Join Not your grandpa’s energy industry podcast hosts Lisa Stephenson and Tamara Gale for the fifth and final episode in a new 5-part series featuring energy workers as they share their Day in the Life stories. Get a glimpse into the diverse career opportunities within Canada’s energy sector.

This Day in the Life podcast episode welcomes Rene Bourque, Indigenous Relations Lead for West Earth Sciences Ltd. From a career as an Olympic hockey medalist to building relationships with First Nations communities across Western Canada, Rene’s career path demonstrates the importance of transferable skills in the energy industry and how they can come from vastly different industries.

Listen as Rene shares his journey from a young Métis boy practicing with his junior hockey league team to establishing foundations of trust with Indigenous communities.

Be sure to check out Rene’s full Day in the Life story in our blog section!

Join Not your grandpa’s energy industry podcast hosts Lisa Stephenson and Tamara Gale for the fourth episode in a new 5-part series featuring energy workers as they share their Day in the Life stories. Get a glimpse into the diverse careers opportunities within Canada’s energy sector.

This Day in the Life podcast episode welcomes Cullen Colville, Vice President of Business Development for Wolf Midstream. From working in the field to problem-solving for the Alberta Carbon Trunk Line system, Cullen’s career journey is proof that hard work and adhering to one’s core values can create endless opportunities in Canada’s energy industry.

Listen as Cullen shares his experiences from his early days as an engineering student at the University of Calgary to his current work decarbonizing Alberta’s energy sector including skills he picked up along the way and what listeners should expect when they enter the energy industry.

Be sure to check out Cullen’s full Day in the Life story in our blog section and stay tuned for the remaining story coming soon!

Balancing your home and social life when your role involves travelling across western Canada – and even down into the United States – can be a challenge. Samantha loves that her job with a hydraulic fracturing and coiled tubing company gets her out of the office, makes each day different, and gives her the opportunity to see a lot of unique places. Hear what it’s like to work in the field as a woman – the camaraderie with co-workers, the challenges of finding fitted coveralls and what it’s like to have 300 adopted older brothers. Samantha is an advocate for life-long learning, believes in working from the ground up and wants young women to consider a career in the field.

“You would be surprised what things can work out and what you can be interested in. I would say as far as any anxiety or misgivings - don't be afraid of the field. The experience you can get in the field once you're out of college and working is second to none.”

Jesse has built a rewarding career in Canada’s oil and gas services sub-sector. After working as a labourer for several years, Jesse made the shift to a management role and has found his post-secondary education focused on sociology and psychology has made him a better leader. He and his family live and work in a rural northern Alberta community that is largely dependent on oil and gas services. Find out what it’s like to raise a family working in this dynamic sector -which has a role for every skill set and interest and why Jesse thinks you should give the oil and gas services sector a second look.
“I guess when I started out I didn't realise the multitude of jobs there were in the industry you know from the environmental side all the way to the construction to the downs upstream side of refineries and I didn't realise there was so much variability.”

Alex has worked his way up through the ranks of the oil and gas services sector. Starting at the bottom as a swamper – the “grunt” role on the worksite - Alex has worked his way up to his current role as a fluid services manager – overseeing a large team and equipment fleet.

The key to Alex’s career evolution is simple in theory – start at the bottom, be willing to dig in and do the work, be open to learn and try new roles- and figure out what you want out of the job and set out to get it.

So what makes you a good fit for the oil and gas services sector? Alex says it’s the “ability to want to come to work and learn. Everyday is something different. Come to work with a positive attitude. Be fit for work. Everyday is something new - in 20 plus years it's never been the same on site every day.”

Listen to Alex’s story as we take a look into Alberta’s oil and gas services sector – to find out what’s changing, what’s coming and why it’s not your grandpa’s energy industry.

We’re drilling down into the world of site reclamation. In this episode, we’re chatting with Mark Ashton, President at 360 Energy Liability Management.

We’re drilling down into the world of site reclamation. In this episode, we’re chatting with Clayton Heck, Senior Manager Project Management at Arrowhead Abandonments.

After pivoting from oil and gas to a career in teaching chemical engineering, Fariba has found her sweet spot. She is still in the world of processing engineering (which she loves), has a chance to broaden her knowledge and skills, and makes a difference by impacting future workers in the industry. Hear about her journey, what she learned along the way, and the advice she has for others looking to make a career change.

