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Indigenous internship and scholarship programs
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We are always working to increase the number of Indigenous people in our workforce. One of the ways we do this is through internship programs. The programs are a great way for students to learn more about our industry and company while completing their education.
During the internship, we provide training, mentorship and support – with the ultimate goal of transitioning successful students to full-time employees once their education is complete.
During the internship, we provide training, mentorship and support – with the ultimate goal of transitioning successful students to full-time employees once their education is complete.
"As an Indigenous studies student and a Métis from Cold Lake, Alberta, I was fortunate to have spent the last two summer terms with Imperial Oil and the socioeconomic team working with a focus on Indigenous collaboration. The team was welcoming and approachable, which led for a very positive experience. Additionally, I was given the opportunity to utilize the knowledge and skills gained with my educational background and experience the relationship build with Indigenous communities. The balance of learning within a corporate environment as well as interacting out in the communities was both rewarding and an experience that will stay with me into my future endeavours and career path."
Internship opportunities
Cold Lake Indigenous Internship Program
Our award-winning Cold Lake Indigenous Internship Program provides local Indigenous people hands-on practical experience at our Cold Lake operation. Program participants are provided both training and mentorship, as well as supported by our Imperial Indigenous Network.
Program positions available include:
- Field operator
- Plant operator
- Millwright
- Instrumentation/electrical technician
- Business support group (office administration)
- Environmental technician
The program was created in 1998 and has had 75 participants, 43 of whom became full-time employees.
Norman Wells Northern Development Program
Our Norman Wells Northern Development Program is a one to two-year training program open to qualified Sahtu beneficiaries who are interested in long-term career opportunities at our Norman Wells operation. Program positions are in field operations, plant operations and office administration.
The program was created in 1990 and has had 23 graduates, 10 of whom became full-time employees.
Indigenous Student Employment Program
In 2019, we launched an Indigenous Student Employment Program, which aims to provide Indigenous post-secondary students with the opportunity to develop their professional skills through paid work-term experience as they continue their formal education.
Work terms range from four to 16 months in length, with postings going up in early January, May and September.
Meet some of the students and hear about their experience in the program and at Imperial:
Karlee Jackson, recruiting analyst student
Reid Skrypichayko, supply chain student
Law Society of Alberta’s Indigenous Law Student Summer Employment Program
Over the past few years, we have participated in the Law Society of Alberta’s Indigenous Law Student Summer Employment Program.
The program provides Indigenous law students applicable experience and mentorship, and is supported by our Imperial Indigenous Network.
Terms are typically four months in length and posted in November, with a start date in May.
Scholarships
We’ve been a committed partner of Indspire’s Building Brighter Futures: Bursaries, Scholarships and Awards program since 2007, providing more than one million dollars to date for First Nation, Inuit and Métis post-secondary students.
Learn more about our involvement with Indspire
Learn more/apply for Indspire scholarships and bursaries
We also have scholarships for Indigenous students, funded by our operations. Learn more/apply below:
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