ORAU project aims to meet challenges in nuclear technology education and training

The Oak Ridger
·2 min read

America’s nuclear energy industry faces a critical problem that Oak Ridge Associated Universities' newly launched STEM Accelerator hopes to solve.

The drive toward a carbon-neutral clean energy future is anticipated to spur the growth of advanced nuclear reactors that are smaller, simpler to construct, more cost-effective to operate than existing facilities and offer high-quality career opportunities.

However, there is a critical shortage of the skilled professionals needed to oversee manufacturing, construction and operation of these facilities.

A rendering shows what the Hermes low-power demonstration reactor may look like once it's built in Oak Ridge. The company received approval to construct the reactor from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission on Dec. 12, 2023.
A rendering shows what the Hermes low-power demonstration reactor may look like once it's built in Oak Ridge. The company received approval to construct the reactor from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission on Dec. 12, 2023.

The ORAU STEM Accelerator (OSA) was created to help bridge this gap, a news release from ORAU says. It will convene a diverse network of two- and four-year academic institutions, industry, nonprofit, professional organizations, labor unions and government partners with the aim of addressing the toughest challenges in STEM education, training, research and innovation.

More: Kairos Power's next-generation nuclear reactor in Oak Ridge gets the green light

“OSA will focus its work in three sectors: nuclear science and technology, space manufacturing and critical national infrastructure,” Olivia Blackmon, OSA director, said in the release. “We’re focusing on nuclear science and technology first, because the current need is so great, with a piloted program in nuclear energy.”

The U.S. nuclear energy industry faces significant challenges in attracting and retaining qualified talent.

“Retirements, retention issues, inflation, shifting demographics, etc. This is all documented from the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), and projections are suggesting worsening labor market conditions over the next decade extending into 2060,” Blackmon said, adding that something needs to be done and quickly to reverse this trend.

To that end, OSA is already plugged into some major national efforts in collaboration with the NEI and other partners to help solve these critical challenges, including:

  • Establishing a Nuclear Energy Coalition

  • Analyzing data for decision-making

  • Implementing strategic talent planning

  • Strengthening career awareness and retention

  • Establishing diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility best practices

  • Emphasizing training and certification

  • Building a sustainable pipeline

“Our goal is to drive research and development, advocate for innovative training and education solutions, shape policy, and deliver tangible outcomes to strengthen the United States STEM workforce,” Blackmon said.

To learn more about OSA, visit https://orau.org/partnerships/stem-accelerator.

TVA's Bob Deacy, left, gives U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm, right, a tour of the Clinch River Nuclear Site on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023.
TVA's Bob Deacy, left, gives U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm, right, a tour of the Clinch River Nuclear Site on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: ORAU aims to meet need for nuclear technology education and training