Case Study in Successful Collaboration Co-Development of the Field Operators Technician – Hydrocarbon Resource Program (FOSHR) by Northern Lights College and Tourmaline Oil Corp.

March 2026 | Published in collaboration with: Northern Lights College, Tourmaline, and BCBC

British Columbia’s economic performance has softened in recent years, with declines in GDP per capita and modest private-sector employment growth. These trends are once again highlighting the importance of the province’s productivity performance as a central factor shaping long-term competitiveness and living standards. Among the industries that will play a foundational role in growing the economy, creating jobs and boosting productivity is British Columbia’s natural gas industry. Among the many things needed for natural gas production to achieve this contribution is access to skilled labour.

In this environment, practical industry–postsecondary partnerships represent an important approach to strengthening workforce readiness and improving how quickly skills translate into workplace application.

In 2022, Northern Lights College and Tourmaline teamed up to solve a shared challenge — a shortage of skilled field technicians and an outdated oil and gas field operator program. In just two years, they co-designed and implemented a new 16-week training program that combines classroom learning with real on-site experience, meeting industry needs and enhancing productivity.

Facilitated by a third-party convenor, the collaboration resulted in the Field Operators Technician – Hydrocarbon Resource Program (FOSHR), delivered through Northern Lights College’s Workforce Training and Continuing Education division.

Initial outcomes include high completion and employment rates, reduced onboarding time, and strong learner confidence. The model demonstrates excellent potential for replication across sectors and regions.