Canadian post-secondary institutions Ontario Tech University and Humber Polytechnic have been working together to “prepare the next generation of talent” across the nation.
This month, Ontario Tech University joins Ontario Power Generation and the Ontario Science Centre in launching WattNext, yet another initiative focused on building the cleantech talent pipeline in Canada.
WattNext is described as an “interactive energy literacy initiative designed to empower Ontarians of all ages,” delivering a suite of resources including a website, physical exhibits, and community events designed to make “energy education accessible, relevant, and engaging for everyone.”
For example, WattNext’s curriculum notes how approximately half of Ontario’s electricity supply is from nuclear energy, and that percentage is likely to rise in the future.
To inspire the next generation of talent, WattNext highlights rewarding careers in the energy sector and will aim to connect youth and job seekers with pathways to become skilled professionals of the clean economy.
“WattNext goes beyond teaching facts; it sparks curiosity and hopefully inspires the next generation to consider a career in energy,” says Nicolle Butcher, chief executive officer of OPG. “By making energy education accessible and meaningful, WattNext is helping build a resilient Ontario and a skilled workforce for tomorrow.”
The Ontario Science Centre is “proud to be a partner in WattNext, an important initiative that makes science literary and energy education engaging and accessible to all,” according to CEO Paul Kortenaar.
“By inspiring young people and connecting them with relevant resources and future opportunities in the energy sector, we’re helping shape a brighter tomorrow,” he stated.
Ontario’s clean energy future “will be built by the young minds that we inspire today,” believes Rudy Cuzzetto, who serves as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Energy and Mines. “Exciting initiatives like WattNext will help our youth see themselves as the engineers, innovators, and skilled tradespeople who will help lead our energy transformation.”
Ontario Tech University is “pleased to collaborate on WattNext, connecting our expertise in energy research, innovation and education with the evolving needs of Ontarians today and tomorrow,” commented Dr. Steven Murphy, President of Ontario Tech University.
“WattNext encourages curiosity, empowers learners of all ages, and inspires the next generation of innovators who will drive Canada’s clean energy future,” he said.
On the other side of Canada, Vancouver’s Zero Emissions Innovation Centre is engaging in similar action, with the Sustainable Workforce Coalition working on a project: “Creating Real, Tangible Pathways into BC’s Clean Economy.”
The project is supported by The Future Skills Centre, a hub for research and collaboration to drive innovation in skills development across Canada that is jointly operated by Toronto Metropolitan University, the Conference Board of Canada, and Blueprint.
Seeded by a $22M federal endowment, ZEIC is powered by the City of Vancouver and Simon Fraser University and is part of the Low Carbon Cities Canada Network established by the Government of Canada and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
