Carbon Management Canada and the Schulich School of Engineering partner to offer unique graduate-level training in carbon capture, utilization and storage.

Carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) has emerged as an important means for reducing carbon emissions from existing energy systems. As the CCUS industry continues to develop, the labour market must expand to meet Canada’s emissions targets.

An exceptional new partnership between Carbon Management Canada’s (CMC) Talent Acceleration and Career Training in Low-Carbon Energy (TACTILE) program, and the University of Calgary’s Schulich School of Engineering, aims to meet part of that workforce need with the Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) Specialization within the Advanced Engineering Practice Certificate Program.

This program is open to applicants who have an engineering degree and the June 30 application deadline for a fall start is fast approaching. Here’s more good news: this training is free of charge for eligible applicants. Note: a mandatory application fee is not covered by the scholarship.

What’s the challenge?

The energy industry is already experiencing a workforce gap caused by retiring workers or those leaving the industry. In addition, there are currently fewer new entrants, in part due to a lack of awareness about the broad range of employment and career options available in energy. Finding qualified workers seeking opportunities in the energy industry continues to be an ongoing recruitment challenge.

As CCUS projects continue to advance, that same workforce gap applies in the carbon management sector. Energy is among Canada’s largest employment sectors and skills in emerging clean energy and carbon management are on the rise.

What’s the solution?

The TACTILE program trains individuals in carbon management to meet the sector’s growing employment demand. Supported by the Government of Canada's Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program, TACTILE training provides value to workers by offering a range of relevant training and education opportunities, and value to potential employers through targeted training to produce workers with specialized knowledge and skills. TACTILE programs offer in-class, online, and on-site field training.

“Canada's energy industry is shifting, creating an urgent need for a specialized workforce,” says Lisa Doig, CMC’s CEO. “Using CMC’s expertise in CCUS, the TACTILE program was built to meet that need, equipping trainees with the technical proficiency and operational capability required to fast-track careers to the frontline of the low-carbon transition.”

Schulich’s graduate-level specialization

Among TACTILE’s programs is graduate-level training offered by the Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary, to enhance the skills of engineers and geoscientists. The Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) Specialization within the Advanced Engineering Practice Certificate Program is a 16-month program delivered over four semesters.

“Our goal is to equip individuals with specialized knowledge and practical skills in CCUS technologies, focusing on subsurface energy engineering, life-cycle assessment, and the integration of data science and machine learning,” says Dr. Anders Nygren, PhD, PEng, Dean, Schulich School of Engineering.

The second of two program cohorts will begin training in September 2026 (deadline to apply: June 30), with completion in December 2027. Courses will be taken one at a time, allowing for a focused and manageable learning experience. Evening classes will be held in-person at the University of Calgary to accommodate those who work full-time or have other responsibilities during the day.

A unique aspect of this specialization is the opportunity for students to visit CMC’s field research station in Newell County, Alberta. This facility is equipped to advance Canada’s carbon management industry through collaboration with government, industry and academia on leading-edge applied research that will accelerate CCUS through effective monitoring technology development. The site provides a controlled environment for testing and validating technologies while equipping trainees with practical experience in subsurface monitoring, CO2 injection, and site management.

A unique and valuable program

TACTILE was designed in direct consultation with leading companies contributing to Canada’s low-carbon economy. Engaging organizations seeking a CCUS-ready workforce helps align training with real workforce needs.

CCUS is an expanding field. Recent provincial and federal announcements and agreements point to increased optimism for potential CCUS projects. Through TACTILE, CMC is addressing the labour gap, training a pool of workers and connecting industry, academic and the workforce ecosystem to effectively deliver training.

Limited enrolment for a unique opportunity

Learn more about TACTILE, or apply to the Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) Specialization within the Advanced Engineering Practice Certificate Program. Deadline for applications is June 30.