Education and Training in Nuclear Decommissioning - Needs, Opportunities and Challenges for Europe

Abstract

The decommissioning of nuclear facilities is an industrial activity that is growing worldwide, creating job opportunities and requiring skilled workers. Over the last decades, European companies have been involved in decommissioning projects that are targeted at delivering an environmentally friendly end-product such as a fully restored green field site that can be released from regulatory control. European companies have acquired know-how and today Europe can position itself at the top level in the world decommissioning market. However, in view of the expected expansion of the activities, efforts are necessary to maintain this leading position and, in particular, to ensure and share the underpinning knowledge, skills and competences. In this perspective, the University of Birmingham in association with the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre have organised a joint seminar to address the following questions in relation to education and training in nuclear decommissioning: - What are the competence needs for the future? - What are the education and training opportunities? - How can we stimulate interest and future talent? In answering these questions the seminar has given orientations for stimulating the development, coordination and promotion of adequate education and training programmes at EU level in nuclear decommissioning.JRC.A.4-Nuclear Safety and Securit