Professional Development for the CANDU Industry via a University and Industry Partnership

Abstract

A partnership to promote professional development in Canada's nuclear industry was established between Ontario Power Generation, Durham College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology in 2005, and has continued to operate since that time. This paper concentrates on the industry-university aspects of the partnership, and describes the professional development benefits that have already been achieved, and that are being extended to the broader nuclear industry in Canada. Key objectives of the partnership have been to bring industry expertise to the undergraduate and graduate nuclear engineering and science programs offered by the university, to promote internships and other employment opportunities to the students and graduates of the degree programs, to develop and offer programs at degree, diploma and certificate levels to current and prospective professionals in the nuclear industry, and to conduct research on topics that are of mutual interest to industry and academia.