Durham College and NAIT Establish Partnership to Address AI Skills in Oil and Gas Industry

Durham College and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on August 14, 2025, to form a partnership focused on skills development for Canada's oil and gas industry.

The agreement, according to both institutions, is intended to address a need for artificial intelligence (AI) skills among professionals in the energy sector. Officials from Durham College and NAIT report that the partnership will include shared programming, applied learning, and workforce development initiatives, with a specific focus on AI literacy.

According to statements from Durham College and NAIT, the first project under this partnership is a six-week virtual program called AI G.U.I.D.E. (Governance, Utilization, Innovation, Data, and Ethics in AI): AI is Reshaping Oil and Gas – Are You Ready? This course, scheduled to begin on September 30, 2025, is designed for professionals working in oil and gas and will be delivered in collaboration with Durham College’s AI Hub.

Both colleges stated that the program will include case studies, guest speakers from industry, and guidance on ethical AI adoption. The program is open to professionals at all levels of digital maturity.

Robin Young, Director of Corporate Training Services at Durham College, said the agreement allows the two institutions to use their respective strengths to address the need for AI literacy in the energy sector. Kassie Burkholder, Executive Director of Corporate and Continuing Education and Product Development at NAIT, said the collaboration will provide training aimed at equipping oil and gas professionals with AI-related skills.

Durham College and NAIT also indicated that further joint programming is planned for the future.