Nuclear Career Accelerator
Made possible through funding by Upskill Canada, powered by Palette Skills and the Government of Canada
This 12-week hybrid program is designed to upskill mid-career (minimum three-years experience) engineers and technical professionals, from outside the nuclear sector, and prepare them for high-demand roles in the industry. With tuition subsidized to only $500 per participant, the program provides accessible, industry-aligned training that includes:
- Technical training in nuclear systems, safety, and regulatory compliance.
- Career coaching and job placement support.
Meeting the urgent need for a skilled and expanded workforce
With more than 20 nations, including Canada, endorsing the COP28 Declaration to triple global nuclear energy capacity and rising pressure to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, demand for nuclear expertise is higher than ever. Projects like facility recommissioning, new nuclear stations, and SMR adoption highlight the urgent need for a skilled workforce to drive sector growth and uphold Canada’s leadership in clean energy and nuclear innovation. We provide learners with the fundamental knowledge and critical skills needed for upskilling within the nuclear sector.
Robust, flexible programming to meet your needs
The curriculum
Industry-integrated learning
LEARN MORE - Industry-integrated learningIndustry-integrated learning strategies bridge the gap between academic theory and workplace application. Industry-focused projects and simulations provide essential learning experiences, while job readiness initiatives support seamless upskilling transitions.
Program materials developed in collaboration and consultation with leading industry experts provide practical skills training and impart industry insights.
Employer-led program design
LEARN MORE - Employer-led program designAn employer-led program design teaches learners a robust set of technical skills intentionally targeted to upskill individuals for critical roles in the nuclear industry. Targeted activities and learning experiences provide participants with the professional skills necessary to thrive in collaborative nuclear industry roles, meeting employer demand for workplace-ready professionals.
Career support services
LEARN MORE - Career support servicesThe program offers a comprehensive suite of career support services including support for navigating the rigorous security clearance process.
Access our dedicated Career Coach for up to six months post-program completion. The Career Coach will skillfully assist you in refining your resume and optimize your LinkedIn profile. They will also support you in developing a tailored strategy that will propel your job search and grant you access to Ontario Tech's network of energy industry partners.
Is this program for you?
Eligibility - Is this program for you?Ontario Tech University’s Nuclear Career Accelerator Program targets a cluster of engineering roles that require overlapping technical and professional skill sets, preparing participants to transition into high-demand positions within the nuclear industry. These roles include:
- Operations Engineer
- Civil/Structural Engineer
- Quality Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer and Designer
- Electrical Engineer
- Mechatronics Engineer
- Process Engineer
- Piping Engineer
- Junior Electrical CAD Designer
- Infrastructure Analyst
- And many more!
The NCA program is recommended for mid-career technical professionals or engineers with at least three years of cumulative work experience from the oil and gas, manufacturing, infrastructure, or other industries. This experience:
- May be from within or outside Canada
- Can include full-time or part-time paid or volunteer work (where full-time is 30+ hours/week and part-time is under 30 hours/week)
- Must be obtained outside of full- or part-time studies (high school or postsecondary)
- Does not need to be three consecutive years
Participants must also:
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person as defined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
- Be legally entitled to work in Canada
- If on a work permit, have at least one year remaining on the permit after the program start date
Want more information?
- Join us for a live webinar on Tuesday, August 19 from noon to 1 p.m. to learn more about the Nuclear Career Accelerator and get your questions answered.
The Accelerator Advantage
- Specialized training for technical professionals and engineers.
- Aligned with industry standards.
- Applied learning guided by experts.
- Career advancement and networking support.
Our industry-focused approach
We proudly partner with leading industry players to offer a unique and transformative upskilling program to address critical talent shortages in the nuclear sector.
Our collaborative approach ensures a program that is responsive to market demands and inclusive of diverse perspectives, creating a pipeline of talent that will strengthen the sector’s capacity for growth and innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Am I eligible to apply for this program?
To determine your eligibility, please complete the application form. It includes details to help you assess whether you meet the criteria for the Nuclear Career Accelerator, launching in September 2025.
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How do applicants register for the program?
Applicants must first complete the application form. The Admissions Team will review submissions to assess eligibility. Only eligible applicants will receive registration instructions.
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I have a valid work permit. Can I still apply?
Yes, if you are a work permit holder and your permit will remain valid for more than one year after completing the Fall 2025 or Winter 2026 cohort, you are eligible to apply.
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Can this program be completed fully online? Is in-person attendance mandatory?
The program runs in two cohorts:
- Fall Cohort: Courses are offered in-person on campus, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. (subject to change). In-person attendance is not mandatory as sessions will be live-streamed, but it is strongly encouraged to access simulators and hands-on equipment.
- Winter Cohort: Courses are fully online and asynchronous. No in-person attendance is required.
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If I miss any classes, can these be made up?
While we highly encourage attending live sessions for full engagement, we know unexpected things happen. All live sessions are recorded and made available on our learning platform, so you can always catch up at a time that suits you.
That said, the NCA program is quite intensive, spanning 12 weeks and covering 7 courses, so keeping up is important. We recommend allocating 10–15 hours per week, which includes joining live classes, doing assignments, and studying independently. You'll receive a full breakdown of course requirements shortly. -
What does the 10–15 hour weekly time commitment include?
Weekly time commitments may include:
- Live sessions (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:30–7:30 p.m.) for core courses
- Independent learning (recordings, readings, technical modules)
- Applied assignments or projects
- A final assessment at the end of each course
Note: Electives are asynchronous and can be completed on your own schedule.
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Does the NCA Program offer academic credit?
No. This is a non-credit, skills-based program designed for career development. It does not count toward a degree at Ontario Tech or other institutions. However, participants receive a certificate of completion and gain industry-relevant experience.
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Who are the instructors?
Courses are taught by Ontario Tech faculty and experienced industry experts.
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What is the deadline for registration?
The program runs in Fall and Winter cohorts. Registration remains open until all seats are filled. Once a cohort is full, new applications will be considered for future offerings.
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Are there any costs beyond the $500 + HST program fee?
No. The $500 + HST fee covers all required resources, including learning materials and software access. Optional readings or tools may be recommended but are not required.
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Do you offer scholarships or financial assistance?
Yes. While scholarships are not awarded automatically, applicants affiliated with the Indigenous Opportunity Network (ION) and Women in Nuclear (WiN) receive priority consideration.
Indigenous participants are eligible for a full scholarship. A separate bursary program supported by AtkinsRéalis is in development, with more details to come.
If you have questions about financial support, please email nca@ontariotechu.ca.
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What job placement support is available?
Participants have access to a dedicated Career Services Team, even before completing the program. Services include:
- Job search strategies
- Resume and interview preparation
- Networking with industry partners
- Industry-led workshops and technical demos
- Referrals to certification pathways (e.g. safety or regulatory training)
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Will I be guaranteed a job after completing the Nuclear Career Accelerator program?
Participation in the program does not guarantee employment upon completion. While career support is provided throughout the program, all hiring decisions are made by individual employers.
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Are there any background checks or security requirements for roles in the nuclear sector?
Some roles may require Site Access Security Clearance (SASC) and/or a Criminal Record Name Check (CRNC), depending on the employer and position. These requirements are determined by employer-specific processes in line with CNSC regulations.
We are proud to be funded by Upskill Canada, powered by Palette Skills, and the Government of 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. 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.
