NSAN Collaboration with Saskatchewan Polytechnic: Launch of the Western Canadian Nuclear Training Centre

On 22 October 2025, Saskatchewan Polytechnic announced the launch of the Western Canadian Nuclear Training Centre during the Sask Polytech and SIMSA Nuclear Workforce Training and Supply Chain event. This new centre marks a significant milestone in developing nuclear workforce capacity for Canada and the wider region, addressing both the global increase in demand and local labour market needs.

Saskatchewan, renowned for its world-leading uranium deposits, is set to play a pivotal role in the future of Canadian nuclear energy. With a substantial proportion of the current nuclear workforce approaching retirement, the need for highly skilled professionals has never been greater.

The Western Canadian Nuclear Training Centre will deliver nuclear-specific training and foster strategic partnerships to support workforce development for small modular reactors (SMRs) and emerging nuclear technologies. The centre’s launch is a key step in ensuring a robust pipeline of talent for the industry.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic has entered an exclusive agreement with the National Skills Academy Nuclear (NSAN), granting rights to deliver NSAN’s training programmes across Canada. NSAN is expertise in nuclear workforce development, from apprenticeships and induction courses to advanced capacity building and leadership training.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic has established an exclusive partnership with the National Skills Academy Nuclear (NSAN), securing the rights to deliver NSAN’s suite of training programmes throughout Canada. NSAN brings extensive expertise in developing the nuclear workforce, offering a comprehensive range of training from apprenticeships and induction courses to advanced capacity building and leadership development.

Training will be delivered through Sask Polytech’s Centre for Continuing Education, both in person and online. This includes the Growing Awareness in Nuclear (GAIN) programme, which introduces nuclear fundamentals to professionals from various backgrounds.

Tricia Austin, Managing Director of NSAN, commented:

“We are delighted to collaborate with Saskatchewan Polytechnic to bring NSAN’s expertise in nuclear skills development to Canada. 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.”

Dr. Larry Rosia, Sask Polytech president and CEO commented:

“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. 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.”

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 organisations that are leaders in learning, training and nuclear skills development.