NSAN and CNA sign MoU

The MOU was signed at the British High Commission in Ottawa on the 14^th April by Tricia Austin, Managing Director of NSAN and George Christidis, Acting Chief Executive Officer for CNA.

This strategic partnership will facilitate the sharing of knowledge, resources, and best practices between the UK and Canada, strengthening both nations’ nuclear workforce capabilities.

Under this MoU, NSAN and CNA will focus on enhancing workforce development, expanding training and apprenticeship programmes, and supporting strategic workforce planning to ensure both countries are equipped with the qualified personnel required to meet future nuclear industry challenges.

Tricia Austin, Managing Director of NSAN, commented:

“We are delighted to partner with the Canadian Nuclear Association to strengthen the capabilities of the nuclear workforce in both the UK and Canada. This collaboration allows us to combine our strengths and expertise to better prepare our nuclear industries for the future. By sharing insights and best practices, we are fostering the development of a more skilled and robust workforce that will drive success for years to come.”

 George Christidis, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Nuclear Association commented:

“This partnership with NSAN comes at a critical time for our industry. With the Canadian nuclear sector currently supporting 89,000 jobs across direct, indirect, and induced employment, we recognize the immense responsibility we have to ensure a skilled workforce for both current operations and future growth. By collaborating with NSAN, we’re creating a transatlantic knowledge exchange that will strengthen training programs, expand career pathways, and develop the specialized expertise needed as our industry evolves. This MoU represents our commitment to not just maintaining but enhancing Canada’s nuclear workforce capabilities as we work toward our energy objectives and economic growth targets.”

As a leader in the UK’s nuclear skills agenda since 2008, NSAN will bring its extensive experience in workforce planning, competency management, apprenticeship development, and tailored training solutions to the table. NSAN’s established programmes, including the Skills Assured competence management system and the Nuclear Training Network, will play a central role in the partnership.

NSAN will also contribute its expertise in supporting early careers, as well as individuals transitioning into the nuclear sector, through its comprehensive GAIN (Growing Awareness in Nuclear) induction and onboarding programme. Additionally, NSAN’s consultancy services, including the Skills Needs and Planning (SNAP) service, will leverage its extensive network of industry professionals to assist organisations in addressing both immediate and long-term workforce needs.

The Canadian Nuclear Association will share its wealth of experience in workforce planning and research, drawing on insights from studies such as the Canadian Nuclear Jobs Study. CNA will also contribute through the Nuclear Workforce Planning Advisory Council, providing strategies to prepare Canada’s nuclear workforce for future growth and development.

The collaboration will also address pressing issues such as skills shortages, qualification frameworks, and tailored support for both organisations’ members, ensuring a seamless transition for new entrants into the nuclear workforce and career advancement of existing employees.

ENDS

About the National Skills Academy for Nuclear (NSAN):

Since its inception in 2008, NSAN has been at the forefront of supporting the UK nuclear sector through industry-led training, workforce development, and skills management solutions. By fostering collaboration, NSAN helps nuclear organisations build strong networks, develop customised training programmes, and address both short- and long-term workforce needs, ensuring the continued sustainability of a skilled workforce in the civil nuclear sector.

About the Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA):

Founded in 1960, the Canadian Nuclear Association represents the interests of the Canadian nuclear industry, advocating for policies that promote the sector’s growth, sustainability, and environmental contributions. CNA works to strengthen the nuclear workforce through initiatives such as the Nuclear Jobs Canada platform, workforce planning programmes, and policy studies, all aimed at ensuring the industry’s continued success and positive impact on both the economy and the environment.

For more information visit nsan.co.uk

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