The Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre (SaskDLC) is opening doors for high school students interested in careers in the oil and gas industry through a new set of online courses. Developed in collaboration with major energy companies, these courses offer a mix of theoretical knowledge and hands-on workplace experience, providing students with a well-rounded introduction to the sector.
Industry Support and Development
The initiative, first announced at the 2024 Oil and Gas Show in Weyburn, has gained significant backing from industry leaders. Teine Energy initially pledged support, and three additional companies, Cenovus Energy, Vermilion Energy, and Whitecap Resources, have since joined, collectively committing up to $160,000 over two years. This funding is helping to develop course content and finance a work placement coordinator who will ensure students gain meaningful on-the-job experience.
According to Saskatchewan Minister of Education Everett Hindley, the program underscores the province’s commitment to the oil and gas industry. “We strongly believe in the future of this sector and its role in creating jobs and economic activity across West Central Saskatchewan,” Hindley said. “This allows an opportunity for students to have yet another career path in front of them, and to help them learn about the importance of oil and gas and what it does as an industry in our province.”
Hindley also emphasized the collaboration between industry and education, stating, “Teachers from the DLC will be involved in developing the new online courses based on feedback and industry expertise from a steering committee made up of representatives from the four energy companies.”
Course Structure and Work Placement
The first course, Oil and Gas 20, is currently being piloted. The program consists of 100 hours of instruction, split between 50 hours of online theory and 50 hours of work placement. Students first complete coursework covering topics such as energy exploration, production, distribution, environmental stewardship, and safety. Once they finish the theoretical portion, they transition to fieldwork with participating energy companies.
Lori Gasper, SaskDLC’s Program Manager for Practical and Applied Arts, explained the approach. “The work placement allows students to apply what they’ve learned in a real-world setting. They start with a significant focus on safety and then be partnered with a mentor to experience the duties of a production field operator,” she said.
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She also noted that the pilot program is evolving. “Because it's the pilot, things aren't written in stone. We're going to work with the mentors to do our best to link the course learning that they've done in their online theory with the work placement assessment,” Gasper explained. “Our work placement coordinator has been out on the field having a talk through with some of the mentors to identify exactly what the students will be able to do out in the field.”
Currently, Teine Energy and Whitecap Resources are hosting students for the pilot program. These placements are spread across multiple locations, primarily in West Central, southwest, and southeast, around the Weyburn area.
Expansion and Future Prospects
Interest in the program has been strong, with current registration at full capacity and a waitlist already in place. Enrollment for the next round, beginning in February 2026, is open currently.
SaskDLC also has plans to expand its offerings. The Oil and Gas 30 course is set to launch in February 2026, following the same structure as its predecessor. This expansion aims to provide students with a more advanced understanding of the industry and additional workplace experience.
“Both courses will have the same structure with 50 hours of online coursework paired with a 50-hour work placement,” Gasper confirmed. She also highlighted the importance of these placements, stating, “We’re grateful to the industry partners for making the placements possible because they allow students to try it for themselves and see themselves in a career, letting them make informed choices for their future.”
Looking Ahead
As the pilot program unfolds, SaskDLC and its industry partners are refining the course to enhance student experiences and industry alignment.
For students considering the program, the message is clear: the Oil and Gas courses provide not only valuable knowledge but also a direct pathway into a thriving industry. Through a combination of online learning and hands-on experience, students can gain the skills and insights needed to make informed decisions about their future careers.