With more than 30 years of experience in the world of career transitions as a successful author, coach, speaker and the “Get a Job Guy” on CBC Calgary’s Eyeopener, Richard Bucher knows a thing or two about moving to a new career. Join us as we talk with him about his own journey and get some of his tips and advice on how to make a career change.

What do a bachelor’s degree in criminology, oil sands control room operations and people skills have in common? They’re all areas of Nick’s life that were transferrable to his new career in cleantech. Join us as we continue our podcast series on career changes and learn more about what helped Nick the most as well as his advice to those making a career pivot.

Launch a brand-new consulting business in the middle of a global pandemic? Jessica did just that—quite successfully, too! This episode in our series on career changes features the story of how Jessica pivoted from oil and gas and launched her own emissions management company to serve the broader energy industry. Find out what worked, what she’d do differently and why there’s no time like the present to believe in yourself.

From oil and gas engineering to distilling gin? That’s an unusual career change to be sure, but one with more similarities and transferrable skills than you might think! Join us for the first in a series of podcast episodes on career changes. Some within the energy industry and others… well, not in the energy industry. Learn about how the skills and knowledge gained from oil and gas helped these people to successfully pivot their careers.

Join Not your grandpa’s energy industry podcast hosts Lisa Stephenson and Tamara Gale for the third episode in a new 5-part series featuring energy workers as they share their Day in the Life stories. Get a glimpse into the diverse careers opportunities within Canada’s energy sector.

This Day in the Life podcast episode welcomes Ginelle Smud, a plant operator at Keyera. Ginelle comes from a family of power engineers and has found her place in the energy industry by following in their footsteps.

Join us as we discuss the “hidden” job market and learn of the impact shiftwork can have on daily life.

Be sure to check out Ginelle’s full Day in the Life story in our blog section and stay tuned for the remaining stories coming soon!

How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the energy industry's workforce in Canada? Join our guest, Bemal Mehta, Senior Vice-President of Energy Intelligence with JWN Energy, whose group conducted employer interviews with 13 leaders from a spectrum of large to small companies in different sectors of the industry.
These interviews were part of the research for PetroLMI's four-part series called The Impact of COVID-19 on Canada's Energy Workforce. More than 300 workers in the energy industry were surveyed about how the pandemic has affected workplace practices and their productivity, whether employers are looking for new skills, and what workers are doing about it. And, as described above, 13 energy leaders shared insights about the impact of the COVID-19 crisis.

Lise Warawa never imagined herself working in the oil and gas industry. In fact, you may be surprised by her background and path to becoming a Community and Indigenous Affairs Advisor for Cenovus Energy. In this episode, you’ll also find out what surprised her (in a positive way) about the energy industry.

Lise delves into the role of community relations, explains how it involves so much more than cutting cheques and attending events, and shares some of her adventures (and misadventures) on the job.

While she is based out of a relatively quiet rural area, her role is NEVER boring! Her days could consist of talking with a trapper about Cenovus’s seismic program, preparing a presentation for a meeting, hosting an open house, travelling to an Indigenous community to engage and consult with them on an upcoming project, and arranging for linens from one of their camp sites to be donated to a community group. It’s never the same day twice!

Samantha Brett does not subscribe to the outdated perception that oil and gas development is at odds with environmental goals. In this episode we’ll explore how Samantha, the Director and CEO of Iron Oaks Environmental, took her passion for the environment and put it to work in the energy sector.

When a family friend asked if she wanted to apply her education in environmental science to pipeline construction in Alberta, Samantha promptly flew to Edmonton from Muskoka, Ontario. And the rest, she says, is history.  

Today, she makes a real difference in how Canada constructs and delivers its energy projects. She takes great pride in the industry’s environmental stewardship, and a lot of the work and research she does is sought after by environmental groups and government agencies.

James Blackman was the youngest-ever elected council member to the Cold Lake First Nation and is President of Primco Dene Group of Companies. From catering, retail and maintenance to security, medical services and more, Primco supports oil and gas companies in a myriad of ways. And with Indigenous people comprising 76% of its approximately 750 employees, it is now the largest employer in the Cold Lake First Nation—a real point of pride for James and his community.

