Train for a Career in Nuclear Energy

Durham Region is home to one of Canada’s largest nuclear energy sectors, with thousands of people working in nuclear energy and related industries.

Through the DWA’s Skills Advance Ontario (SAO) program, you can receive free training for a career in this growing sector.

If you enjoy hands-on work, problem-solving, or technical work and are looking for a new career opportunity, find out how your current skills may transfer to a career in nuclear energy. People who have worked in manufacturing, skilled trades, construction or automotive often already have skills that employers value in the energy sector, including:

• Safety awareness
• Following procedures
• Problem-solving
• Working with equipment
• Teamwork

Advantages of Working in the Nuclear Energy Sector

The energy sector offers steady work, good pay, and a strong future. It’s an industry that’s growing, and it needs new people.

People who work in energy help keep homes, hospitals, businesses, and communities running every day. Their work matters, and it makes a real difference across Ontario.

A career in future energy can offer you:

• Real job opportunities in a growing field, with over 700 jobs posted in Durham in 2025
• Stable, long‑term work you can rely on, with an average wage of over $44 per hour
• The chance to work close to home in Durham Region, with nearly 100 companies hiring in Durham in 2025
• Skills you can use now and build on over time
• The opportunity to be part of clean energy and new technology

If you want dependable work, a chance to grow, and a career with a future, this program can help you move forward with confidence.

A Career in Nuclear Energy in Durham

Nuclear facilities, energy companies, contractors, and technical employers across the region employ thousands of workers in a wide range of roles.

Training for a career in nuclear energy will help you build skills that connect to careers in the nuclear and energy sectors.

These careers can include jobs related to:

• Technical operations
• Power generation support
• Industrial and mechanical systems
• Plant operations and monitoring
• Engineering and technical support

Many of these careers involve:

• Working with equipment, systems, and technology
• Following safety procedures and industry standards
• Problem-solving and technical thinking
• Working as part of a team in structured environments
• Skilled trades background and certification

These roles can be found within:

• Nuclear generating stations
• Energy and utility companies
• Manufacturing and industrial employers
• Engineering and technical service providers
• Companies supporting nuclear construction and refurbishment projects

The nuclear energy sector in Durham continues to grow as investments are made in nuclear refurbishment, clean energy, and related technologies. This creates ongoing demand for skilled workers who are ready to learn and adapt.

You do not need previous nuclear industry experience to apply. The program is designed to help people build foundational knowledge and workplace skills that can support a transition into the sector.

Check out this video to learn more about in-demand careers in the nuclear energy sector

Training You Will Receive

Those selected for the program will receive free training through Ontario Tech University’s Nuclear Career Accelerator program, which will help prepare them for jobs in the nuclear energy sector.

This training is designed to help people build the knowledge and workplace skills needed to move into a career in the nuclear energy sector.

The program focuses on:

• Nuclear energy systems
• Safety and workplace practices
• Industry regulations and standards
• Technical and problem-solving skills
• Career readiness for energy sector jobs

This structured program is designed to help you build the knowledge, confidence, and workplace skills needed to move into the nuclear energy sector. It will include:

• Nuclear industry fundamentals
• Nuclear safety culture
• Workplace communication
• Industry regulations and standards
• Technical and operational knowledge

The nuclear energy sector continues to grow as new projects, clean energy technologies, and workforce needs expand in Durham Region and across Ontario.

This Program May Be Right for You

The nuclear energy program may be a good fit for you if you:

• Enjoy technical or hands-on work
• Like problem solving
• Are comfortable using computers for learning
• Want to move into a stable, growing industry

The program is open to everyone, but people who apply often come from backgrounds such as:

• Manufacturing
• Skilled trades
• Industrial or technical work
• Mechanical or operational roles

You do not need previous nuclear experience to apply.

What matters most is your willingness to learn, stay motivated, and commit to building new skills.

If you are looking for a career with long-term opportunities and room to grow, this program could be a great next step.

What to Expect if You Join

The nuclear energy program is designed to be flexible and supportive.

Training is delivered fully online, so you can complete your learning at your own pace each week. Coursework consists of recorded content, readings, assignments, projects, and assessments completed on your own schedule within the program deadlines.  The program runs for approximately 11 weeks with a time commitment of 10-15 hours per week.  It includes:

• Online learning modules
• Weekly learning activities
• Industry-focused training
• Career preparation support

You will not be on your own during training.

Participants receive industry-aligned technical training combined with individualized employment support, including one-on-one career coaching, resume and LinkedIn optimization, interview preparation, networking opportunities with industry partners, and access to specialized nuclear-sector career guidance.

Support During and After Training

We are here to support you during training and as you prepare to enter the workforce. The DWA’s Jobs First Durham job search, resume builder and cover letter writer are available to you and can be found here.

Ontario TechU also provides 12 weeks of career support services with the 11-week training program. Participants receive:

• One-on-One Employment Coaching
• Employment Workshops
• Lunch-and-learn sessions with industry partners
• Access to nuclear industry job postings shared through the university’s industry partners

We will connect you with an employment service provider who can support you with:

• Creating your resume and writing cover letters
• Interview preparation
• Job search support
• Connections to employers and opportunities

After training, we will continue checking in with you to support your transition into employment.

Important Things to Know

Working in the nuclear energy sector can be a rewarding career path, but it is important to understand that jobs in this sector may involve:

• Technical or safety-focused work
• Following strict procedures and standards
• Learning new systems and technologies
• Working in structured environments

Before applying, please keep in mind:

• Not everyone who applies will be accepted
• You must complete an assessment to be considered
• Training is free if you meet the program requirements
• Training does not guarantee a job
• You must stay engaged and complete the program

This program is best for people who are ready to commit and take the next step toward a new career.

If you’re still not sure if this pathway is right for you, that’s okay.

When you complete the assessment, we’ll help guide you to the best option—whether that’s healthcare, nuclear energy, or other community supports.