As the nuclear industry grows, so will the nuclear workforce. Fortunately, these are great jobs to have.
Want to learn more about what is going on with the nuclear workforce? We’re asking the expert, NEI’s Vice President of Human Resources and Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Erin Hultman.
Are you seeing a growing need for nuclear jobs?
Absolutely. The growth we're experiencing today is like nothing we've seen before. And we expect that only to increase. Communities are demanding reliable, affordable, clean energy. They're also demanding secure, well-paying jobs. The nuclear industry today employs directly around 100,000 people. But when you consider the supply chain that supports that, the number is more than four times more. But that's just current demand.
We're developing advanced new nuclear technologies that are going to require a workforce much larger than the one we have today. The Department of Energy predicts that by 2035, we will need hundreds of thousands of additional workers in the workforce. And with an average pay of up to 50% higher than other electricity generating sources, nuclear energy jobs provide the financial security that workers are looking for across their career.
As demand for nuclear grows in the United States and around the world, what kind of jobs will be needed in the industry?
When people typically think about jobs in nuclear energy, they probably first imagine nuclear engineers. And yes, those jobs are of critical importance. But we need so many other types of workers as well.
A typical nuclear energy plant employs 500 to 800 individuals. So that's a lot of different types of skills that we need. The skilled trades are of critical importance. We need mechanics, electricians, carpenters, welders. We need I.T. and cybersecurity professionals. And just like any business, we need accountants, human resource professionals and administrative support. There's room for everyone.
How can the industry encourage students and future leaders to seek jobs in the nuclear industry?
People in the workforce today and the students that will soon join us have a much different expectation of the world of work. They're really looking for a sense of purpose in their jobs. Workers can be on the cutting edge of solving climate change, securing our energy independence, and helping satisfy the growing demand for energy in developing countries around the world. But in order to do this and to attract the workforce, we need, we need to start young.
We need to be supporting robust STEM programs in the K through 12 level. We also need to expand access to trade and vocational schools as well as two- and four-year university degrees. But our most critical need is to attract a workforce from communities that are currently underrepresented in the industry today. Because we know that a diverse workforce is critical to the success of our industry. The nuclear industry’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is rooted in the fact that we believe that diverse opinions and experiences and perspectives are critical to the success of our communities.
How will the transition of shuttered or shuttering coal plants to nuclear plants impact the workforce?
Hundreds of coal plants are scheduled to close over the next decade, but that shouldn't leave these communities behind. We believe that about 75% of current coal plant jobs could transition to nuclear energy jobs with little to no reskilling needed. Other jobs can be reskilled or upskilled to work in a nuclear power plant. Also, nuclear plants, on average, employ many more workers than a coal plant of the similar size. Often hundreds more. That provides a lot of opportunity for the growth in these communities. Also, we can reduce current infrastructure at coal plants, so that will make the transition to nuclear energy faster and more affordable so that these communities don't get left behind.
What would you tell someone interested in working in nuclear?
There has never been a more exciting moment to join the nuclear energy industry than right now. The growing demand that we're seeing for clean, reliable energy is like nothing we've ever experienced. So that's going to require a workforce much larger than the one we have today. Jobs in nuclear energy provide security, competitive pay and the opportunity to be part of our clean energy future. So, if you are looking for a well-paying job that makes a difference, then nuclear energy is the place for you.
