Nuclear Career Accelerator
University-led, industry-aligned. Designed to support Canada's nuclear sector at every career stage.
The Nuclear Career Accelerator (NCA) program is designed for mid-career professionals pivoting into the nuclear industry, as well as for individuals working in the nuclear sector who wish to build a foundational understanding of roles, systems, and operations beyond their own department.
This 11-week program provides accessible, industry-aligned training that includes:
- Technical training in nuclear systems, safety, and regulatory compliance.
- Optional add-on career coaching and job placement support for registrants of the 11-week NCA program.
NEW: While no longer grant-funded, the Nuclear Career Accelerator program is eligible for OSAP funding for micro-credentials which comes in the form of a grant or a loan depending on your circumstances. Please visit the program page via the button below for all program details including information on OSAP eligibility.
Click here to view the Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 Nuclear Career Accelerator program which was proudly funded by Upskill Canada, powered by Palette Skills and the Government of Canada.
spring Program details
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, industry-relevant programming
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.
Courses have been developed in collaboration with leading industry experts and offer practical skills training and valuable 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.
Optional add-on career support services
LEARN MORE - Optional add-on career support servicesOur one-on-one career appointments are designed to help you confidently navigate every step of your job search. Whether you need personalized feedback on your resume or cover letter, want to explore career paths in the nuclear industry, strengthen your LinkedIn presence, or build effective job-search and networking strategies, our Employment Advisors are here to support you. We also offer interview preparation and mock interviews, as well as guidance on evaluating and negotiating job offers. Our career team is here to support you in achieving your career goals in the following ways:
- One-on-one, 1 hour appointments with an employment advisor
- Up to 5 one-on-ones for 3 months
- Up to 10 one-on-ones for 6 months
- Employment workshops on resume and cover letter writing, career exploration, mock interviews, networking, job search, and LinkedIn
- Lunch and learns with industry partners
- Nuclear industry job postings provided by industry partners
Is this program for you?
Learn More - Is this program for you?While open to all, this offering targets a cluster of engineering and technical roles that require overlapping technical and professional skill sets. Courses are specifically tailored to provide maximum benefits to both working professionals and individuals in career transition.
Who should attend:
- Mid-career professionals seeking to transition into the nuclear industry using transferable skills from adjacent sectors
- Professionals from engineering, energy, manufacturing, construction, operations, or project management backgrounds looking for a structured entry point into nuclear
- Individuals already working in the nuclear sector who want to build a foundational, cross-functional understanding of systems, roles, and operations beyond their current department
- Professionals seeking a strong foundation in nuclear systems, safety culture, and regulatory expectations before progressing into employer-specific or role-based training
- Career changers and trained professionals aiming to position themselves for nuclear workforce opportunities
The Accelerator Advantage
- Specialized training for technical professionals, engineers and individuals in career transition.
- Aligned with industry standards.
- Applied learning guided by experts.
- OSAP eligible for micro-credentials.
- Optional add-on career and networking support.
Hear from a panel of experts on the growth of the nuclear sector
Learner success stories
Meet some of our learners and hear what they have to say about their experience in the Nuclear Career Accelerator program.
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.
Our community of supporters
We are proud to work alongside a network of professional and advocacy associations committed to advancing equity, opportunity, and awareness within the nuclear sector.
These organizations help promote the Nuclear Career Accelerator and expand its reach, supporting our efforts to build a more inclusive, diverse, and future-ready workforce.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Am I eligible to apply for this program?
The Nuclear Career Accelerator is now offered through open-enrollment and there are no eligibility requirements. However, please ensure you review who this program is intended for on the program details page.
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How do I register for the program?
Please visit the Nuclear Career Accelerator program page to register.
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I have a valid work permit. Can I still register?
Yes, you can register. Work permit holders can register as long as your permit will remain valid for at least one year after completing the Spring 2026 program. We recommend that work permit holders and other permanent residents register for the free Security Clearance module to learn about industry requirements.
Here are helpful links to review:
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Can this program be completed fully online? Is in-person attendance mandatory?
Courses are fully online and asynchronous. No in-person attendance is required.
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How long will it take me to complete the program?
The NCA program is quite intensive, spanning 11 weeks and covering 7 courses, so keeping up is important. We recommend allocating 10–15 hours per week, which includes watching the recorded sessions, doing assignments, and studying independently. You'll receive a full breakdown of course requirements shortly.
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What does the 10–15 hour weekly time commitment include?
Weekly time commitments may include:
- Viewing recorded sessions 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 digital badges that they can share on social media after successfully completing each course and a University Certificate upon completion of the 4 core courses and a minimum of 3 electives.
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Can I earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs)?
Ontario Tech University – Continuous Learning assigns Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to eligible offerings. CEUs are awarded under the Ontario Tech University – Continuous Learning (CL) Framework for Awarding Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and Professional Development Hours Reference Standards.
CEUs are provided to support professional development reporting. They do not constitute accreditation or certification by an external licensing or regulatory body. Recognition and acceptance of CEUs are determined solely by the policies of individual employers, professional associations, or professional regulatory organizations.
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Who are the instructors?
Courses were developed by Ontario Tech faculty and experienced industry experts.
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What is the deadline for registration?
Registration for the 11-week NCA program closes on May 20th, 2026.
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Are there any costs beyond the $2599 CAD + HST program fee?
There are no other mandatory costs, however there are two optional add-on career services support pathways, available to registrants of the 11-week Nuclear Career Accelerator program.
Option 1: $599 for 3 months of career services support
Option 2: $999 for 6 months of career services support
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Do you offer scholarships or financial assistance?
No. We do not offer scholarships however the Nuclear Career Accelerator Program is eligible for the following forms of financial assistance:
The Nuclear Career Accelerator Program is eligible for the Federal Education Training Credit.
The NCA Program is also eligible for OSAP funding for micro-credentials which comes in the form of a grant or a loan depending on your circumstances.
If you have questions about financial support, please email nca@ontariotechu.ca.
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Do you provide T2202 forms?
We do not issue T2202 forms. However, you may still be able to claim eligible tuition tax credits using your payment receipts. Please refer to the CRA's guidelines or consult a tax professional to confirm your eligibility.
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What job placement support is available?
There are two optional add-on career services support pathways for those registered in the full 11-week Nuclear Career Accelerator Program.
Option 1: $599 for 3 months of career services support
Option 2: $999 for 6 months of career services support
The career services support team is here to support you in achieving your career goals in the following ways:
- One-on-one, 1-hour appointments with an employment advisor
- Up to 5 one-on-ones for 3 months
- Up to 10 one-on-ones for 6 months
- Employment workshops on resume and cover letter writing, career exploration, mock interviews, networking, job search, and LinkedIn
- Lunch and learns with industry partners
- Nuclear industry job postings provided by industry partners
- One-on-one, 1-hour appointments with an employment advisor
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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 available as an optional add-on for registrants of the 11-week NCA 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 also offer a free Security Clearance module which you can register for, here.
