SASKATCHEWAN POLYTECHNIC
Saskatchewan Polytechnic launches Western Canadian Nuclear Training Centre to meet growing demand for skills training in nuclear sector

Saskatchewan Polytechnic has launched the Western Canadian Nuclear Training Centre, a major step toward building nuclear workforce capacity in response to growing global demand and regional labour market pressures. This new centre was launched during the Sask Polytech and SIMSA Nuclear Workforce Training and Supply Chain event.

Home to the world's richest uranium deposits, Saskatchewan is poised to play a central role in Canada's nuclear future. With one-third of the national nuclear workforce nearing retirement, the need for skilled workers is critical.

The new centre will deliver nuclear-specific training and foster strategic partnerships to support workforce development for small modular reactors (SMRs) and other nuclear technologies.

"Saskatchewan is uniquely positioned to be a leader in nuclear energy and Sask Polytech is ideally suited to deliver training to support and grow the province's nuclear sector," says Dr. Larry Rosia, Sask Polytech president and CEO. "This centre is a major step forward for Saskatchewan and for Canada. Partnerships with the National Skills Academy Nuclear and UNENE will strengthen Western Canada's nuclear workforce by expanding access to world-class training, hands-on simulation training and industry best practices. Sask Polytech continues to lead the way in delivering industry-aligned education."

Sask Polytech has signed an exclusive agreement with the UK's National Skills Academy Nuclear (NSAN), granting the institution rights to deliver NSAN's industry-leading training programs across Canada. NSAN is recognized globally for its expertise in nuclear workforce development, including apprenticeships, induction programs and strategic capacity building.

Training will be offered through Sask Polytech's Centre for Continuing Education both in person and online, including the widely respected Growing Awareness in Nuclear (GAIN) program, which introduces nuclear fundamentals to professionals from other sectors.

"We are delighted to collaborate with Saskatchewan Polytechnic to bring NSAN's expertise in nuclear skills development to Canada," says Tricia Austin, managing director NSAN. "As a leader in nuclear workforce training and capacity building, NSAN is committed to sharing best practices and innovative training solutions that will strengthen the workforce needed for the Canadian nuclear sector. We are excited to see our relationship with Sask Polytech grow, knowing that their outstanding reputation for delivering high-quality, industry-aligned education will only enhance the success of this collaboration. We look forward to working together to support Canada's nuclear future and to achieving great results as our partnership continues to develop."

The NSAN GAIN program is available for registration. Future NSAN courses will cover nuclear safety culture, regulatory compliance and leadership in nuclear environments. This includes ISO 9001 training and implementation support, with certification delivered by accredited provider Pioneer Performance; and Controlled Goods Program (CGP) compliance training and registration support.

By combining NSAN's nuclear workforce expertise with Sask Polytech's leadership in applied education, the collaboration will expand access to these valuable training opportunities and align Canadian nuclear skills development with international best practices.

The partnership with NSAN builds off an MOU signed earlier this year with the University Network of Excellence in Nuclear Engineering (UNENE). Sask Polytech is the first polytechnic institute to partner with UNENE, building the knowledge infrastructure necessary to drive innovation in the nuclear sector. In collaboration with UNENE, Sask Polytech will soon offer courses on CANDU design, fuel engineering, NPP operations, nuclear safety and nuclear regulations and licensing.  

UNENE president Jerry Hopwood noted that the partnership with Sask Polytech and the Western Canadian Nuclear Training Centre represents a groundbreaking opportunity to collaborate with organizations that are leaders in learning, training and nuclear skills development.

"We look forward to launching important learning programs in Saskatchewan alongside like-minded partners," says Hopwood. "Building the skills, knowledge and safety culture within working teams is foundational to successful nuclear development. UNENE and Saskatchewan Polytechnic share common interests and complementary strengths, and we warmly welcome this initiative to work together."