From classroom to control room: Ontario Tech fast-tracks mid-career talent into Canada’s nuclear sector

With Canada actively expanding its nuclear energy capacity and targeting net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the demand for nuclear expertise is surging. Projects like reactor recommissioning, new nuclear stations and small modular reactor (SMR) adoption highlight the urgent need for skilled workers to further Canada’s leadership in clean energy and nuclear innovation.

As Canada’s leading training ground for nuclear expertise, Ontario Tech University provides a strong talent pipeline that supports the nuclear sector from entry-level to expert. In addition to diverse undergraduate and graduate programs in nuclear engineering, the university offers flexible, accessible training through customized reskilling and upskilling programs for professionals across all industries.

Meeting workforce challenges head-on

Canada’s nuclear sector faces a 30 per cent retirement rate and an expected 20 per cent demand for workforce growth. Ontario Tech has responded with a proactive solution: the Nuclear Career Accelerator.

This 12-week rapid upskilling hybrid program, funded by Upskill Canada, powered by Palette Skills, and the Government of Canada, is designed for mid-career engineers and technical professionals. Whether they come from within the nuclear industry or are transitioning from another sector,      this program supports a pivot to a job in nuclear. It delivers fast-tracked, industry-aligned training at a subsidized cost of $500 per participant.

What the Nuclear Career Accelerator offers

• 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.
• Robust, flexible programming to meet learners’ needs with cohorts as early as September 2025.
• Participants will gain eight market-aligned technical skills and more than 18 professional competencies.

Ontario Tech’s nuclear research and training infrastructure

The university is home to:

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

Quotes

“Ontario Tech University is not only preparing students for nuclear careers, it’s preparing Canada for its nuclear future. 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.” 
-Christopher Hall, Director, Continuous Learning, Ontario Tech University

 “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. With training based on industry input, this program will supply the highly-skilled workers the industry needs.”
-Mark Beckles, CEO, Palette Skills

About Ontario Tech University

A modern, forward-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development, and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as a university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.

About Palette Skills and Upskill Canada

Palette Skills runs one of the most ambitious talent initiatives in Canadian history, Upskill Canada, connecting Canada’s innovative companies with the talent they need to grow. With investment from Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED), Upskill Canada empowers Canada’s workforce to adapt to the changing needs of industry. The Palette model of upskilling equips mid-career workers with the skills identified as vital by industry. The Upskill Canada network of training providers, industry partners, and community organizations works to deliver tailored upskilling that responds to the needs of employers and workers from coast to coast to coast​. 

Media contact

Bryan Oliver
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
289.928.3653 (mobile)
bryan.oliver@ontariotechu.ca