Europe’s nuclear fleet expansion plans face a challenge due to a shortage of skilled workers needed for reactors. Companies in France, the U.K., and Sweden struggle to find welders, engineers, and planners for current and future projects.
To address this issue, representatives from Electricite de France SA and subcontractors met with high school students in Roussillon to promote internships and job opportunities in the nuclear industry. The industry is experiencing a resurgence as countries aim to triple global nuclear capacity, but the workforce shortage hinders progress.
In response, initiatives like vocational training programs and recruitment campaigns have been launched to attract and train the necessary workforce. France, in particular, aims to recruit 100,000 workers in the next decade to support its nuclear ambitions.
However, challenges remain as the industry competes with other sectors like solar and wind energy for young talent. The shortage of workers could lead to delays and cost overruns in nuclear projects.
Efforts are being made in the U.K. as well, with private and government investments to expand the nuclear workforce and meet capacity targets. Similar initiatives are underway in Sweden to address the shortage of workers needed for future reactor projects.
Overall, the nuclear industry faces a race against time to train and recruit skilled workers to support its expansion plans and ensure the success of the energy transition.
With assistance from Rachel Morison, James Herron, Petra Sorge, Daniel Hornak, Kari Lundgren, Niclas Rolander, and Heesu Lee.
