Post-secondary students are showing increased interest in pursuing careers in energy, a new survey shows.

A recent poll of learners enrolled in geoLOGIC systems’ Sustainability in Energy® Micro-Credential (SEMC) for Students found that 83.3 per cent reported greater interest in a career in Canada’s oil and gas industry.

Bemal Mehta, geoLOGIC’s Managing Director, Energy Intelligence, said there’s a growing recognition that the energy sector is evolving, and students see themselves as part of the solution.

“This micro-credential is helping them make that connection,” said Mehta. “It’s clear that young Canadians are actively seeking to build relevant skills and explore energy industry careers.”

The SEMC is changing the perception of careers in oil and gas by highlighting the nuanced nature of energy industry innovation and sustainability, added Mehta.

One survey respondent said, “I plan to investigate different portions highlighted by case studies or interviews within the SEMC to apply my chemistry degree to promote effective sustainability practices in the energy industry.”

Another respondent noted that the program has helped them improve their knowledge about the energy sector and the emerging job opportunities.

“The micro-credential was designed to be practical, accessible, and grounded in industry-specific context,” said Mehta. “That’s exactly what learners are telling us they value most. Students increasingly see energy as a potential career path, and we believe this micro-credential will be an important avenue for expanding the talent pipeline for industry."

The survey also revealed that 93 per cent of the respondents rated the program seven or higher, out of 10 when recommending it to a friend.

The survey also found that 50 per cent of the respondents said the micro-credential has benefited when job searching.

The online survey was conducted between October 9 and October 24, with 33 learners responding.

SEMC enrolment surpasses targets

Mehta said the SEMC program has surpassed its enrolment target by six months. Currently there are over 750 students enrolled in the program, well above the initial projection 500 at the program’s launch in May.

Learners from more than 40 universities, colleges, and polytechnics across the country have registered for the program. The institutions with the most registrations are University of Alberta, University of Calgary, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Simon Fraser University, and University of British Columbia.

“It’s clear that young Canadians are actively seeking to build relevant skills and explore energy industry careers,” said Mehta.

The program addresses topics such as emissions management, energy security, regulatory compliance, and Indigenous relations.

Sponsorship fuels SEMC’s expansion across Canada

Increased sponsorship will allow for direct outreach to post-secondaries in Ontario and Québec, and into other provinces, said Mehta. Currently, the program is geared toward students in western Canada.

Contact Bemal Mehta, geoLOGIC’s Managing Director, Energy Intelligence, for information about the program and sponsorship opportunities: bmehta@geologic.com or (403) 262-1992.

geoLOGIC provides premium quality energy data, analytics, software, news and training solutions. The company is headquartered in Calgary with teams in London and Houston.