The Industrial Technologies Lab is one of the state-of-the-art learning facilities available to students at the new Science and Technology Centre.
January 5, 2012
Nexen is proud to invest C$1 million over four years to support the implementation and development of a new Science and Technology Centre at Father Patrick Mercredi High School in Fort McMurray. This new state-of-the-art facility, which opened September 2011, has innovative educational programming for students in grades seven through 12.
The technology centre gives students access to opportunities not currently available in Northern Alberta. The five main areas of focus are Engineering, Industrial Technologies, IT Essentials, Health Sciences and Photography/Multi-Media. Working at individual workstations, students can learn about industrial robotics, pneumatics, hydraulics, structural engineering, electrical control and much more.
The goal for both senior and junior high programs is to create a classroom environment that motivates, inspires and engages students by providing them with real-world opportunities. These classroom opportunities will help them to make informed life and career choices about post-secondary education, options for local employment and other possibilities in the Wood Buffalo region.
“We are very excited about this investment which brings cutting-edge educational programming to school-age students in Fort McMurray,” says Tony Mankowski, VP Operations, Long Lake. “Not only does the centre teach students new skills in areas that may open doors to exciting careers, it also helps our business by introducing potential future recruits to technical fields highly sought after in the oil sands industry.”
Nexen has made other very significant educational investments benefitting the Wood Buffalo Region. In October 2011, Nexen announced a pledge of $750,000 to boost a new campaign launched by the Keyano College Foundation. Nexen is supporting the first phase of the planned Oilsands Trades & Technology Centre which will allow Father Patrick Mercredi High School students to continue to pursue their high school programs in a post-secondary setting in their home community.
In addition, Nexen celebrated the opening of the Bill Woodward School in Anzac, Alberta in October 2011. In conjunction with our Long Lake opening in 2008, Nexen invested $2.5 million in the school, with $1.5 million earmarked for expenses related to enhancing educational experience and an additional $1 million for post-secondary scholarships for future graduates of Bill Woodward School.
“Nexen is committed to the region of Wood Buffalo,” says Mankowski. “We know we need a well-trained workforce available to assist us in our growth. Investing in these educational initiatives is vital to families, our community and our company‘s future sustainability.”
Read the press release.