Southeast Regional College gets over $14 Million for Energy Training project

Federal, Provincial, City of Estevan and Southeast Regional College officials gathered in Estevan to celebrate a cash injection of over $14 million into the regional economy. On June 12, 2009 it was announced that the Southeast Regional College will receive $7,092,500 from the Federal government as part of a two year $2 billion economic stimulus package. The Saskatchewan government also supported this project with a matching contribution of $7,092,500. The funds will be used to construct a provincial industry center of excellence in the City of Estevan.

For almost 20 years, the Southeast Regional College and the Energy Training Institute, has provided client and industry identified safety and skills training to Southeast Saskatchewan. Over the past 3 years, it was identified by industry that a provincial industry centre of excellence was needed in the province of Saskatchewan.

The Saskatchewan Energy Training Institute will provide opportunity to train employees locally, provincially and internationally. This facility will provide specialized training and skill development to meet the needs of a wide range of employment sectors including Oil and Gas, Trades, Mining, Manufacturing and the studies of alternative energies. Future opportunities would include career building and Apprenticeship training in areas such as Battery Operator, Power Engineering, Environmental Certification, Heavy Equipment Operators, Technicians – mechanical, electrical, and Engineering. There is a major focus on strengthening partnerships and working with First Nations communities to provide portable training options on and off reserve, linked to the Southeast Regional College. This facility will also be a resource to other private trainers, universities and colleges as well as offer many services to our industry clients in areas of research, lab work and hands on field training.

Southeast Saskatchewan is the epicentre for the Drilling and Service sector of the Oil and Gas industry. There is a number of large petroleum based producers that maintain the operation of producing oil and gas wells. Coal mining and coal energy are also centred in Southeast Saskatchewan. SaskPower also has power generating stations in the Southeast region. The Southeast region is known and globally recognized for CO2 injection, new technologies in fracture stimulation and the Bakken formation.

The Saskatchewan Energy Training Institute will become one of Canada’s most innovative and efficient educational institutions. This state of the art 40,000 sq. foot building will include multiple classrooms fitted with the latest technology for on-site and distance learning, labs for research and on-site analysis as well as a large industrial shop for indoor hands on training. This facility will utilize alternative technology such as Wind Power Generation, Geothermal and Solar technology.

“On behalf of the Board of Governors, we are thrilled that the Federal and Provincial Governments support Southeast Regional College's vision in creating a Saskatchewan Energy Training Institute Centre of Excellence” stated Sheila Sterling, acting chair – Board of Governors. “We are very proud of our Management and staff and appreciate their dedication, enthusiasm and the hard work it has taken to bring the Training Ground Project to this stage."

The Board of Governors, Management and staff are pleased that the Federal and Provincial governments have recognized this educational institution as a provincial leader in energy training. The need for this type of training facility in Southeast Saskatchewan will benefit our province and country.

For more information, please contact:

Craig Brown, President and CEO
Southeast Regional College
306-848-2512

Trent Jordens, General Manager Business and Industry
Southeast Regional College
306-848-2508