Investing in the students and post-secondary institutions in our operating regions
Today’s student engineers, geoscientists, lab scientists, tradespeople and learners from other key disciplines are the future of our industry. At Cenovus Energy, we are committed to their success and hope they choose us when embarking on their careers.
To help students develop the skills needed to prepare for a career in the energy industry, we’ve invested in the University of Saskatchewan (USask), Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) and the University of Toledo (UT) so far this year. Through these ongoing investments in post-secondary institutions we’re helping to provide the students of today with the skills they need to become the industry leaders of tomorrow.
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
We are continuing our longstanding partnership with SAIT, a collaboration that has flourished for over a decade. Announced in February 2025, Cenovus’s $3.7 million investment supports both the MacPhail School of Energy and the SAIT School of Business, accelerating the schools’ capacity to train the next generation of energy industry professionals.
Our investment renews support of the Cenovus Energy Centre, where Power Engineering Technology and Process and Power Operations students train in a scaled-down version of a typical steam-generating facility, along with other equipment found in industry. It also focuses on upgrading equipment and technology, curriculum revitalization and reimagining the learning experience.
"As a proud alumnus of SAIT, I am thrilled to see Cenovus investing in the future of our students. The Cenovus Energy Centre is a game-changer, providing unparalleled resources and opportunities for innovation," says Raymund Del Rosario, previous Cenovus summer student and current Mineral Land Analyst. "This investment not only enhances our educational facilities but also strengthens the bridge between academia and industry, ensuring that our graduates are well-equipped to tackle real-world energy challenges."
University of Saskatchewan (USask)
Our $1.5 million investment in support of USask’s Be What the World Needs campaign was announced in May 2025. The donation will support the creation of, and programming for, the Cenovus Energy Makerspace in the soon-to-be-constructed Engineering Design Hub at the College of Engineering.
“Companies like ours are only as good as our people,” says Candace Newman, Senior Vice-President, People Services.
The Makerspace will serve approximately 2,200 students annually, fostering innovation, creativity and problem-solving in a collaborative environment.
University of Toledo
In April 2025, we announced our first major multi-year U.S. education investment: $1 million to the University of Toledo. This contribution will establish the Cenovus Energy Hub in the newly renovated North Engineering building.
This investment supports collaborative and hands on learning along with providing advanced equipment and software to enrich the student experience and further develop their skills.
“Engineers are critical to the safe and reliable operation of our refinery,” says Heidi Hurst, Vice-President, Refining, at our Toledo Refinery. “This partnership helps us connect with students and showcase the exciting future of energy.”
With oil and gas remaining an integral part of the energy mix for decades to come, we recognize the importance of investing today to foster a workforce that comes equipped with the talent and skills necessary for the jobs and ingenuity of tomorrow. Together, we’re creating opportunities that will inspire and equip future talent to lead an evolving industry.
LAST UPDATED: JULY 2025
Cenovus Energy recently announced a $2.5 million donation to Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Time to Rise campaign. Learn more.