Overview
The National Electrical Trade Council (NETCO) is an industry-funded, non-profit organization that provides national coordination and leadership on workforce development linked to Red Seal electrical trades in Canada. It is jointly sponsored by the Canadian Electrical Contractors Association (CECA)--a federation of provincial and territorial electrical contractor groups that represents +8,000 electrical contractors who directly employ 70,000 people and generates over $5 billion in revenues--and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), First District, Canada--the national voice of IBEW Local Unions representing 70,000 members in Canada, including representation of those working in the nuclear sector.
NETCO is committed to the promotion of national standards and best practices among training and educational providers, specifically union training centres, that deliver recognized technical training for apprentices and journeypersons in the IBEW and CECA communities.
NETCO’s vision for Small Modular Reactor (SMR) development in Canada is directly linked to the call to action for universities and colleges, research institutions, and laboratories.
NETCO will work in collaboration with governments, vendors and suppliers to support the advancement of SMRs and all other associated clean energy technology opportunities within Canada.
NETCO will work with partner stakeholders, namely the IBEW and CECA representatives, to advance this nuclear technology and communicate the benefits associated with SMRs in relation to other renewable energies.
As a national voice for the electrical industry NETCO provides decisive support for innovation in the energy sector and will work with stakeholders to bridge training to support a future workforce in this critical area.
ACTIONS
CAPACITY, ENGAGEMENT, AND PUBLIC CONFIDENCE
Training programs and education curriculum
STATUS: IN PROGRESS
NE01
Responds to SMR Roadmap recommendation(s): 48
ACTION
NETCO will work in collaboration with private training institutions (unions), universities, colleges, polytechnics, research institutions, and laboratories to ensure training and education programs are directed toward building a future SMR workforce.
EXPECTED RESULTS
Develop analysis of current training programs and aid with the re-tooling of current technical training to include SMRs.
Develop practical opportunities for students/apprentices to SMR development.
CAPACITY, ENGAGEMENT, AND PUBLIC CONFIDENCE
Diversity of next-generation nuclear talent
STATUS: IN PROGRESS
NE02
Responds to SMR Roadmap recommendation(s): 49
ACTION
NETCO will promote and increase representation of women, youth, minorities, and Indigenous persons in the talent pipeline for the SMR workforce in collaboration with private training institutions (unions), universities, colleges, polytechnics, research institutions, and laboratories.
EXPECTED RESULTS
Develop a communication strategy in collaboration with the IBEW and CECA that will target marginalized populations to attract persons to the SMR workforce.