland College.

The company previously provided funding for a classroom at Lakeland’s Lloydminster campus. That space was later named the Canadian Natural Resources Limited Lecture Theatre in recognition of the company’s support.

Investing in the next generation

The partnership comes as skilled trades and energy employers continue to rely on colleges such as Lakeland to provide graduates with practical, job-ready training.

Lakeland serves more than 7,000 students annually through its campuses in Vermilion and Lloydminster as well as online and off-site programming.

Its programs span agricultural sciences, business, energy, environmental sciences, fire and emergency services, health and wellness, human services, interior design technology, trades and technology, university transfer and foundational learning.

For students entering Lakeland’s trades programs, the Canadian Natural investment means more opportunities to learn in modern spaces designed to bridge the gap between the classroom and the job site.