Tanner Shaw never considered that his strong work ethic would earn him the highest academic average across Lakeland College.

As a member of the Class of 2020, the heavy oil power engineering student was presented the Governor General's Academic Medal from Scott Webb, chair of Lakeland's Board of Governors.

“I'm honoured to have received this award for 2020. I've always taken my studies very seriously. This award means my hard work paid off,” says Shaw.

Ready to start his career, Shaw graduated from Lakeland with industry experience through two practicum placements throughout the two-year program.

“I completed my 4th Class practicum at the Husky Sandall SAGD site and then my second practicum at the Husky Upgrader here in Lloydminster. My goal is to earn my 2nd Class certificate once I get more work experience under my belt,” Shaw says.

According to Rob Collins, chair of Lakeland's School of Energy, Shaw's desire to grow and develop his skills are attributes that will earn him a lucrative career.

“Tanner is one of our quieter students, but he's also probably one of our best students that's come through this program. I'm hoping he finds a long and illustrious career in the industry. I see a person like Tanner becoming a supervisor quite easily. I wish him all the best in the future, and I know he has a bright future ahead of himself,” says Collins.

After attending Lakeland's Open House event in 2017, Shaw says the hands-on learning opportunities through Energy Centre are what captured his interest. Besides that, Shaw adds that he thoroughly enjoyed the “small class sizes and even smaller lab sizes. You get one-on-one time with your instructor, and they're willing to help after class.”

Photo: Scott Webb, chair of Lakeland's Board of Governors, (right) presents Tanner Shaw with the Governor General's Academic Award at the Lloydminster campus.