Nuclear Career Accelerator Program
Overview
The 12-week Nuclear Career Accelerator Program prepares mid-career engineers and technical professionals from the oil and gas, manufacturing, infrastructure, and other industries to transition seamlessly into high-demand nuclear roles.
The program provides learners with a robust set of technical skills aligned with market demands to prepare participants for career transitions into the nuclear sector. Job readiness is a core focus of the program with a comprehensive suite of career support services, including 1:1 coaching.
This program ensures learners are job-ready to fill critical roles, reinforcing Canada’s leadership in clean energy and global nuclear innovation.
Learners will receive a University Certificate upon successful completion.
Want more information? Visit the Continuous Learning website or register now for a live webinar on July 23 from noon to 1 p.m. to learn more about the Nuclear Career Accelerator and get your questions answered.
Who should attend?
The Nuclear Career Accelerator Program is recommended for mid-career technical professionals and engineers with at least three years of work experience.
Targeted engineering roles include:- Operations Engineer
- Civil/Structural Engineer
- Quality Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer and Designer
- Electrical Engineer
- Mechatronics Engineer
- Junior Electrical CAD Designer
- Infrastructure Analyst
- Process Engineer
- Piping Engineer
- And many more!
Courses
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Nuclear Energy in Society / Community and Stakeholder Engagement (Core)
This course explores the intersection of organizational performance, workforce excellence, communications and relationship management in leveraging nuclear energy for societal benefit. Learners will investigate how corporate citizenship, effective public engagement, and collaboration contribute to building social license. Through real-world nuclear project scenarios and related theories, participants will examine how external feedback informs technical performance. When combined with transparent and open communications, this creates a virtuous cycle of two-way communication that strengthens trust and performance. Learners will apply these insights to strengthen their roles as nuclear professionals, leaders, and ambassadors.
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Nuclear Fundamentals (Core)
Introduction to nuclear science, key concepts in fission and fusion, and the role of nuclear in the energy mix. This is a mandatory course.
*This is a preliminary course description. Details are subject to change as we continue to develop course content. -
Operations Overview (Core)
This course provides foundational knowledge about how Nuclear Power Plants (NPP) operate. This includes information on key systems regarding their purpose, principal components, flow path, method of control, and how they integrate with overall plant operation. It will also identify the role of the Operations organization and the principal positions within that organization including the skill sets of a Nuclear Operators. Participants will engage with self-paced materials and attend live sessions.
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Regulation and Safety (Core)
Overview of CNSC requirements, industry regulations, safety protocols, and compliance standards in nuclear operations. This is a mandatory course.
*This is a preliminary course description. Details are subject to change as we continue to develop course content.
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Lifecycle Assessment (Elective)
A systems-level view of nuclear technologies from construction to decommissioning, including environmental impacts. This is an optional course.
*This is a preliminary course description. Details are subject to change as we continue to develop course content. -
Materials & Fuels (Elective)
This course introduces the basic concepts of materials science and the critical role material selection plays in nuclear systems. Learners will examine how different reactor types use specific fuels. They will be able to distinguish between the types, suitability and manufacturing of materials and fuels used in nuclear reactors and facilities across Canada.
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Nuclear Supply Chain (Elective)
This course equips learners with the knowledge needed to pursue outward-facing roles within companies striving to enhance their relevance and revenue in Canada’s $20B nuclear supply chain. Participants will develop business acumen by learning about the market drivers, the engineering companies, constructors, suppliers, and subcontractors that collaborate within this dynamic market. Learners will apply their presentation and communication skills in a final project that simulates developing strategic business partnerships in the nuclear industry.
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Nuclear Project Management (Elective)
Fundamentals of managing nuclear projects, from planning and scheduling to cost control and stakeholder coordination. This is an optional course.
*This is a preliminary course description. Details are subject to change as we continue to develop course content. -
The Nuclear Business: New Builds, SMRs, and Strategy (Elective)
Insight into the current and future landscape of nuclear energy in Canada, including SMRs, strategic growth, and economic models. This is an optional course.
