Drive past the New Brunswick Community College’s (NBCC) Saint John – Grandview Campus, and you’ll soon notice something exciting on the horizon—the future of energy education coming to life. Thanks to a generous $500,000 gift from Irving Oil as part of NBCC’s Going Beyond campaign, students pursuing an education within the energy sector will soon have access to a greater suite of hands-on learning opportunities with the planned creation of the Irving Oil Energy Park.
To recognize this gift and celebrate its impact on learner success—and in turn, New Brunswick communities—NBCC recently renamed its Power Lab the Irving Oil Energy Lab, an impressive training facility. At first glance, this lab may seem daunting—a vast space filled with buttons, panels, and pipes. However, since 2012, it has offered an exceptional learning experience with its practical, hands-on approach in plant operations and power generation. The lab encompasses water treatment, fuel delivery, power generation, and grid synchronization. Students operate high-pressure boilers, auxiliary systems, a steam turbine, and a generator, connecting classroom theory with practical application. The Irving Oil Energy Lab has been a game-changing training resource, equipping learners with the experience, confidence, and industry-relevant knowledge to excel in their careers.
Now, with the anticipated Irving Oil Energy Park, a facility that intends to harness wind and solar energy to power the Energy Building, NBCC is set to further prepare students with the skills needed to excel in emerging energy roles and adapt to an evolving industry. The park will feature solar arrays and wind turbines providing students access to a real-time data dashboard in the energy building’s atrium, displaying energy usage and demonstrating how system adjustments impact energy consumption. This interactive feature will allow students to explore the integration of future energy systems, strengthening their understanding of innovative technologies. Construction of the energy park is scheduled to begin in the fall, on the heels of NBCC’s new Wind and Solar Energy Technician Program.
Through this partnership, NBCC and Irving Oil are creating pathways for learners to confidently enter the energy industry. As part of this gift, Irving Oil has also established a bursary program for students pursuing energy-related programs at NBCC including, Electrical Engineering Technology, Power Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, and Electrical, Instrumentation and Control Technician (formerly Industrial Control Technology). Together, we are working toward a viable tomorrow, committed to ensuring every New Brunswicker has the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to fully participate in reliable work, and that every employer has access to the teams and talent they need to grow and compete, here at home and around the world.
“NBCC has a role to play in New Brunswick’s evolving energy economy by building the future workforce,” stated Mary Butler, President and CEO of NBCC. “This collaboration not only equips students with the necessary skills they need to succeed in the field, but also fosters community engagement and drives economic growth by creating a skilled workforce ready to meet future challenges.”
Ready to take charge of your future? If you’re someone passionate about the future of energy, NBCC is your gateway to developing the skills to thrive in the evolving energy industry, skills that employers like Irving Oil are actively seeking. Explore the possibilities here and join us in transforming lives and communities.