Cooperation between vocational schools and nuclear sector to develop Dutch nuclear curriculum

On 12 January, several parties from the nuclear industry and the educational field signed a declaration of intent to boost vocational education in nuclear technology. The aim is to jointly develop a new nuclear curriculum in order to increase the interest of students for careers in the nuclear sector. Future workers are key in realising the Dutch nuclear ambitions.

The declaration of intent marks the official start of the collaboration between educational institutions and the Dutch nuclear sector. The participating parties are vocational schools from various regions, including the ROC van Twente, alongside NRG|PALLAS, TU Delft and several industry representatives. Urenco Nederland MD Ad Louter signed on behalf of Urenco. 

Ambitions
The nuclear sector in the Netherlands has gained new momentum. The Dutch government has concrete ambitions to realise two new nuclear power plants in the Netherlands. Research is being conducted into keeping the current Borssele nuclear power plant open longer. Moreover, due to geopolitical developments, the need for raw materials for nuclear reactor fuel has increased. In addition, progress is made on the construction of the new PALLAS-reactor for production of medical isotopes.

For the realisation of all these ambitions, the influx of employees with sufficient knowledge of the nuclear industry needs to be improved and increased. This requires strengthening the relationship between the nuclear sector and educational institutions, in which vocational education plays a crucial role. As such, the Nuclear Academy programme was initiated by NRG|PALLAS and TU Delft and funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate. The programme focuses on strengthening nuclear knowledge and skills in the Netherlands on various levels, including the current collaboration.

The cooperating partners are committed to new education packages in the field of nuclear technology and radiation protection, coordinated traineeships and better professional orientation to enthuse students for career opportunities in the nuclear sector. The organisations will develop a multi-year plan for cooperation and they will jointly explore funding opportunities.

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