Ontario Tech University and Humber Polytechnic Announce Partnership to Train Nuclear Sector Workers
Ontario Tech University and Humber Polytechnic have announced a partnership to jointly train new workers for Canada's nuclear energy sector. According to both institutions, the initiative will combine Ontario Tech's nuclear engineering academic programs with Humber Polytechnic's trades training and applied research.
The partnership is intended to address workforce needs for current and future nuclear projects in Canada. According to the release, the collaboration also involves working with other post-secondary schools across Canada to support what the institutions term as the country's "largest and most critical nuclear developments."
Ontario Tech University reports that its contribution will include its accredited undergraduate Nuclear Engineering degree program, described by the university as the only one of its kind in Canada. Humber Polytechnic's role will focus on trades training and applied research related to clean energy programming.
The release references Canada's experience with CANDU reactor technology and recent advancements in small modular reactors. In the announcement, Steven Murphy, President and Vice-Chancellor of Ontario Tech University, stated that the partnership aims to generate a workforce pipeline for the nuclear sector by combining Ontario Tech's research capabilities with Humber's trades training experience. Ann Marie Vaughan, President and CEO of Humber Polytechnic, said that meeting increasing demand requires workers proficient in nuclear technology, safety protocols, and new innovations.
No details were provided in the announcement about specific locations for new training programs or the number of students expected to participate.