OPG set to inspire tomorrow's nuclear workforce at the WattNext Nuclear Career Expo

OSHAWA, ON, Oct. 26, 2026 /CNW/ -- The community is invited to learn more about the labour force needed to power Ontario's clean energy future at OPG's WattNext Nuclear Career Expo.

This free, first-of-a-kind evening of exploration is designed for families, students, jobseekers, and education professionals. It will showcase the people, skills, and opportunities behind one of Ontario's most important and growing energy sectors.

The event is set for Tuesday, Oct. 27 from 4 – 8 p.m. at Durham College and Ontario Tech University's Oshawa Campus, in the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre, 21 Avenue of Champions. Pre-registration is not required.

It will offer guests the opportunity to:

• Meet industry professionals and hear directly from people working in Ontario's nuclear sector.
• Explore interactive exhibits that bring nuclear power and clean energy innovation to life.
• Take in engaging presentations about the future of energy and the opportunities ahead.
• Hear inspiring career stories from people helping power Ontario.
• Discover the many ways to build a future in nuclear -- from skilled trades and technology to engineering, operations, business, and corporate services.
• Learn about education and training pathways that can help turn curiosity into a career.

Powered by OPG's WattNext energy education and career development program – a partnership with the Ontario Science Centre and Ontario Tech University – the expo will help demystify nuclear energy while illuminating the career pathways into the sector, as well as the training and education opportunities needed to succeed. 

Key facts

• With the province's electricity demand expected to increase by as much as 90% by 2050, nuclear energy will continue to play a key role in delivering reliable, clean power, and meeting rising energy needs.

• OPG's nuclear program -- including renewing the existing fleet through the recently-completed refurbishment of Darlington Nuclear Generating Station and similar life-extending work set to begin at the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station; building the G7's first small modular reactors via the Darlington New Nuclear Project; and exploring new large-scale nuclear generation at Wesleyville in Port Hope – is driving the next generation of nuclear power in Ontario. Together, these projects will support thousands of jobs through construction, the supply chain, and long-term operations.

Quotes

"Ontario's nuclear future will depend on people. We will need the ideas, skills, curiosity, and unique perspectives of diverse Ontarians to help build, operate, and innovate for tomorrow," said Nicolle Butcher, OPG's President and CEO. "OPG's WattNext Nuclear Career Expo is an opportunity to see how you can help electrify the future." 

"Many different careers contribute to Ontario's clean energy future, and students need opportunities to develop the skills and experience to pursue them," said Dr. Elaine Popp, President, Durham College. "At Durham College, hands-on learning and career-ready education align with labour-market demands and are complemented by strong employer partnerships, like Ontario Power Generation, that connect students with the people and expertise shaping the energy sector."

"Canada's energy future depends on people. At Ontario Tech, we stay close to industry to understand what employers will need next. That shapes our programs and helps ensure our students graduate ready to contribute from day one," said Dr. Steven Murphy, President and Vice-Chancellor, Ontario Tech University. "Our partnership with Ontario Power Generation is a strong example of how education and industry can work together to build the talent Canada's energy sector needs for the future."

"Ontario's nuclear industry already supports 80,000 jobs, and through our nuclear buildout we are creating up to 150,000 more. We are strengthening a tariff- and recession-proof industry by doubling down on Canadian technology, ingenuity, and best of all, our people," said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. "Ontario's nuclear expansion is creating generational opportunities through good-paying, highly skilled jobs and apprenticeships, where students can learn from a nuclear workforce that is the envy of the world."

"Ontario's nuclear energy sector is critical to our province's future, and our government is investing in the skilled workers who will power it," said Trevor Jones, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. "As OPG and its partners advance major projects at Darlington and Pickering, initiatives like WattNext are opening doors to rewarding careers and building the world-class workforce needed to power our communities and strengthen Ontario's energy independence for generations."

"In the face of global economic uncertainty, our government is building the energy workforce we need to further power and protect Ontario," said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. "OPG's WattNext Nuclear Career Expo is a great opportunity for students, families and jobseekers to explore pathways into Ontario's in-demand energy sector and launch rewarding, good-paying careers, with world-class training at Ontario Tech University and Durham College."

About OPG

As Ontario's largest and one of North America's most diverse electricity generators, OPG invests in local economies and employs thousands of people across Ontario. OPG and its family of companies are advancing the development of new low-carbon technologies, refurbishment projects and electrification initiatives to power the growing demands of a clean economy. Learn more about how the company is delivering these initiatives while prioritizing people, partnerships and strong communities at www.opg.com.

SOURCE Ontario Power Generation Inc.

For further information, please contact: Ontario Power Generation, 416-592-4008 or 1-877-592-4008