The unique blend of heavy oil and power engineering and a diverse and immersive learning environment are what attracted David Milroy to Lakeland College's heavy oil power engineering (HOPE) program.

“I found the addition of heavy oil to the power engineering curriculum beneficial and a standout for Lakeland compared to other schools I looked at. They didn't offer a heavy oil aspect. There are also different aspects of engineering, so getting to go to school in the Lloydminster area exposed me to various equipment and operating systems. There was just so much to learn,” says Milroy, Class of 2020.

Now a turbine plant operator at Heartland Generation, Milroy's transition from Lakeland to full-time employment was a seamless integration. He completed his practicum hours as a summer student, from May to August, with Heartland at their Battle River Generating Station near Forestburg, Alta. Then he was hired in a permanent position after acquiring his 3rd Class power engineer's certificate of competency.

“Whatever I read or learned from my instructors is easy to reference out in the field. Whether it was their own experience or from a textbook, my instructors' lessons are relevant to what I'm doing now,” he says. Milroy earned a spot on the Dean's Honour List for obtaining a 3.5-plus grade-point average.

Milroy's other industry experience includes a four-month summer practicum position with Husky Energy, followed by a two-month winter practicum. Both of which were completed with the help from Lakeland's faculty and staff in the energy department.

“We had a lot of good instructors that were very knowledgeable and well-respected from our classes. Learning in the Cenovus Energy Lab was a great experience and impressed me from the beginning. It's a unique lab that give you the opportunity to get hands-on training before working in the industry.”

Milroy's five-year plan includes writing his 2nd Class exams to obtain his 2nd Class certificate of competency after a few years of giving the company his full attention. “I plan on working for a company that I can stay with for as long as possible. I want to establish myself in industry and work my way up.”

Photo: David Milroy graduated from Lakeland College in June 2020.