Hydro One Expands University Partnership with $1.2M Investment to Build Ontario’s Energy Workforce
June 23, 2026
Program will support 60,000 students over three years as demand grows for skilled, diverse talent in the electricity sector
Hydro One Inc. (Hydro One) has announced the renewal of its long-standing university partnership with Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), the University of Waterloo, Ontario Tech University and Western University, including a $1.2 million investment over three years to support the next generation of engineering talent. This investment is expected to support more than 60,000 students and broaden access to opportunities across Ontario’s electricity sector.
The Hydro One University Engineering Partnership builds on more than a decade of impact, supporting programs that attract and advance talent from a wide range of backgrounds. The new funding will expand K–12 outreach, mentorship, student awards and career development programming across the education-to-employment pipeline.
As electricity demand continues to increase across the province, the need for a skilled, diverse and future-ready workforce has never been greater. Through this partnership, Hydro One is helping prepare students to contribute to a safe, reliable and sustainable electricity system.
“Powering Ontario’s future means powering its people,” said Gillian Whitebread, Executive Vice President, Head of Human Resources, Hydro One. “Through this partnership, we are helping students build the skills, confidence and connections they need to succeed, while strengthening a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. By creating clear pathways from education to careers, we are helping build the workforce needed to support the province’s evolving energy system.”
In the past year alone, the partnership has reached more than 14,000 youth and supported more than 4,600 post-secondary students through mentorship, outreach and career development programming.
“Hydro One’s continued support reflects the power of sustained partnership in advancing access, equity and representation in engineering,” said Dr. Sri Krishnan, Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science, Toronto Metropolitan University. “At TMU, we know that building a more inclusive engineering profession starts with creating meaningful opportunities for young people to see themselves in STEM. This renewed three-year commitment will help us continue that work alongside Ontario Tech University, the University of Waterloo and Western University, strengthening outreach and pathways for women in engineering and equity-deserving communities across Ontario.”
“Continued investment from Hydro One reflects the kind of partnership that is essential in opening pathways for the next generation of engineers,” said Ken Coley, Dean of Western Engineering. “At Western, we are focused on opening the eyes of students in K to 12 to the opportunities offered by a career in engineering. We are actively creating opportunities that connect students to meaningful learning, mentorship and real-world impact, while expanding access for those who have been historically underrepresented in engineering. This partnership helps us strengthen those pathways, inspire young people to see themselves in engineering and support the talent Ontario will need for a safe, sustainable and resilient energy future.”
“When this partnership began in 2012, we set out to inspire more young women to see themselves in engineering,” said Dr. Mary Wells, Dean of Engineering at the University of Waterloo and Executive Chair of the Hydro One Women in Engineering University Partnership. “Since then, that vision has grown into a strong, province-wide partnership across our four institutions. Hydro One’s support has been the constant that has enabled us to build sustained, tailored programming and take the long-term approach that creates lasting change. Their renewed commitment gives us even more runway to build on that momentum and broaden our reach further in the years ahead.”
“Hydro One’s continued investment in this partnership demonstrates the power of long-term collaboration to drive meaningful change,” said Dr. Hossam Kishawy, Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Ontario Tech University. “Together, we have expanded access to engineering education, supported student success, and helped develop a more diverse talent pipeline for Ontario’s energy sector. As the demand for skilled engineers continues to grow, this partnership is critical to developing the workforce needed to power Ontario’s future. Ontario Tech Engineering Outreach is grateful for Hydro One’s leadership and proud to continue this work alongside our consortium partners.”
Since its launch in 2012, the partnership has delivered strong results with an initial focus on increasing the participation of women in engineering, including a 220 per cent increase in female high school applicants to engineering programs at the partner schools over the past 13 years. Building on this success, it has expanded into a broader, equity-focused initiative spanning youth engagement, mentorship, professional development and industry-connected learning, with an increased emphasis on students from underrepresented groups, including Black and Indigenous communities.
Hydro One continues to play a key role in developing Ontario’s talent pipeline, welcoming more than 300 students and new graduates each year across engineering, trades, business and technology roles. Through co-op placements, internships and mentorship programs, students gain hands-on experience and direct connections to career opportunities, helping bridge the gap between education and employment while increasing representation across the sector.
The partnership will continue from 2026 to 2028, reinforcing a shared focus on talent development, strengthening representation across the future engineering workforce, advancing innovation and inclusive growth across Ontario’s engineering sector, and helping build the skilled workforce needed to support the province’s evolving energy system.
