The oil and gas industry is evolving, and so must the training of its workers. With demand for field operators outstripping the availability of trained workers, Tourmaline Oil ("Tourmaline"), Canada's largest natural gas producer, has turned to a valuable training provider - Northern Lights College - for a solution.
Working in partnership, Tourmaline and Northern Lights College ("NLC") are developing a rigorous Field Operations Technician - Hydrocarbon Resources Program to prepare field operators for employment in British Columbia and across Canada.
Tourmaline is funding the development of this just-in-time training that combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on field validation.
Subject matter experts from both NLC and Tourmaline with a combined 130 years of experience are confident that the program will exceed expectations and meet critical labour needs.
"Flexible, responsive programming is a foundational part of Northern Lights College's strategic plan," says Vice-President of Academic and Research Dr. Tara Hyland-Russell. "The College listens to industry and community and works to provide the necessary training to meet their needs."
A year-long pilot of the new Field Operations Technician program is expected to start in fall 2024 for Tourmaline employees, with future offerings open to the public.
"Tourmaline is proud to give back to the communities we call home, so we're excited to help Northern Lights College modernize a training program that will benefit many people in British Columbia," says Todd Maheux, General Manager of Production Operations for Tourmaline. "Whether someone wants to update their skills, change career paths, or start a new career after graduating high school, the Field Operations Technician program will give them the skills they need to succeed."
