News Releases

October 24, 2023

Irving Oil makes $500,000 gift to NBCC’s Going Beyond campaign to support sustainable energy development

SAINT JOHN - To support New Brunswick’s future sustainable energy workers and energy transition efforts, Irving Oil has contributed $500,000 to New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) as part of its Going Beyond campaign.

In line with its own energy transition strategy, Irving Oil’s donation is dedicated to projects that encourage sustainability, including improvements to infrastructure at NBCC Saint John Campus that will support the training of the next generation of workers in the energy sector.

The gift establishes the Irving Oil Bursary Fund to benefit students at NBCC Saint John Campus enrolled in energy-related programs, such as Electrical Engineering Technology, Power Engineering Technology, Industrial Control Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology and Applied Energy Management.

The investment will help NBCC in achieving its goal to bolster New Brunswick’s workforce and help NBCC in fulfilling the goals set out in its Climate Action Strategy, including efforts to train workers for the rapidly evolving renewable economy.

“As NBCC continues to play a significant role in training New Brunswickers for the jobs of today and tomorrow, partners like Irving Oil are key to helping us incorporate climate-related experiential learning into our academic delivery,” said Mary Butler, President and CEO of NBCC. “We’re grateful to have them at our side as we equip learners at all stages with education and skills development that is necessary to ensure graduates can contribute to and benefit from a thriving economy.”

Irving Oil’s gift supports NBCC’s commitment to ensuring every New Brunswicker has the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to fully participate in sustainable work, and that every employer has access to the teams and talent they need to grow and compete, here at home and around the world.

"We are thankful for this opportunity to bolster student access to NBCC through this bursary fund and are proud to support top-notch programming that will prepare students for meaningful careers in a sustainable energy sector,” said Irving Oil President Ian Whitcomb. “NBCC is renowned for programs that equip students with the necessary foundation to pursue meaningful and successful careers in the energy sector.”

Irving Oil joins the growing list of industry partners who have joined NBCC's Going Beyond campaign to transform New Brunswick’s workforce. The campaign charts a course for NBCC to:

  • accelerate skills development by creating fast, flexible training opportunities such as microcredentials and shorter pathways to certification;
  • innovate educational delivery by creating modern, connected spaces, and introducing new technology such as accessible HyFlex classrooms, surface hubs, and simulation labs; and
  • reach unprecedented numbers of New Brunswickers by reducing financial barriers to post-secondary education through targeted bursaries for under-represented groups such as Indigenous students and women in trades.

About NBCC
As one of New Brunswick’s largest postsecondary education institutions, NBCC drives social and economic wellbeing across the province. NBCC welcomes 11,000 learners each year through quality-assured, relevant training opportunities. Supported by the Going Beyond campaign, NBCC is committed to accelerating skills development, innovating educational delivery, and reaching unprecedented numbers of New Brunswickers. Find out more at:  www.nbcc.ca.

About Irving Oil  
Irving Oil is a family-owned and privately held international energy company. For nearly 100 years, our commitment to doing good business has been grounded in our commitment to people – to our employees, customers, communities and partners. Founded in 1924, our mission is focused on our continued evolution to meet the changing needs of our customers. Specializing in the refining and marketing of finished energy products, we operate Canada’s largest refinery in Saint John, New Brunswick, and Ireland’s only refinery located in the village of Whitegate. We proudly serve customers with more than 1,000 fuelling locations and a network of distribution terminals spanning Eastern Canada, New England and in Ireland, operating under the Top brand. We are on a continuous journey of sustainable development, working to reduce our environmental footprint while continuing to provide safe and reliable energy to our customers. Named one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers for seven consecutive years, we are proud of our team and our longstanding commitment to our customers and our communities. Learn more at irvingoil.com.

Media Contacts:

New Brunswick Community College
Charray Owen
Lead, Strategic Communications 
Cell: (506) 440-9105
Email: charray.owen@nbcc.ca 

Irving Oil
Katherine d’Entremont
Manager, Corporate Communications
Cell: 506-654-7162
Email: katherine.dentremont@irvingoil.com