Canada – Nuclear Skills Development
Summary
The United Kingdom has long set the standard for nuclear workforce development, with its expertise widely regarded as the benchmark for international best practice. This reputation was reaffirmed in 2025 with the signing of a landmark, exclusive five-year partnership between the National Skills Academy Nuclear (NSAN) a premier UK nuclear skills focussed organisation and Saskatchewan Polytechnic (Sask Polytechnic), a leading Canadian institution. This pioneering collaboration marks a major advancement in fostering global cooperation to meet the rising demand for nuclear expertise in Canada.
Canada is advancing multiple small modular reactor (SMR) projects nationwide, each at different phases of development. In Saskatchewan specifically, there are plans to deploy an SMR by the mid-2030s, forming a key element of the province’s strategy to achieve net-zero electricity generation. This ambitious transition underscores the pressing need to attract and cultivate a new generation of highly skilled professionals to support the expanding nuclear sector.
Under the agreement, Sask Polytechnic is granted the rights to deliver NSAN’s industry-leading nuclear training programmes across Canada, both in-person and through innovative online formats. The suite of courses includes the acclaimed Growing Awareness in Nuclear (GAIN) programme, designed to introduce new entrants from diverse sectors to nuclear fundamentals, as well as modules on nuclear safety culture, regulatory requirements, and leadership in nuclear environments.
In addition, Sask Polytechnic is able to draw upon the expertise of NSAN’s Nuclear Training Network (NTN), which encompasses a wide range of specialist training areas servicing skills for nuclear, not just nuclear skills. The NTN’s resources further strengthen Sask Polytechnic’s ability to meet the diverse and evolving needs of Canada’s nuclear workforce.
International Collaboration in Action
This partnership is a prime example of how international collaboration can elevate standards and build capacity within critical sectors. By leveraging NSAN’s extensive experience and the UK’s high standards in nuclear training, the initiative ensures that Canadian nuclear workforce development is aligned with global best practices. The collaboration was formalised during a high-profile event at Canada House in London, attended by The Honourable Minister of Crown Investment Corporation, Saskatchewan Jeremy Harrison and senior stakeholders from both nations, underscoring its strategic importance.
Innovative Shared Revenue & Upskilling Model
Central to the partnership is an innovative shared revenue model. Initially, revenues from the delivery of NSAN’s training programmes are shared between NSAN and Sask Polytechnic, recognising the value of UK-developed expertise and content. Importantly, the model also incorporates a ‘train the trainer’ component, aimed at upskilling Sask Polytechnic’s own trainers. This provision ensures that local instructors are equipped to deliver high-quality nuclear training independently, further embedding expertise within Saskatchewan. Crucially, the agreement is structured to revert to favour Sask Polytechnic as they develop internal capability and expertise over time. This approach not only incentivises capacity building within Saskatchewan but also exemplifies a sustainable model for international knowledge transfer, empowering the Canadian partner to become self-sufficient.
Impact and Achievements
- Expanding Access: Organisations throughout Saskatchewan now have access to NSAN’s comprehensive training, supporting the province’s commitment to excellence, safety, and sustainability in nuclear energy.
- Showcasing UK Excellence: The partnership highlights the UK’s leadership in nuclear workforce development, with British expertise directly contributing to the advancement of the Canadian nuclear sector.
- Capacity Building: The revenue-sharing model ensures that, as Sask Polytechnic’s internal capability grows, they will benefit from a greater share of revenues, supporting long-term sustainability and local ownership.
- Ongoing Success: The announcement builds on NSAN’s recent achievements in Saskatchewan, including the launch of the GAIN programme and bespoke training for senior leaders, further demonstrating the UK’s commitment to supporting global nuclear skills capacity.
Conclusion
The NSAN–Sask Polytechnic partnership stands as a model for international collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the promotion of UK achievement on the world stage. Through a forward-thinking revenue model and a commitment to capacity building, this initiative not only addresses immediate workforce needs but also lays the foundation for sustainable, locally led nuclear skills development in Canada.
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