Keyano Receives PrairiesCan Funding to Upgrade Haul Truck Operator Training Simulators

Keyano College is enhancing the educational experience of students in the Haul Truck Operator program thanks to a significant federal investment through Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan).

 PrairiesCan is investing over $766,000 towards acquiring two state-of-the-art Haul Truck simulators and upgrading software for four existing simulators at the Suncor Energy Industrial Campus. This initiative aligns with labour demands in the Fort McMurray region, Alberta, and nationwide. A key component of the initiative includes delivering enhanced learning experiences to local First Nations and Métis communities—helping to improve industry access to skilled workers while supporting economic opportunities for Indigenous communities.

Brandon Fleury, Director of Facilities and Asset Management, explains, "The addition of these advanced simulators will significantly expand and upgrade our program, setting a new standard for training excellence." These LX3 Immersive simulators replicate the technology currently used in the field, ensuring that students are job-ready upon graduation.

Darren Stacey, Dean of the School of Trades and Technology, highlights the practical benefits: "With these simulators, our students are learning on the same equipment used in the industry today, which greatly reduces the learning curve and prepares them more effectively for their careers." He adds, "Outcomes from this initiative will provide safe, efficient, carbon-free training and allow additional students to enter our Haul Truck Operator program."

This funding enables Keyano College to meet immediate industry needs and support the region's growth by providing training directly applicable to the job market. Investing in these simulators ensures that Keyano College is prepared for future industry expansions and can swiftly adapt to technological changes and market demands.

PrairiesCan funding is being delivered through its Community Economic Development and Diversification program. This program supports economic development initiatives that contribute to the economic growth and diversification of communities across the Prairie provinces. Through this program, PrairiesCan enables communities to leverage their capacity and strengths to respond to economic development opportunities and adjust to changing and challenging economic circumstances.

“Our government is proud to support Keyano College in helping to equip a new generation of students across the Fort McMurray and Wood Buffalo region with the experience and abilities needed to meet growing industry demands,” says the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan. “With a strong focus on providing job-ready skills, this initiative will help ensure employers can recruit skilled, qualified workers who are representative of the diverse population of northern Alberta.”

"There’s a growing need for haul truck operators across the Wood Buffalo region, and our government is helping to meet this important industry demand through our partnership with Keyano College,” says the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages. “This initiative will ensure students in the region have access to training for good paying jobs that support long-term economic growth in Alberta.”

The collaborative nature of this initiative links to principles of the federal government’s new Framework to Build a Green Prairie Economy, which includes advancing economic reconciliation.

Community members and prospective students can learn more about Keyano College’s Haul Truck Operator program and other opportunities online. The program offers foundational academic and technical training, equipping students with essential skills and safety certifications required in the industry.

About Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan): PrairiesCan is the federal department that supports economic growth in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Its programs and services help businesses, not-for-profits, and communities grow stronger. Its mandate is to support economic growth and diversification in the Prairie provinces and advance the interests of the region in national economic policy, programs, and projects. To learn about our success stories, visit PrairiesCan success stories.