Education · 1 of 5
The path
Most people arrive through mechanical, electrical, chemical or nuclear engineering, then learn the reactor on the job.
- 1
High school
Grades 11 and 12
Calculus, Advanced Functions, Physics and Chemistry. Physics is the core of this one.
- 2
Accredited engineering degree
4 to 5 years with co-op
Nuclear engineering where it is offered, otherwise mechanical, electrical or chemical engineering with nuclear electives.
- 3
Get into the industry
Months
A co-op term or a first job at a station, a reactor vendor, an engineering firm or the federal regulator. Expect a security check.
- 4
Engineer-in-training
About 4 years
About four years of supervised work, plus a lot of station specific training on reactor systems and radiation protection.
- 5
P.Eng (professional engineer) licence
After about 4 years
Pass the law and ethics exam and submit your experience record. Some senior station roles also need extra certification from the federal regulator.