Campus News

CELEBRATING SIX YEARS

For the sixth consecutive year, Lakeland College staff and faculty have cause to celebrate – being named one of Alberta’s Top 75 Employers for 2022.

NEW DESIGNATION

for sustainable energy

Lakeland College’s sustainable energy technology (SET) diploma and microcredential programs have received a stamp of approval from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).

Lakeland courses meet NAPCEP’s high standards in the knowledge and expertise needed to design, install and operate solar photovoltaic energy systems. Lakeland has been a registered training provider for solar photovoltaic (PV) associate for many years. Passing the associate exam validates that a graduate can effectively design, sell, install and maintain Solar PV systems under supervision and enhances their resume and employment opportunities. Now Lakeland is also a training provider for part of the educational requirements required to write the photovoltaic installation professional (PVIP) and photovoltaic commissioning and maintenance specialist (PVCMS) exams.

“Being named one of Alberta’s top 75 employers is such an honour for us,” says

Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, president and CEO of Lakeland College. “At Lakeland, we know our strength is our people – the faculty and staff who dedicate their time to providing students with a hands-on, real-world education. It has always been important to us to ensure we provide a supportive, positive work environment, one which prioritizes our employees’ physical and mental health, as well as work-life balance.”

When designating Lakeland as one of Alberta’s top employers, the selection committee considered the college’s health benefits plan, including a health and/or wellness spending account and allocated sick days. Lakeland’s family-friendly culture, with maternity leave top-ups and paid personal days off was also considered, as was the college’s pension plan and retirement assistance planning. “As one of the most respected certification organizations in the renewable energy industry, NABCEP certification means our sustainable energy technology students can be confident that they are receiving the best training when it comes to sustainable energy,” says Brad Onofrychuk, dean of energy at Lakeland College. “They will qualify to write the NABCEP Associate PV Installer exam after completing our Intro to Basic Energy Principles and Intro to Solar Energy, the first step towards a professional photovoltaic certification. This designation proves that our sustainable energy diploma, certification and microcredentials students are being set up for long-term success in the growing field of sustainable energy.”

LAKELAND LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE

Lakeland College’s new website reflects a refreshed brand and more importantly, provides an enhanced and fully responsive user experience to our visitors.

Following 20 months of planning and work, Lakeland launched the new site on Oct. 1 with eSolutionsGroup Ltd., a multi-disciplinary consulting firm specializing in multimedia communications. The address remains lakelandcollege.ca.

TRADES EXPANDING with

PRE-EMPLOYMENT AUTO

Students looking for a jumpstart in the automotive industry will have another option to consider with the launch of Lakeland College’s pre-employment automotive service technician program. Launching in fall 2022, this program will be offered at Lakeland’s Vermilion campus. “Lakeland works handin-hand with industry, ensuring our programming meets their evolving needs,” says Dave King, dean of trades and technology at Lakeland. “One thing we have heard over and over again is the need for an educational program for students who are interested in the automotive industry but are looking for more experience before committing to an apprenticeship, or perhaps wanting to broaden their skills before accepting one. This program will meet that need.” Students can apply without having first secured employment, unlike the apprenticeship program. They’ll learn the same material as a first-year apprentice, growing their skills and knowledge through twelve weeks of classroom work and a four-week practicum. Technical training will include basic maintenance, brake and electrical systems, as well as steering and suspension. The program also includes safety training, including Standard First Aid and CPR. Graduates of the program may be eligible to write their 1st year apprenticeship exam.

The web redesign process included an evaluation of Lakeland’s old website and presence. Extensive consultation was completed with stakeholders, including surveys and interviews with current and prospective students, frontline and department staff, alumni and high school counsellors. Web traffic and use was analyzed, and a strengths (SWATr) assessment was also completed. “Our new website is a powerful resource and communication tool. Whether you’re a prospective or current student, member of our campus community or visiting from around the world, you’ll learn how Lakeland is home to the most hands-on education in Canada,” says Georgina Altman, vice president of external relations and infrastructure. “Lakeland was founded on the belief that students learn best through action. Hands-on learning has always been our focus. As you browse through this highly responsive site, you’ll hear more about how our students come prepared to learn by doing because the real world doesn’t wait.”

NEW BOARD CHAIR

The Lakeland College Board of Governors is pleased to welcome Adam Waterman to the position of chair.

“Lakeland stands to benefit so much from Adam’s combined experience and expertise,” says Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, president and CEO of Lakeland College. “I am honoured to welcome him to this new position and look forward to working with him in his new position as we navigate the college through these challenging times.” Waterman first joined the Board of Governors in 2020 as a public member. He has worked in the oil and gas industry for 15 years, and currently works in operations management for a mid-sized producer. Waterman is the current president of the Lloydminster

Oilfield Technical Society and holds other board positions. He has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master of business administration. He is currently enrolled in the master of science in finance program at Georgetown University and the CFA Institute’s chartered financial analyst program. “Being from Lloydminster, I fully appreciate the significant role Lakeland plays; both in terms of economic benefits and as a part of our community,” Waterman explains. “I look forward to building on the work of my predecessor and seeing Lakeland grow into the leading agricultural school in Western Canada.”