Next wave of NII Energy Co-op shaping tomorrow’s skilled trades

Upcoming term begins later this month; companies encouraged to get involved

NII Energy Co-op students learn about power transmission through a tour of the Hydro One switchyard on the Bruce Power site.

January saw 24 high school students complete the Nuclear Innovation Institute’s Energy Co-op, a term full of hands-on learning and skill development. Now in its second year, the program continued its work igniting excitement for future clean energy careers and opening up valuable opportunities within the sector right here in Bruce and Grey counties.

A grade 11 student shows off a completed project during a visit to the waste management facility at the Bruce Power site with Ontario Power Generation—where students took part in welding, soldering and machining with OPG staff.

At the heart of the NII Energy Co-op are in-demand trades and essential soft skills, all designed to equip students for success in the workplace. When asked if the program helped him learn and grow, grade 11 student Alex said, “For sure, I learned a crazy diverse amount of social, hard and soft skills. Through this co-op opportunity, I became a better person, student and worker.”

This unique Co-op is a specialized 17-week education program in partnership with the Bluewater District School Board. Different than a normal co-op, where one student is placed with one employer, the program exposes students to nearly 20 different careers across the clean energy industry—from construction and welding to emergency management and robotics.

“As we wrap up another semester of the NII Energy Co-op, we celebrate the incredible achievements of our students and their growing passion for the clean energy sector,” reflects NII’s Tracy Murray, Senior Director Workforce & Partnership Development.

She adds: “Workforce development is crucial to ensuring that we have skilled, motivated individuals who are ready to lead the transition to a sustainable future. By providing youth with hands-on experience and connecting them with industry mentors, we’re empowering the next generation to innovate and thrive in the clean energy workforce.”

Students wire light switches during electrical training with the Canadian Union Of Skilled Workers (CUSW).

With more than 10,000 student hours, 49 students, 20+ industry partners, and countless learning opportunities, NII is looking ahead with anticipation to the already-full upcoming term, which begins in February.

NII is grateful for supporters of this unique program, which includes industry partners in the energy sector, local communities, the Bluewater District School Board, and NII Founding Members: AtkinsRéalis, Bruce Power, BWXT Canada, Cameco, E.S. Fox, Kinectrics, Power Workers’ Union, and the Town of Saugeen Shores.

Want to get involved?

Join NII in shaping the future of the energy sector—one student at a time. By becoming an Energy Co-op industry partner or program sponsor, companies can mentor and inspire the next generation of industry leaders while also gaining access to fresh talent eager to learn.

Make a lasting impact—connect with NII staff today at info@nii.ca and learn how to take part in an upcoming term.