November 20, 2012
NAIT partnership with Cenovus Energy addressing Alberta’s need for power engineers
NAIT is celebrating a $1.2 million commitment from Cenovus Energy in support of the NAIT Cenovus Centre for Power Engineering Technology. The institute’s on-going partnership with Cenovus Energy is helping to address the shortage of power engineers in Alberta.
“We are very pleased to recognize the contributions of Cenovus – particularly its sponsorship of the NAIT Cenovus Centre for Power Engineering Technology,” said Dr. Forrest Tittle, dean of the School of Sustainable Building and Environmental Management. “This relationship directly addresses an issue that affects our entire province: a looming and critical shortage of the skilled labour required by the industries that are the engine of our provincial economy. That shortage includes the power engineers who ensure that Alberta’s energy needs are met on a daily basis.”
The NAIT Cenovus Centre for Power Engineering Technology is located at Main Campus. As part of the Power Engineering Technology diploma program, students study thermodynamics, electricity and electronics, and refrigeration and air conditioning. Students also gain skills in mechanical drafting, blueprint reading, technical mathematics and physics.
“The oil and gas industry will face a skilled labour shortage in the coming decade and this centre will play an important role in meeting our long-term workforce requirements,” said John Brannan, Cenovus executive vice-president and chief operating officer. “I’m extremely pleased to know that our support will help to create the skilled and vibrant workforce that will ultimately support our business and overall economic development for years to come.”
NAIT this year has increased the intake quota for the Power Engineering program by 50 per cent – from 60 to 90 students. Next year, NAIT will offer access to a state-of-the-art power engineering computer simulation lab, giving students invaluable experience in real-world situations they’ll encounter on the job. This is part of NAIT’s promises to Alberta and industry – and part of NAIT 2021, the institute’s long-term vision - to meet the current and emerging needs for relevant and responsive polytechnic education in our province.
About NAIT
NAIT is one of Canada’s leading polytechnics, with almost 80,000 registrations worldwide in key areas including science, technology and the environment, business, health and trades. Known for real-world education and student success, NAIT also engages with business and industry in applied research and innovation and provides corporate training around the world. NAIT enrolled its first students - 29 communication electrician apprentices - in 1962 and this year celebrates its 50th anniversary.
About Cenovus Energy Inc.
Cenovus Energy Inc. is a Canadian oil company. It is committed to applying fresh, progressive thinking to safely and responsibly unlock energy resources the world needs. Operations include oil sands projects in northern Alberta, which use specialized methods to drill and pump the oil to the surface, and established natural gas and oil production in Alberta and Saskatchewan. The company also has 50% ownership in two U.S. refineries. For more information, visit www.cenovus.com.
For more information, please contact:
Frank Landry
NAIT Media Relations
P 780.471.8450 C 780.916.8307 E flandry@nait.ca
Reg Curren
Cenovus Energy Inc., Senior Advisor, Media Relations
P 403.766.2004