NLC has long been the home of oil and gas training in the region, thanks in part to the creation of the Centre of Training Excellence in Oil and Gas (CTEOG). With the development of clean energy technologies, carbon capture and storage, and the application of AI to the energy sector, the natural progression is to bring other energies under the CTEOG umbrella, including hydro, wind, solar, and geothermal.
With the rise of new technologies and the need for well-trained workers in the energy industry, Northern Lights College (NLC) is working to expand educational opportunities in that sector. These changes provide an opportunity to relaunch the CTEOG with a new mandate, expanded capacity and redefined curriculum to meet the energy industry’s needs in the short term and years to come.
To help further this development, HD Hyundai Electric from South Korea has made a substantial donation of $100,000 through the Northern Lights College Foundation. This will become a dynamic hub of innovation, research, and education, positioning NLC as an ongoing leading provider of energy-related training.
“Responsive programming at NLC isn’t about sticking to the status quo; it’s about adapting to the ever-changing needs of our students, our communities, and our industries,” said Todd Bondaroff, President and CEO of Northern Lights College. “From cutting-edge technology to hands-on experiential learning opportunities, we equip our students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in today’s dynamic world, and this funding will help us take it even further.”
HD Hyundai Electric was made aware of NLC’s work through BC Hydro, who employed many NLC trades graduates for work on the Site C hydro project.
“HD Hyundai Electric’s deep commitment to community support and educational advancement is the driving force behind the donation to Northern Lights College Foundation,” said Youngki Kim, Senior Executive Vice President & COO, HD Hyundai Electric.
“Recognizing the importance of education in shaping the future, we aim to empower the next generation through meaningful contributions that foster learning and development. This initiative is further supported by BC Hydro’s recommendation, highlighting the crucial role Northern Lights College plays in regional trades training, especially through their collaboration on the Site C project.”
“We are so grateful for the partnership with Hyundai and their investment into Northern Lights College, to support the development of the Energy Institute,” said Lindsey Borek, Executive Director of the Northern Lights College Foundation. “Their support enables us to help our students embark on their lifelong journey of learning and create unique opportunities for our students, college, and community. HD Hyundai Electric’s contribution to the communities in which they have worked will leave a lasting impact for years to come and we look forward to continuing this partnership.”