SASKATCHEWAN POLYTECHNIC
Saskatchewan Polytechnic becomes first polytechnic institute to partner with University Network of Excellence in Nuclear Engineering (UNENE) through groundbreaking MOU

Saskatchewan Polytechnic (Sask Polytech) and the University Network of Excellence in Nuclear Engineering (UNENE) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at advancing education, research and industry collaboration within the nuclear sector. This strategic partnership aligns with Sask Polytech's priorities on workforce development, technological innovation and sustainable energy solutions, including nuclear energy.

Image credit: Saskatchewan Polytechnic

Saskatchewan Polytechnic is the first polytechnic institute to sign an MOU with UNENE. Sask Polytech's MOU with UNENE will establish a collaborative relationship with key research institutions and education sector leaders, building the knowledge infrastructure necessary to drive innovation in the nuclear sector.

"This agreement represents an important milestone for UNENE," says Jerry Hopwood, UNENE President. "Starting cooperation with a vital Saskatchewan institution provides a major building block in developing highly qualified professionals, supporting clean energy, and establishing a sustainable program for nuclear technology. We look forward to a productive and valuable relationship."

The MOU, with a five-year renewable term, will allow Sask Polytech and UNENE to explore opportunities for collaboration both on the development of training and educational curriculum related to nuclear engineering technology, and on research goals and their implementation through applied research projects.

UNENE, in collaboration with partners including Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC), is developing targeted micro-credentials to help skilled workers transition into the nuclear industry. Sask Polytech's Centre for Continuing Education and SURGE micro-credentials already offer timely, industry-specific, relevant training. Together, Sask Polytech and UNENE will explore opportunities to address workforce gaps by providing practical upskilling opportunities within the sector.

"We are excited by this ground-breaking opportunity to work closely with UNENE," says Dr. Larry Rosia, Sask Polytech president and CEO. "Sask Polytech is proud to have researchers working on sustainable energy, including nuclear technology. That subject-matter expertise, along with our skill in the development and implementation of training solutions, makes us an ideal polytechnic partner to co-develop and implement scalable training and content in the nuclear sector. Our hope is that this MOU will foster long-term collaboration and achieve impactful outcomes for students, industry and the broader nuclear community."

As part of the MOU, Sask Polytech and UNENE will explore the potential of extending UNENE collaboration to polytechnics and colleges involved in nuclear engineering training. This collaboration is essential to meeting the growing demands in the nuclear sector.

About UNENE:

The University Network of Excellence in Nuclear Engineering (UNENE), founded in 2002, is a network of Canadian and partner international universities offering nuclear engineering, science and technology research and education programming. Its members also include Canadian industry participants and Canada's national nuclear science and technology institution. With its partners and funding organizations, UNENE works to advance nuclear knowledge, build capacity and heighten the visibility of Canada's strength as a global partner, and to elevate the role of nuclear in advancing global sustainability, prosperity and a clean energy future.