NII energy co-op students showcase skilled trades journeys in energy sector

Twenty-two students from Kincardine District Senior School (KDSS) and Saugeen District Senior School (SDSS) demonstrated what they had learned and how it impacted their plans for the future, at the Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII) energy co-operative education showcase, Friday, at the NII Advanced Technology Campus.

The students began their clean energy journeys at the NII campus in January, experiencing nearly 30 different careers across the clean energy industry.

Different than a normal co-op, where one student is placed with one employer, the NII energy co-op is a specialized 17-week program in partnership with the Bluewater District School Board, exposing students to construction, welding, emergency management, engineering, pipe-fitting and more.

“With major clean energy projects under way in our region and across Canada, creative ways to support workforce planning and skill development are critical,” said NII president and chief executive officer Jessica Linthorne. “The NII is proud to help shape the next generation of workers who will build big things.”



Jessica Linthorne (left), president and CEO of the NII, learns about engineering processes from an engaged energy co-op student

But none of this would be possible without collaboration, she said. “We’re incredibly thankful to everyone who brought their time, talent and energy to the co-op — from partners across the nuclear sector to dedicated teachers and NII’s founding members.”

Learn more about skill development and education work at the NII: nii.ca.



Guided by NII energy co-op students, guests try their hand at a virtual welding demo



Students from the NII energy co-op’s winter term