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Indigenous internship and scholarship programs
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We want to support Indigenous students and communities.
Our programs offer paid work, training and scholarships to help you reach your goals.
Whether you are finishing school, starting training or looking for new work, we’re here to help.
"As a Métis student from Cold Lake, I had the chance to spend two summers with Imperial’s socioeconomic team, focusing on Indigenous collaboration. I was welcomed, supported, and able to apply what I learned in school while working with communities. That balance of corporate learning and real community connection is something I’ll carry into my career."
Paid internships
Our internships give you real work experience, training and mentorship. Many past interns have gone on to full-time jobs with us, but even if that doesn’t happen right away, you’ll finish the program with skills and experience that can open new doors.
Cold Lake Indigenous Internship Program
Our award-winning Cold Lake Indigenous Internship Program is for Indigenous people from local communities in the Lakeland region. You’ll be paid while you learn on the job.
Jobs include:
- Field or plant operator
- Millwright
- Electrical or instrumentation tech
- Environmental tech
This is a one-year program, with the chance to stay for a second year. All positions require a valid driver’s license and a high school diploma or GED. Some positions require other pre-requisite training or education.
Don’t have everything yet?
That’s okay. You can still take steps toward your goals. We encourage you to connect with local training programs or reach out to community partners like CAREERS, Tribal Chiefs Employment & Training Services and Trade Winds to Success — they can help you build your skills and get ready to apply.
Norman Wells Northern Development Program
Our Norman Wells Northern Development Program is for Sahtu beneficiaries in the Northwest Territories.
You’ll get training in:
- Field operations
- Plant work
- Office administration
This is a one- to two-year program that pays you while you learn.
Indigenous Student Employment Program
If you’re in college or university, Imperial’s Indigenous Student Employment Program lets you work four to 16 months in a paid job while studying.
Job postings go up in January, May and September.
Learn more about the Indigenous Student Employment Program
Discover what past students say.
Karlee Jackson, recruiting analyst student
Reid Skrypichayko, supply chain student
Alberta Law student summer jobs
If you’re an Indigenous law student, this summer program offers work and mentorship in Alberta.
Jobs are posted in November and start in May. Terms are typically four months long.
Learn more about the Law Society of Alberta’s Indigenous Summer Student Program
Scholarships
We also offer scholarships to help you cover some of your costs while in school, including through our partnership with Indspire.
Imperial Indigenous Scholarship Program
Imperial is a proud partner of Indspire’s Building Brighter Futures program. We’ve provided more than $2M to Indspire since 2003. Indspire scholarships are for First Nations, Inuit and Métis students in post-secondary programs.
If you’re going to college, university or technical school, you can apply.
For programs like:
- Science, engineering and technology
- Business or accounting
- Trades and energy-related work
Apply by (three intakes):
- February 1
- August 1
- November 1
Learn more about our Indspire partnership
What people are saying
"I worked with Imperial for two summers. The team was kind and helpful. I learned a lot about working in the company and with communities. It’s an experience I will take with me in my future."
Ready to get started?
Learn more about all of our programs below, including how to apply.
Location-specific programs
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