Suncor Energy Foundation invests in enhanced training at Lambton College

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Jan. 23, 2017) -

Editor's Note: There is a photo associated with this release.

Suncor, through the Suncor Energy Foundation, today announced a $300,000 donation to Lambton College towards the purchase of industry equipment, software and simulators that support enhanced training for students enrolled in the College's Technology programs.

"Over the years we have built a strong, collaborative relationship with Lambton College," says Mark Hiseler, vice president, Sarnia refinery, Suncor. "This latest investment, supporting Lambton College's Envision Tomorrow capital campaign, will help to ensure students continue to have access to new learning environments gaining the skills required in the workplace of the future."

The new equipment will greatly enhance the educational experience for students enrolled in the College's Chemical Production & Power Engineering Technology (CPET), Power Engineering Technology (PETC), and Instrumentation & Control Engineering Technology (ICET) programs. Students will now have access to a state-of-the-art Combined Cycle Power Plant, Bio-ethanol Plant, and Refrigeration and Chiller System simulators. A new piece of equipment, a Bio-diesel Trainer, designed in-house, is also expected to be completed by early spring.

"This generous donation will further enhance our educational programming and the applied training students receive in our flagship technology programs," said Judith Morris, President and CEO, Lambton College. "I would like to thank Suncor for their ongoing support of Lambton College and the tremendous employment opportunities they have provided for both students and graduates over the years."

The donation also provides funding for mobile and Bluetooth technologies allowing for remote monitoring and control of a Hart modem and chemical and physical iPad sensors. Mobile control of an Evaporative Crystallization trainer, a process used in bioindustrial processes to isolate compounds of interest, is also now available for students. Future plans involve deployment of educational mobile apps.

"As someone who returned to school to re-train for a new career, I'm excited to have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with such sophisticated industry equipment," said Anastacia Brie, Chemical Production & Power Engineering student. "Because of the generosity and support from local industry such as Suncor, I feel so confident in my skills and know that I have the best possible chance at being successful in my new profession."