Heavy oil power engineer (HOPE) graduate Cassidy Dillion's career change is proving advantageous.

After years of working in the security services industry, Dillon pivoted into the energy sector with Lakeland's HOPE program {since renamed to process and power engineering.] He'll start a new full-time career in July at the International Petroleum Corporation's (IPC) plant, north of Onion Lake, Sask.

“I had the job lined up after I completed my 4th Class practicum placement with IPC. Those first 240 hours of steam time helped get my foot in the door,” says Dillon, a Class of 2021 HOPE graduate. “I also have a friend who works there who also completed Lakeland's HOPE program. I think all the connections created through the program helped bring about this opportunity.”

A highlight of Lakeland's HOPE program, according to Dillon, is the hands-on learning experiences in the power engineer labs, which were crucial in acquainting him with unfamiliar operations before stepping out into the real world.

Exterior of Lakeland College's Energy Centre.

Lakeland energy students begin their training in the Husky Energy Power Engineering lab, followed by regular lab shifts in the Cenovus Lab, which is located in the Energy Centre. The Cenovus Lab is one of the best equipped and modern steam labs in Canada, featuring a state-of-the-art once-through steam generator. It also includes different high-pressure boilers, including water and fire tubes.

“I had great instructors who tied in a lot of classroom theory to our lab work. It was great to visualize what we learned from our instructors and textbooks and apply it in labs and on our practicums,” says Dillon.

“What you get at Lakeland is on par with what you will see in the industry. There are many similarities between boilers, water treatment tests and fuel equipment that it doesn't take much to transition from a classroom to a site.”

Dillon says he's looking forward to building his skills and experience with IPC before he challenges the Alberta Boiler Safety Association 2nd Class power engineering exam.

Photo: Lakeland's Energy Centre at night.