Above: Nuclear energy’s expansion requires an additional 376,000 workers by 2050 or more than 15,000 new workers annually
For those already in the energy sector, nuclear
energy offers a deeply fulfilling career experience full of passionate individuals. Workers quickly understand its importance in the global economy and become its most fervent advocates. This passion and respect for the sector must be shared with future generations, and it is critical that this transition occurs swiftly due to the upcoming retirement of many legacy workers.
The makeup of the nuclear sector The entire energy industry, including nuclear, is aging. Despite its 2023 growth employing nearly 70,000 workers, the nuclear sector faces a generational imbalance. While the 30-54 age bracket makes up 60% of the nuclear workforce, the under-30 demographic within the sector lags 23% behind the overall energy workforce. This age disparity underscores the need to attract younger talent, fill vacancies, and facilitate the critical transfer of knowledge within the work. Further, for the first time in history, the workforce spans
five generations – from the Silent Generation to Generation Z, which presents a unique challenge in hiring and retention. The workforce includes those who spent years in online high school alongside those who began working before the internet was widely available. As a result, more than 70% of nuclear employers recognise that integrating this multi-generational workforce is a priority. However, many are unsure of where to start. Attracting and retaining new talent – especially when younger generations tend to have higher turnover rates – is crucial for building a strong workforce for the future. Employers are reporting difficulties in hiring qualified
workers across the energy workforce. While the nuclear energy sector is no exception, it is experiencing an exciting period of growth that further increases the demand for skilled workers. The opportunities in nuclear are vast, and attracting new talent is key to sustaining and enhancing the sector’s momentum. As the US nuclear sector moves toward the commercialisation and deployment of next- generation advanced reactors in the coming decades, attracting young talent will be vital. Importantly, many of the roles in this effort will require varying levels of education, from General Educational Development (GEDs) to PhDs. The nuclear sector must proactively recruit younger generations to sustain and grow its workforce.
Strengthening workforce pipelines We can bridge the talent gap by connecting with younger students and career changers on their values and meeting them where they are. For students, this means providing education that emphasises the critical role modern nuclear energy plays in combating climate change, highlighting it as a clean energy source – something younger generations care deeply about. For career changers, it’s about showcasing the sector’s positive impact on a reliable energy future and the appeal of a steady, stable, long-term career. The key is in how we tell the story. To do so, we must expand and strengthen workforce pipelines. The National Strategic Workforce Plan is provided by the Nuclear Energy Institute, which plays an important role in promoting the use and growth of nuclear energy and solidifying the sector as a long-term career option. The Plan outlines key strategies to enhance the talent funnel and encourage excitement about careers in nuclear. The first key step is career awareness, educating the public about the various career opportunities within the nuclear sector. Without this foundational knowledge, the other strategies will not be effective. People must have a basic understanding of what nuclear energy is, what it isn’t, and the range of careers available within the sector. Tapping into organisations like the Centre for Energy
Workforce Development (CEWD), a national, technology neutral energy workforce nonprofit, helps bolster the image of nuclear energy while also working with new communities to build a talent pipeline from all walks of life.
Strengthening nuclear education Education pathways represent a significant area of growth within the energy industry, and K-12 STEM investments are critical to supporting this pipeline. For years, the National Career Clusters®
Framework has
served as the foundation for designing consistent, high-quality Career Technical Education (CTE) and career pathway programmes. However, there was no framework specifically for energy careers until last year. The adoption of the Energy & Natural Resources Career Cluster now provides clear pathways and training for emerging energy jobs, ensuring a steady flow of skilled workers into the rapidly evolving energy sector. By focusing on both traditional and renewable energy skills, this cluster will
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