The Province has announced $500,000 to help train Indigenous workers and women for skilled trades careers in the nuclear energy sector.
A release from the Province says it will be a one-year program led by the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries and the First Nations Power Authority.
The Province says it will, “Focus on opening doors for underrepresented groups to enter in-demand careers in skilled trades such as boilermaker, carpenter, electrician and welder.”
Participants will be trained in Bruce County, Grey County and Durham Region, with a virtual training option available. They will also have access to childcare supports, if needed, and subsidies of up to $3,000 for travel and accommodation during this time. Job placements will then be in Bruce, Grey and Huron counties.
First Nations Power Authority President and CEO, Guy Lonechild says, “First Nations Power Authority is excited about our foray into the Ontario electricity market and more particularly the Small Modular Reactor Technology marketplace. We have been actively engaging with OCNI, Atunda, the International brotherhood of Boilermakers Union Local 128, and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters Union Local 2222. These occupations will help to build a stronger Ontario, a stronger Canada and together with our partners look to build towards a cleaner energy future.”
The Province says the project will help grow the number of skilled workers needed to extend the operating lives of 10 nuclear generating units at the Bruce and Darlington power plants and support nuclear suppliers.
Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson says, “Demand is high for talented tradespeople to train and work in Huron and Bruce Counties and our thriving clean nuclear energy sector. I’m really looking forward to welcoming trainees from across the province to the riding and to the positive impacts this program will generate for them, their families, and Ontario’s economy. This valuable program will prove that good quality, high-skilled jobs have a home in small-town Ontario.”
Interested candidates can apply for the program by contacting Terrilynn.woods@ocni.ca<mailto:Terrilynn.woods@ocni.ca