Passion for Change. Lakeland College’s Online Renewable Energy Program is gaining momentum
Lakeland College, based in Llyodminster and Vermillion, Alberta, offers the innovative and rapidly growing REC Program: an online Certificate & Diploma program in renewable energy and conservation. First developed in 2008, this program provides students with a strong foundation of knowledge and skills in modern energy technology. Students that attend have Certificate or Diploma options where the latter includes an on-site course to gain applied knowledge in the lab at the Vermillion campus, and both options offer online course delivery to allow for access and flexibility.
In a time when virtual correspondence is of growing importance, the REC program stands out for its online flexibility and accessibility. Garnet Tozer, both an alumni and now Program Liaison and Instructor for the REC program, states, “[I was] Looking around for a transition beyond oil and gas and found Lakeland College online. It was the only one online that would allow me to work full-time so I could achieve a diploma that would propel me into the next phase in my life.” In addition to online course delivery where the scope of learning is broad, there are several opportunities for hands-on learning at the Research Center.
“[I was] Looking around for a transition beyond oil and gas and found Lakeland College online. It was the only one online that would allow me to work full-time so I could achieve a diploma that would propel me into the next phase in my life.”
Another popular feature about this program has been that it welcomes people of vast backgrounds and varying degrees of experience, but who are all driven by their passion for sustainability. Alicia Couto, formerly a WestJet flight attendant, was inspired to be more involved with clean energy after watching a documentary about solar energy community projects in India. She was excited by the progress a small community in India had made, and eager to see a similar shift towards solar energy here in Canada. The REC program paved the way for her to do so, and in a recent interview she says, “There could be a huge number of people that have transferable skills. Even if you don’t want to be a solar panel installer – there are great opportunities to work in small and big businesses. This is a perfect time to transfer your skills to a new career in the energy sector. I think this program is going to help build a workforce that will make the world a better place.”
“There could be a huge number of people that have transferable skills. Even if you don’t want to be a solar panel installer – there are great opportunities to work in small and big businesses. This is a perfect time to transfer your skills to a new career in the energy sector.”
Given that the program is now in its 12th year running, it has seen immense growth and has been continuously reviewed and renewed by Canada’s energy leaders. REC has recently (pre-covid) partnered with DEC to elevate the online program and ensure it is poised to take on the larger vision of its supporters. Garnet Tozer says when asked about the future of the REC program, “Some of the new partners we are involving in the program are helping to evolve it. The opportunities for the students are going to be really exciting and helpful. Meet the needs of tomorrow. We’re taking a proactive approach and it’s really exciting.” As sustainable energy becomes a global focus, the REC program is here to set up both young and mature students for successful careers in this relevant and necessary field.
Enrolment for the REC program is currently open for 2020-2021 courses. The REC program is also going to be showcasing the various aspects of each course throughout this year and into 2021 to help bring insight to the program breadth through online webinars hosted by program instructors. Wednesday August 19th, at 12:15pm DEC is hosting the first informational webinar, with guest speakers Garnet Tozer, and Alicia Couto to answer any questions potential students may have about the program. To register or join-in on the Introduction to REC Webinar click the button below.