The provincial government is investing $500,000 to help train Indigenous workers and women for skilled trades careers in the province’s clean nuclear energy sector.
The newly announced initiative is a one year program led by the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries and the First Nations Power Authority. The release states that the training 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 receive training in the Bruce, Grey and Durham regions and virtual training options will be available. Trainees 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 be in Bruce, Grey and Huron counties following the training. The project is part of Ontario's Skills Development Fund. The goal is to train skilled workers in order to help extend the life of 10 nuclear generating units at the Bruce and Darlington power plants and support smaller employers who supply nuclear equipment and tools to those sites.
“We know that women and Indigenous communities have been especially hard hit by job losses during this pandemic,” says Labour Minister Monte McNaughton. “This great project gives participants the skills they need for good jobs in the clean nuclear energy sector as more tradesmen and women retire. Their success will have a positive impact on the local economy, and provide meaningful jobs that support them and their families.”