SASKATOON — Saskatchewan is helping to build nuclear expertise by hosting the Canadian National Nuclear Energy Management School (NEMS) this week at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).
This is the first time the two-week, internationally respected program from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been hosted in Canada outside of Ontario.
The intensive series of courses, designed for mid-level professionals, is being held from May 26 to June 6 and will welcome 50 students from Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and the Northwest Territories.
“Our government is proud to support the Canadian National Nuclear Energy Management School at the University of Saskatchewan—an internationally respected program that is helping build local expertise and capacity in the nuclear sector,” Minister of Crown Investments Corporation Jeremy Harrison said. “Hosting this IAEA-led training for the first time outside Ontario reflects Saskatchewan’s growing role in advancing nuclear energy. Strategic partnerships with educational institutions and global agencies like the IAEA are essential as we work to attract and train the 2,500 to 3,500 skilled workers needed to support our province’s future in nuclear development.”
More than 215 applications were received from across the country. USask was chosen as host thanks to its College of Engineering's leadership and its extensive nuclear research infrastructure, including the Canadian Light Source, the Sylvia Fedoruk Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovation, and the Saskatchewan Centre for Cyclotron Sciences.
"From clean energy to health care and beyond, USask has a long and distinguished history in nuclear science. Hosting NEMS underscores our mission to develop the knowledge, talent and innovation that can build a more sustainable future for all," USask Vice-President Research, Dr. Baljit Singh (PhD) said. "We look forward to hosting changemakers from across Canada during this exciting two weeks."
Students will study topics such as nuclear security, safety, operation, maintenance and licensing, guided by nuclear experts from around the world. The curriculum also includes content on nuclear power in greenfield jurisdictions—such as Saskatchewan, which currently does not use nuclear energy for electricity.
Applicants were required to pass an entry exam and must pass a final test to complete the program.
"SaskPower continues to assess nuclear power as a potential option to provide baseload power for a growing province and economy," SaskPower President and CEO Rupen Pandya said. "Building knowledge and staffing capacities is key to support a reliable and affordable electricity grid to power Saskatchewan communities, homes and industries today and into the future."
The program is supported by USask, SaskPower, Crown Investments Corporation and Prairies Economic Development Canada.
