The nuclear power industry is at a pivotal moment, with new technologies and approaches reshaping how we think about clean energy. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just beginning your journey, the promise of next-generation reactors, small modular reactors (SMRs), and life extensions for existing fleets is energizing. But as these technologies advance, one reality is clear: we cannot rely on the retired nuclear workforce to return and operate this new generation of plants. The industry must prioritize developing a highly trained, locally capable, and diverse workforce that can build confidence among operators, communities, and regulators alike.
Building integrated training ecosystems that combine advanced simulators, robust education pathways, and inclusive talent pipelines helps ensure operational safety, innovation, and resilience. Drawing on my background in education and my work with NuScale’s E2 Program, I see how immersive and inclusive learning environments empower people at every stage of their careers, and why investing in new talent is not optional; it’s the foundation of the industry’s future.
For experienced operators and those new to the field, simulators provide opportunities to develop skills and practice real-world scenarios in a controlled environment.
Simulators allow operators to practice rare events and complex failures without putting a plant at risk. High-fidelity simulation also helps bridge the gap between theory and practice, supporting hands-on learning and helping prepare new talent for nuclear careers.
A nuclear power plant operates as an economic and community anchor for decades. Developing local expertise can reduce dependence on outside specialists while strengthening long-term workforce stability and cost efficiency. Strong local education pathways can also build operational resilience and foster community support.
Creating strong regional capability requires intentional integration across the talent pipeline.
When local communities see a direct connection between local education and high-value, multi-generational nuclear careers, it helps build public trust and strengthens local support.
That same connection between education and practical experience can be strengthened through simulation-based learning. NuScale’s Energy Exploration (E2) Centers are one example, giving students and educators hands-on exposure to SMR control room environments while supporting workforce development and broader understanding of advanced nuclear technology.
For universities, tools like these can help:
As more institutions look for ways to prepare students for the next generation of nuclear energy, partnerships that combine education, simulation, and industry experience will become increasingly important.
Idaho State University’s (ISU) two-year Energy Systems Nuclear Operations Technology program is a powerful example of how institutions can build a robust pathway into the nuclear workforce. In speaking with Mackenzie Gorham, Senior Clinical Instructor at ISU, I learned how central the E2 Center is to ISU’s approach and how hands-on simulation helps students move beyond theory, strengthen problem-solving skills, and build confidence that can help prepare them for careers in the nuclear sector. Universities and colleges that embrace simulation gain more than technical capability; they create environments where students from all backgrounds can picture themselves contributing to the future of nuclear energy.
George Mason University (GMU) has embraced a year‑round approach by offering SMR simulation labs as part of its undergraduate curriculum, giving students regular access to the E2 Center for hands-on experience. Then in the summer, the university expanded that reach by offering an SMR Summer Academy for high school students, where students immersed themselves in operating scenarios in the E2 Center, explored a power plant through VR, and built LEGO‑based clean‑energy cities with SMRs at the core. During my visit to celebrate the end of the Summer Academy, I had the pleasure of engaging with several students who told me they arrived knowing nothing about nuclear energy and left excited about SMRs and already looking forward to next year’s camp.
For plant developers, utility customers, and regulatory bodies, workforce preparation contributes to deployment confidence by supporting efficient commissioning, safe operations, and reliable plant performance.
Training and simulation are central to this process:
The future of nuclear power will be defined by people as much as technology. When we invest in high‑fidelity simulators, inclusive talent pipelines, and local education partners, we equip operators and the wider workforce with the skills and confidence required to scale nuclear energy safely and effectively worldwide.
As next‑generation plants come online, a trained, diverse, resilient, and locally grounded workforce will be a critical part of successful deployment and long-term operations.
Throughout my career in education, and most recently through my work with students and educators using NuScale’s E2 Centers, I’ve seen that preparing the next nuclear workforce requires more than advanced tools. It demands intentional investment in people and purposeful pathways that cultivate a new generation of nuclear professionals ready to carry the torch into the industry’s future.