Ontario’s nuclear sector is expanding through major refurbishments and emerging SMR projects, creating demand for specialized roles. TSSA’s Kim Semper discusses workforce challenges and how TSSA is helping build nuclear safety capacity for the future.
Ontario’s nuclear fleet supplies more than half of the province’s electricity. With major refurbishments underway and small modular reactors (SMRs) in development, the sector is entering a sustained growth phase that requires more skilled talent.
Large-scale refurbishments are underway at Bruce, Darlington, and Pickering, while early-stage planning for SMRs (smaller nuclear facilities that are quicker to build) is also progressing. Highly specialized skilled labour, particularly in welding, inspections, and engineering, is in high demand for safe nuclear operations.
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is Ontario’s public safety regulator and an Authorized Inspection Agency designated by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). Kim Semper, Statutory Director of Boilers and Pressure Vessels at TSSA, discusses the opportunities for talent amid nuclear sector growth.
1. How is nuclear growth affecting demand for skilled labour?
Among the many fields in the nuclear industry, demand is growing for inspectors of nuclear pressure boundary equipment, welders, and non-destructive examination professionals. These roles require advanced technical expertise, strong attention to detail, and strict adherence to nuclear codes, standards, and regulatory requirements. For example, nuclear welding involves pressure-retaining systems where preparation, execution, inspection, and documentation must meet stringent requirements. Inspectors also use advanced techniques such as radiography and ultrasonic testing to detect defects more precisely.
2. Is there currently a talent gap in the nuclear industry?
The sector faces a structural labour shortage. Limited nuclear construction over the past decades reduced training pipelines and slowed entry into the trades, so rebuilding capacity is taking time. There is also a specialization gap because nuclear inspection of pressure boundary equipment requires a combination of engineering knowledge, trade experience, and regulatory interpretation that is not easily transferable from other sectors. As an Authorized Inspection Agency supporting Ontario’s nuclear facilities, TSSA is seeing rising demand for qualified inspectors and engineers as refurbishment activity accelerates.
3. What’s the plan to address talent gaps in nuclear pressure boundary equipment inspections?
TSSA is strengthening its talent pipeline through a multi-year nuclear pressure boundary inspector training program. Launched in 2024, the program is building long-term capacity by recruiting and developing 17 inspectors to support Ontario’s nuclear stations.
4. What does the TSSA training pathway involve?
New inspectors typically enter with an engineering or skilled trade background and progress through training focused on regulatory frameworks, inspection methodologies, and nuclear safety requirements. The pathway leads to designation as an Authorized Nuclear Inspector and typically takes several years, including the completion of the National Board Authorized Nuclear Inspector course, field experience, examinations, and internal training modules. Recent cohorts have included engineers, welders, and quality assurance professionals. In 2026, the first graduate of this program began working for TSSA at one of Ontario’s nuclear generating stations, while others are on track to complete their field training.
5. Is the current workforce sufficient for future needs?
At TSSA, our current inspection capacity and trainee program are sufficient to meet existing requirements. However, the nuclear industry is on a strong growth trajectory that requires additional skilled trades over time. To support the sector, there should be more specialized training programs for nuclear trades. Government, industry, and educational institutions will need to work together to develop a long-term strategy that rebuilds and sustains a talent pipeline for the growing nuclear sector.
Visit TSSA’s website for more information.