Building Tomorrow’s Energy Talent Today

SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology) has a critical mission: producing the frontline workers that keep the energy industry running.

But as the sector evolves—shaped by decarbonization, digital technologies, shifting demographics, and immigration rules—so too must the workforce.

According to Dale Hansen, dean of SAIT’s MacPhail School of Energy, the institution’s role is to stay several steps ahead of these trends, making sure graduates are ready to meet the future.

Dale faces an unenviable but exciting challenge: anticipating where the energy market is headed years before it happens.

 SAIT works to identify the skills the industry will need, refresh its curriculum, and recruit educators—all while navigating rapid changes.

This isn’t just about tweaking course content; it’s about rethinking what it means to be an energy professional in a world increasingly shaped by new solutions and technologies.

The future energy worker won’t just turn wrenches or operate rigs—they’ll need to innovate, adapt, and problem-solve in ways that the industry has yet to experience. 

Dale highlights how SAIT is taking a proactive approach to build this next-gen workforce, seeing that the energy sector has the talent it needs to thrive in a decarbonized, digital-first future. 

About Dale

Dale Hansen is the Dean in the MacPhail School of Energy at SAIT, providing strategic leadership for its academic programs that span across the energy industry.

Prior to joining SAIT, Dale spent 25 years in the oil and gas and mineral resource sectors. Through the course of his career in oil and gas, Dale filled a wide variety of leadership roles across many functions, including time spent in field locations such as the Oil Sands near Fort McMurray.

This has provided him with a well-rounded perspective on the industry and an absolute passion for energy in all of its forms.

Dale is an experienced facilitator and speaker who holds a Chartered Professional Accounting (CMA) designation and a Master of Arts degree in Leadership from Royal Roads University. 

Reference Links For SAIT

🖥️ website: https://www.sait.ca/sait-schools/macphail-school-of-energy

📇 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dale-l-hansen/

⌨️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/saitca

📧 Dale’s email: [e-mail]

🖥️ Facebook: Facebook.com/SAIT

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