Ontario university program to help mid-career engineers transition to booming nuclear sector

With the demand for nuclear expertise surging in Canada and the sector facing a 30 per cent retirement rate, Ontario Tech University in Oshawa has responded with a program designed to attract mid-career engineers and technical professionals into the world of nuclear power.

The Nuclear Career Accelerator is a 12-week rapid upskilling hybrid program that supports a pivot to a job in nuclear, delivering fast-tracked, industry-aligned training at a subsidized cost of $500 per participant.

The program is funded by Upskill Canada and powered by Palette Skills and the federal government.

“Ontario Tech University is not only preparing students for nuclear careers, it’s preparing Canada for its nuclear future,” said Christopher Hall, the university’s Director of Continuous Learning. “Our partnership with Palette Skills will power the industry-driven training that ensures our university remains at the forefront of helping futureproof Canada’s nuclear workforce.”

As Canada’s leading training ground for nuclear expertise, Ontario Tech already provides a strong talent pipeline to jobs in the nuclear sector from entry-level to expert.

The university is home to Canada’s only Centre for SMRs – with full life-cycle capabilities from design through to decommissioning – Canada’s only International Atomic Energy Agency Collaborating Centre and the country’s only full-scope CANDU control room simulator in an academic setting, offering students real-world operational experience and training.

The school also boasts Canada’s only proposed subcritical assembly, a unique ’teaching and research reactor’ that operates below the critical threshold needed to sustain a nuclear chain reaction. Once operational, it will give students, researchers and industry partners hands-on experience with a Class 1 Nuclear Facility, a first in Canada.

The Nuclear Career Accelerator will offer fundamental technical training in nuclear systems, safety protocols and regulatory compliance; career coaching and job-placement support to help participants successfully transition into nuclear roles; and flexible programming to meet learners’ needs with cohorts as early as September 2025.

Participants will also gain eight market-aligned technical skills and more than 18 professional competencies.

“As Ontario increases its focus on nuclear as a source of low-carbon energy, we are excited to have Ontario Tech University coming on board as an Upskill Canada delivery partner,” said Palette Skills CEO Mark Beckles. “With training based on industry input, this program will supply the highly-skilled workers the industry needs.”

Centre for SMRs at Ontario Tech University in Oshawa