Ontario Tech and partners step up as Canada faces skilled energy workforce gap

Canada’s push toward lower-emissions energy is accelerating but the workforce needed to support it is not keeping pace. Demand for highly skilled workers is outstripping what traditional education and training systems can deliver. Closing this gap will require co-ordinated, industry-aligned education and new models of collaboration across post-secondary institutions.

To help meet this need, Ontario Tech University has partnered with Humber Polytechnic, Centennial College, Durham College and Georgian College to launch the Canadian Clean Energy Workforce (CCEW) Consortium. This Ontario-led collaboration focuses on building the workforce needed to support Canada’s transition to lower-emissions energy, including nuclear and emerging energy technologies.

Building on Ontario’s leadership in nuclear energy, the CCEW Consortium prioritizes scalable, modular training pathways that can quickly prepare engineers, technologists, technicians and trades professionals. Areas of focus include applied learning tied to new builds, refurbishments and emerging technologies such as small modular reactors (SMRs). The consortium will also support workforce‑transition opportunities for energy workers shifting from traditional fuel sources.

“Industry and government projections show Canada will need tens of thousands of skilled nuclear workers,” says Dr. Steven Murphy, President and Vice-Chancellor, Ontario Tech University. “Through this Ontario-led, industry-driven collaboration, we are building a more co-ordinated approach to developing the future-ready workforce needed to power Canada’s energy future. By combining academic excellence in STEM with critically important trade skills, Ontario Tech University and its partners are equipping students and communities with the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving energy landscape, while scaling training and supporting both domestic and global energy transitions.”

Through closer alignment with industry, the consortium will develop applied training and workforce programs that respond directly to regional and national talent needs, accelerating the delivery of job‑ready skills.

Energy is central to Ontario Tech’s academic mission, research strengths and long-standing industry partnerships. Through the CCEW Consortium, the university brings deep expertise in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, applied research and industry collaboration, helping align training pathways and advance innovation across the energy sector.