History

Keyano College opened in Fort McMurray in 1965 as the Alberta Vocational Centre (AVC). The official opening ceremonies were held on January 26, 1966. The first graduating class was a welding class. It was appropriate at the school’s official opening, Minister of Education Randy McKinnon cut the chain ‘ribbon’ with a blowtorch.

Over the years, programs and services have grown with the community, reflecting the changing demands.

In 1975 the College was reopened under its current name, “Keyano”, which is a Cree word that roughly means “Sharing”. The College’s slogan was later adapted from that to be “Yours, Mine and Ours” and the interests of the region, its broadening multicultural orientation, and ever-changing technologies.

In 1978, Keyano College went public and became a community college when the province appointed a Board of Governors to serve as the decision-making body for the institution.

Keyano has positioned itself as a community builder meeting both the training and skills needs of industry and the personal and cultural needs of the Wood Buffalo community. Many additions, including the Keyano Theatre & Arts Centre, the Suncor Energy Industrial Campus, and the Syncrude Sport and Wellness Centre, have been added to the Keyano College landscape.

The College offers programs that lead to certificates, diplomas, certificates of qualifications (trades), and baccalaureate degrees. The College also supports professional development in the areas of energy, construction, business, health and safety, arts, sciences, education, and transportation. A wide range of corporate training options is available to client companies.

Working with partner institutions in Alberta, Keyano offers collaborative degrees in nursing, environmental sciences, elementary education, social work, and business administration that allow students to stay in Fort McMurray while earning their degrees.