Summer student Kim Basinger of Cameco's technology development group shows students the effect of adding liquid nitrogen to water at Dr. M.S. Hawkins Senior Public School more...

Cameco is committed to working with youth in the communities in which it operates. Our goal is to promote learning in science and technology to support the recruitment and retention of young people from the community. Cameco provides a series of educational programs throughout Northumberland County to encourage young people to consider technical and scientific careers.

We also help educate young people about nuclear energy and Cameco's key role in the energy industry. Our technology development group hosts seminars on uranium and the nuclear industry for local teachers and we welcome school groups every year for tours of the Port Hope conversion facility. Members of the United Steelworkers of America, the union that represents some of our Port Hope employees, are working in schools through Junior Achievement to help at-risk kids to stay in school.

And we plan to build on these initiatives in the future. A consultant is currently working with Cameco and Zircatec staff to help develop an innovative program that will lead to Cameco playing an even greater role in the school community in Northumberland County.

The goal is to spark or perhaps solidify interest by students in our community in careers in science, technology and nuclear to help grow a new generation of skilled employees for Cameco.

Danny Archambault and Simon Reid of Cameco's technology development group demonstrate that science can be both interesting and fun. more...

Cameco is talking to school principals, parent councils and others to get their ideas about what help is needed to enhance current programs. 

A lot of ideas are being considered. Cameco currently offers tours to high school, university and college students to stimulate career thinking, and sponsors scholarships in chemistry, physics and computer science, as well as scholarships for children of employees.  However, Cameco is contemplating a new approach that includes partnering with others in executing programs in the schools.  This could result in student mentoring and tutoring initiatives or perhaps offering technology not currently in our schools, but if available, would enhance the learning process.  
 
Bob Steane, vice-president of Cameco’s fuel services division, which includes the Port Hope conversion facility, the Blind River refinery as well as Zircatec Precision Industries, calls the company’s commitment to working with students a good fit with Port Hope’s proposed Economic Development Strategic Plan. The plan calls for co-operation between businesses, schools and the community to ease the school-to-work transition and to help ensure that the members of future generations want to live and work in Port Hope.

“The future labour shortage in Ontario has been well documented and it will be acute for the nuclear industry,” said Steane. 

“Cameco wants to do its part to encourage our young people to consider the various career options available to them and how they can stay at home to work in those careers.”