Two 2018 heavy oil power engineering (HOPE) graduates are sharing how their practicum experience got them a head start on their energy careers.

After completing his 4th Class steam time at Battleford's Union Hospital in 2017, Richard Baker continued doing weekend coverage with the hospital over the summer months and into his second-year studies, and then ultimately, landing a permanent position.  

“During my work-placement, I got hands-on experience with everything in the hospital - on the machines and systems. I was not just someone who wrote down gage pressures or did water tests, I actually have the experience doing the work before I graduated,” Baker says. 

The 3rd Class power engineer voiced how his Lakeland education and practicum experience set him up for success.

“There are many benefits to practicums. It’s like a live interview where you exemplify how you will be as a worker. Practicums also get your name out there. If you work hard and make a good name for yourself, you will get noticed. Lakeland gave me the tools I needed to grow and achieve my ultimate goal of becoming a power engineer.”

Maegan Carr, a field operator with Husky Energy, echoed Baker’s statement saying practicum was one of the most valuable and significant parts of her education.

“Practicum is a summer-long job interview. It gives you a chance to show a company what you can do outside the classroom. During my practicum, I was working with a crew of very experienced people so it was awesome to learn from so many years of experience,” Carr says.

Carr completed her first-year practicum with Imperial Oil and then another with Husky Energy in her second-year. In 2018, Husky offered her a job that she fulfilled on weekends until the end of the school year and then started full time.

“It was important to me that I finished my schooling so Husky worked out a deal with me so I helped with the weekend coverage until I could commit full time. 

First-year HOPE students complete 240 hours of 4th Class steam time in an industry placement by the college.  In second-year, students are assigned to a training position in an operating power plant for their 3rd Class steam time to learn the basic skills necessary to function safely in the workplace.