As an Indigenous leader for the last two decades, James played a key role in partnering with the oil and gas industry to develop diverse employment opportunities for the Cold Lake First Nation and beyond. He shares his four pillars for success and why giving equal weight to each one continues to be a key strategy.

James’ story demonstrates that strong leaders with a vision and sense of purpose for the future can work with their community and the energy industry to create long-term success and employment opportunities.

The liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry is brand new to Canada and, as a civil engineer, Alexandra Benko is helping to design one of our nation’s first LNG plants. Getting in on the ground floor of an emerging industry is exciting, and Alexandra is keen to set a high bar for environmental practices.

Hear about her experiences living in a remote work camp, find out why she has learned more about salmon than she ever thought she would, and listen to what it’s like to be part of a new, cutting-edge sector of the energy industry that’s expected to create more than 3,600 jobs per year in Canada.

In this episode, we examine what it is like to work hands-on in the field—where the largest trucks in the world are used for daily operations—troubleshooting and fixing broken equipment. Learn about a day as a heavy equipment technician apprentice in Canada’s oil sands with Beckey Unrau.

Beckey thinks life is too short to be unhappy. When she needed a change from her cubicle life, she applied to an apprenticeship program, packed a duffle bag and headed to Fort McMurray. Now she’s maintaining and fixing some of the largest trucks in the world. She sees the results of her work and, despite the longer hours, she goes home feeling happy.

In this episode, we talk about being a leader in safety – and how we can make sure workers get home safely every night. Find out how a business development executive with INX Software supports and advances safety in energy. Learn about a day in the life of Lisa Cooper.

In this episode, we examine the integral role the science of the earth plays in oil and gas exploration and production. Find out what it is like to work with the unseen – the world beneath the earth’s surface. See the energy industry through a different lens, the data-driven perspective of a geophysicist. Learn about a day in the life of project manager and geophysicist, Greg Maidment.

This episode delves into Canada’s comprehensive regulatory system. Find out why Canada’s energy resources are produced to the highest global standard and what industry is doing to improve its environmental performance. Learn about a day in the life of regulatory and environmental affairs manager, Rick Palmer.

As a new college graduate with a passion for the environment and the intention of becoming a fish and wildlife officer or a park ranger, Rick certainly didn’t envision a four-decade career in oil and gas. Hear how Rick’s environmental expertise was leveraged to develop Alberta’s energy industry regulations and environmental policy, and how Rick paved the way at one of industry’s largest oil and gas producers. Rick also shares the highlight of his career and how he still has time to contribute to his final project, even in his retirement.

In this episode, we explore the important role that science, innovation and technology play in Canada’s energy industry. Learn about a day in the life of chemical lab technician, Jelayne Fortin.

Not many chemistry students plan to apply what they learn from their degree to oil and gas, including Jelayne. Hear how a move to Alberta completely changed her perception of the oil and gas industry, and find out how she contributes to lowering water usage and improving environmental impacts in operations. Jelayne also shares which post-secondary program she feels is key for students interested in a similar career path and for companies recruiting today’s top talent.

Join Not your grandpa’s energy industry podcast hosts Lisa Stephenson and Tamara Gale for the second episode in a new 5-part series featuring energy workers as they share their Day in the Life stories. Get a glimpse into the diverse careers opportunities within Canada’s energy sector.

This Day in the Life podcast episode welcomes Teresa Waddington, Vice President of Corporate Relations for LNG Canada. Teresa says her mission is “to turn my dad’s oilpatch into my daughter’s energy garden”, and her passion to influence the science, policy, technology, and people that are helping to create that energy garden.

Teresa’s career journey from chemical engineer to her current role as VP of Corporate Relations is an excellent example of how dedication and determination can truly shape one’s career into anything they aspire it to be. Listen as Teresa shares her personal experiences and insights, including the skills she’s found critical to supporting her on her journey and why she encourages listeners to “get out there and make an impact”.

Be sure to check out Teresa’s full Day in the Life story in our blog section and stay tuned for the remaining stories coming soon!

In this first episode, we’re diving into a Day in the Life with Raman Sawhney - business development manager with FRACMOD; a reservoir and production engineer by trade; and a champion of women in STEM.

