Oshawa college exporting nuclear tech expertise to southeast Asia

Helping to bring expertise in nuclear energy to southeast Asia is the goal for Durham College on joining the Canada-ASEAN Business Council’s Nuclear Energy Working Group, creating new opportunities to help shape the future of global energy workforce development.

“Joining the CABC Nuclear Energy Working Group reflects Durham College’s commitment to supporting Canada’s leadership in clean energy and workforce development,” said school president Dr. Elaine Popp. “This partnership gives us the opportunity to contribute our expertise on a global stage, strengthen international relationships, and help shape the skills and talent strategies that will power the future of energy.”

The business council, Canada’s only entity officially associated with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, works to strengthen trade and investment between Canada and southeast Asia. As a member of the Nuclear Energy Working Group, Durham College, which offers a half-dozen programs that lead to jobs in the nuclear sector, will engage in knowledge sharing, partnership development and sector-specific initiatives that support workforce readiness in highly regulated, safety-critical industries.

The college’s Corporate Training Services will lead the involvement, with a primary focus on workforce development for the energy sector. This includes customized training solutions for industry and government partners, as well as potential research and innovation collaborations through the Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

“We are pleased to welcome Durham College as a member of our Nuclear Energy Working Group. Durham College’s applied expertise in nuclear energy, green technologies, and industry-aligned training brings a practical, workforce-focused perspective that is essential as southeast Asian countries advance their clean energy ambitions,” said Canada-ASEAN Business Council President Wayne Farmer. “Their strengths in capacity building and curriculum development will add meaningful value to the working group’s efforts to support nuclear deployment and long-term energy transition across the region.”

The college will contribute to “critical conversations” about nuclear energy, clean power, and the upskilling and reskilling required to support a rapidly evolving global energy sector through the partnership.

For students, the long-term impact could include expanded partnerships, new co-op and work placement opportunities, and more industry-focused applied research projects. Insights gained through the working group will also help inform future programming and curriculum development, ensuring graduates are equipped with the skills needed in a growing sector that continues to see significant investment worldwide.