​New co-op program introduces KDSS students to careers in clean energy sector

Fanshawe College is partnering with the CWB Welding Foundation and Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII) Explore to deliver a week-long co-operative education experience for 25 students from Kincardine District Senior School’s Energy Specialist High Skills Major program. The focus will be on introducing welding skills and exploring educational and career pathways into the fast-growing clean energy sector.

This portion of the 17-week NII Explore Energy Co-op will be hosted at the NII’s Advance Technology Campus in Kincardine, located in the Bruce Energy Centre, across from the Bruce Power Visitors’ Centre, northwest of Tiverton. It will run from Monday, May 13, to Friday, May 17, and include 15 hours of hands-on instruction delivered by the CWB Foundation and faculty from Fanshawe’s Huron/Bruce Regional Sites.

“We are thrilled to be working with Fanshawe and NII to deliver this hands-on training, ensuring not only that the spark continues to grow as students explore career opportunities in welding and joining, but also that students build employable skills to support the current and emerging demands of the nuclear industry’s workforce,” says Mary Fuke, programs manager at the CWB Foundation.

During the week, students will learn about workplace safety, receive hands-on training in basic welding techniques, and explore how those skills can be applied to the nuclear industry. Upon completion of the entire co-op, students will receive a high school credit for the placement.

"To help meet the needs for skilled tradespeople entering the clean energy industry, NII Explore is excited to be partnering with the Bluewater District School Board, Bruce Power, nuclear suppliers and post-secondary institutions to create a home-grown solution to support the production of clean nuclear energy in our province,” says Phillip Craig, president of NII Explore.

“As a leading provider of skilled trades and apprenticeship training in the Ontario college system, Fanshawe is pleased to be part of NII Explore’s Energy Co-op initiative to help nurture the next generation of skilled trades workers,” says Heather MacKenzie-Card, program manager in the School of Access Studies and Regional Delivery.