How is training and employment in the Spanish nuclear industry?
The nuclear industry considers that the human factor is paramount to the safe and effective functioning of nuclear sites. For this reason, initial and ongoing training programs are developed for all staff with responsibility posts in nuclear sites, following a model similar to that of aeronautic industry.
The great current interest is not only reflected on nuclear industry or public opinion, but also considered fundamental in the current regulatory framework
Ongoing training plans allow nuclear sites to have highly qualified personnel and thus benefit safety improvement, availability and economic efficiency while at the same time guaranteeing a quality execution of all safety related tasks.
The great current interest is not only reflected on nuclear industry or public opinion, but also considered fundamental in the current regulatory framework, listed on article 7 of the Nuclear Safety Directive published in Brussels on June 2009: “Member states shall ensure that the national framework in place requires arrangements for education and training to be made by all parties for their staff having responsibilities relating to the nuclear safety of nuclear installations in order to maintain and to further develop expertise and skills in nuclear safety”.
There is a responsibility from each country to establish a training program that will allow the incorporation of interested students in order to allow a sufficient number of specialists in the field of science and nuclear engineering in the coming years or decades.
There is a responsibility from each country to establish a training program that will allow the incorporation of interested students in order to allow a sufficient number of specialists
Initiatives around the world
These years have seen the creation of international initiatives such as:
- WNU (World Nuclear University): Co-ordinated by WANO, WNA, OIEA and NEA, it is a prestigious association devoted to improving international education and leadership in peaceful applications of nuclear science and technologies.
- ENEN (European Nuclear Education Network): A program launched by the European Commission, based on a creation of information networks, maintaining a line of work for education and training in the Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technology Platform (SNE-TP) that was initiated in 2007.
- ENELA (European Nuclear Energy Leadership Academy): Organized by a consortium of industrial organizations: Areva, EnBW, Urenco, NOK, Vattenfall and E.On, in charge of sharing theoretical and practical training knowledge in nuclear management.
Initiatives in Spain
In Spain, training is not a “strange” topic, and for the past years there have been several initiatives from different Spanish firms related to the nuclear sector. Namely:
