Jeffrey Marcel

Learning And Providing

For many, going back to school in your 30s would require tremendous amounts of courage and determination. But Fort Chipewyan resident Jeffrey Marcel felt the decision simply made common sense. Now, just a few years later, Jeffrey is a heavy equipment operator in the Syncrude mine. “I knew if I was to be successful, I would have to go back to school,” he says. “I wanted a better life for my family.” Jeffrey quit school at the age of 16, but persevered and earned his Grade 12 diploma through Keyano College at 35, followed soon after with a diploma in Mine Operations. “Keyano has such a good support system in place. I figured if these people cared about me getting my education, I could at least make the effort to show up and study.” As one of the participants in Syncrude’s Fly-in/Fly-out Rotational Employment Program, today Jeffrey is able to pursue a rewarding career while maintaining his strong family and cultural roots in Fort Chipewyan. It’s made a big difference in his life. Says Jeffrey: “Now I’m working for one of the best companies in the world.”