Post-Secondary Scholarships and Placements
Talisman rewards undergraduate and graduate students demonstrating outstanding academic achievement. Since 2005, the Company has committed approximately $6 million toward scholarships at a number of universities in Canada, UK and Norway.
Talisman also employs undergraduate and graduate students in a variety of disciplines. We employ students in co-operative placements and often hire them once their training is completed.
In 2005, Talisman donated $2 million over 10 years to establish scholarships for University of Calgary students. The new Talisman Scholarships include $10,000 awards for undergraduates and graduates and is the largest single scholarship amount available for undergraduates at the university. Undergraduate students in Science, Engineering, Business, Environmental Design, Law and Graduate Studies are eligible to apply for the annual scholarships. Graduate scholarships support students whose research focuses on the advancement of environmentally, socially and economically responsible provision of energy. Seven undergraduates and two graduate students received $10,000 scholarships in the fall of 2005.
In a similar 10-year commitment, Talisman donated $1 million to establish $2,500 scholarships at the University of Alberta to support 40 first- and second-year engineering students annually.
Talisman and other industry peers also helped establish the BC Oil and Gas Centre of Excellence at Northern Lights College in Fort St. John in 2005. The Centre offers an Oil and Gas Rig Technician apprenticeship training program for new and existing rig workers.
In 2006, Talisman established two awards for students of mechanical and chemical engineering at the University of British Columbia. An endowment of $280,000 has created a $9,000 Talisman Energy Scholarship in each discipline annually. The two Talisman Energy Scholarships will be awarded to students with outstanding academic performance as well as a demonstrated interest in the energy industry. The Talisman Energy Scholarships were awarded for the first time in February 2007.
Other Post-Secondary Programs
In 2006, Talisman supported the Petroleum Employment Training (PET) program at the Northern Lakes College, which provides formal training and work experience placements in the oil and gas industry for Aboriginal students. Graduates of PET may apply for employment with participating industry partners as trainee operators, field maintenance workers, trades helpers or apprentices. Talisman offered an additional six-month work term following completion of the program to some graduates. In addition, Talisman supported a number of awards through local colleges to encourage Aboriginal education and training in oil and gas related trades and careers.
Talisman’s partnership with the Chinook Lodge Aboriginal Resource Centre at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) reflects the Company’s commitment to supporting Aboriginal education and training initiatives. The Lodge focuses on developing leadership skills and supports Aboriginal students in various stages of their career development. Customized programs in the areas of academic orientation, study skills, job search skills and on-the-job coaching are among the most popular of the Lodge’s student services. The Lodge also hosts an annual Aboriginal students’ symposium that delivers a stay-in-school message to Aboriginal high school students.