*This is a preliminary course description. Details are subject to change as we continue to develop course content. -
Waste Management (Elective)
This competency-based course explores the fundamental elements of radioactive waste management. The Topics include defining and classifying radioactive waste, identifying common sources of radioactive waste, understanding the basic methodologies needed to safely store and ultimately dispose of radioactive waste, as well as recognizing the socioeconomic and political aspects of radioactive waste. It also outlines the key role of radioactive waste management in the future of the nuclear industry.
Program information
Participation in the Nuclear Career Accelerator program does not guarantee employment upon completion, career support is provided, but hiring decisions are made by individual employers. 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.
Please complete this brief application to provide information about your background and assist us in determining your eligibility for the program.
This 12-week program requires a time commitment of approximately 10 to 15 hours per week. Learners will complete a mix of assigned readings, collaborative group work, and a final assessment for each course.
Delivery Options
Courses will be delivered in two formats:
Synchronous delivery (September 2025): Courses will be offered in-person on campus with the option for virtual attendance. Classes are scheduled to run on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. (subject to change), beginning on September 15, 2025.
Asynchronous delivery (anticipated January 2026): Learners complete the courses independently at their own pace, within the 12-week timeframe.
Some courses (regardless of delivery format) will be fully online with no scheduled lectures.
Course Structure
The program includes two categories of courses:
Core Courses: Four mandatory courses that all students must complete.
Elective Courses: Learners must complete at least three elective courses to meet certificate requirements. Additional electives may be taken if desired.
$500 CAD + HST
We are proud to be funded by Upskill Canada, powered by Palette Skills, and the Government of Canada.You may voluntarily withdraw from a course up to seven (7) calendar days before its scheduled start date. When you withdraw, you have the following options:
- Transfer to a later cohort of the same Nuclear Career Accelerator Program (subject to availability).
- Transfer to a different course of equal or lesser value, provided you meet all admission and prerequisite requirements for the new course. If the new course is of lesser value, we'll refund you the price difference.
- No Fee Transfers: If you request a transfer seven (7) or more days before your course's start date, there's no administrative fee.
- Late Transfers: For transfers requested within one (1) to six (6) days before the start date, a $50.00 administrative fee will apply, in addition to any applicable price differences between courses. Please note that all fees are subject to HST (Harmonized Sales Tax).
Once a course has officially begun, no refunds will be issued, regardless of your participation level or completion status.
This is an open enrolment course. Those completing Ontario Tech University Continuous Learning open enrolment offerings (e.g. certificate programs, courses, workshops, microcertifications, etc.) are subject to the policies of Ontario Tech University and Continuous Learning. Ontario Tech policies can be found in the Policy library. Continuous Learning policies can be found in the Regulations section of the Continuous Learning website. Specifically, those completing open enrolment offerings are expected to adhere to the General and Open enrolment regulations.
Requirements
This program targets a cluster of engineering and technical roles that require overlapping technical and professional skill sets, and is specifically tailored to provide maximum benefits to individuals seeking to transition into high-demand positions within the nuclear industry.
Program Eligibility
Open to mid-career professionals with at least three years of work experience.
Participants must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or a protected person as defined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act 2 and be legally entitled to work in Canada.
To obtain the University Certificate you must:
- Register and make full payment for the program;
- Attend and successfully complete each required course/element;
- Actively participate in all components of each course; and
- Successfully complete any assigned work.
Technology requirements
Video conferencing
Online learning requirements:
- Computer or device with internet access
- Stable internet or data connection
- Microphone
- Webcam*
- Audio device (examples: speakers, headphones/earbuds, headset)
*Webcam is preferred but not required.
Material requirements
There are no additional materials required for this program.
Does this program have an internship component?
While this program does not include an internship, we will support your employment journey by providing access to 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.