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 inside or 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:
- Nuclear Project Manager/Coordinator
- Nuclear Operator
- Operations Engineer
- Civil/Structural Engineer
- Quality Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer and Designer
- Electrical Engineer
- Mechatronics Engineer
- Junior Electrical CAD Designer
- Infrastructure Analyst
- Nuclear Safety Officer
- Process Engineers
- Piping Engineers
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, nuclear 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
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.
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.