Raman believes there are no limits or boundaries when it comes to her career. Find out what skill she thinks is critical for upcoming energy professionals and discover her career plans for the future. Listen to her explain why you should consider a career in energy, too.

Join Not Your Grandpa’s Energy Industry podcast hosts Lisa Stephenson and Tamara Gale for a new 5-part series featuring energy workers as they share their Day in the Life stories. Get a glimpse into the diverse careers opportunities within Canada’s energy sector. In this first episode the spotlight is on Dinara Millington, the founder and CEO of 17Insight Inc.

Dinara shares her journey from academia to entrepreneurship in the Canadian energy sector, emphasizing the need for diverse skills beyond engineering and the importance of embracing sustainability and innovation. The podcast explores challenges and opportunities in industry, particularly related to energy transition and decarbonization while providing helpful career planning advice.

Be sure to check out Dinara’s full Day in the Life story in CareersinEnergy.ca blog section and stay tuned for the remaining four coming soon!

Join Not Your Grandpa’s Energy Industry podcast hosts Lisa Stephenson and Tamara Gale for the final episode of a four-part series, exploring diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in Alberta's energy industry. Hasmik Asmaryan, Director of Business Employment and Training Services at Calgary Catholic Immigrant Society (CCIS), joins Tamara and Lisa for a deep dive into breaking cultural barriers and integrating immigrants into Alberta's energy sector. Hasmik's journey from immigrant to advocate lends valuable context to the challenges newcomers face.

The conversation uncovers barriers such as initial job struggles, language proficiency, and cultural differences. Our hosts explore strategies for employers to improve hiring practices and foster diversity and innovation. Hasmik's advice for newcomers is to own their career success and persevere in their job search. This episode serves as a guide for building a more inclusive and diverse energy sector in Alberta, harnessing the strengths of immigrants and newcomers to enhance the industry's competitiveness.

Join Not Your Grandpa’s Energy Industry podcast hosts Lisa Stephenson and Tamara Gale for the third episode of the four-part series, exploring diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in Alberta's energy industry. This episode welcomes guest Dylan Turner, Indigenous Relations Liaison with Rupertsland Institute. Lisa, Tamara and Dylan dive into the challenges and opportunities surrounding Indigenous participation in the energy industry.

This episode explores the importance of tailoring educational approaches to align with Indigenous learning styles and cultural values. Dylan sheds light on the diverse career pathways awaiting individuals, spanning hands-on trades to knowledge-driven roles in the energy sector.

Listeners are encouraged to learn more about these opportunities and to reach out to Dylan and Rupertsland Institute for guidance.

Join Not Your Grandpa’s Energy Industry podcast hosts Lisa Stephenson and Tamara Gale for the second episode of our four-part series, exploring diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in Alberta's energy industry. This episode welcomes guest Susie Sochowski, HR manager with Sanjel Energy Services. Listen as they dive into issues surrounding psychological safety and its significance in creating an inclusive and supportive work environment for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Susie shares her personal experiences and insights, highlighting the importance of authenticity and acceptance at work.

The discussion explores strategies for cultivating psychological safety, embracing learning, addressing unconscious biases, and fostering open conversations around diversity and inclusion. Learn about the initiatives undertaken by Sanjel Energy Services and gain practical tips for creating safe spaces for all energy workers.

Susie, Lisa and Tamara encourage listeners to reflect on their own biases, engage in meaningful conversations, and work towards a more inclusive and accepting environment for all.

Join podcast hosts, Lisa Stephenson and Tamara Gale for a new four-part series of Not Your Grandpa’s Energy Industry which explores diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in Alberta’s energy industry.

This first episode features guest, Terry McKay a Consulting Partner with EY, to discuss a recent survey developed in collaboration with EY and Careers in Energy that approached energy workers to understand the current climate, best practices, policies and attitudes around DEI in energy. Hear about a new industry survey and learn how it evolved into a report presenting the survey results and contributing to thought leadership around issues of DEI in the industry. Terry, Lisa and Tamara discuss the progress industry has made to date and where there is still work to be done for Alberta’s energy sector to become an inclusive, diverse, accessible and safe workplace for all workers, participants and stakeholders.

Mark Scholz, President and CEO of the Canadian Association of Energy Contractors joins us today to talk about the future of Canada’s oil and gas services sector.