1. The nuclear industry is facing a generational shift with one in four employees set to retire in the coming decade, leading to skill shortages and a fierce war for talent.
2. Operators are turning to technology to digitize processes, preserve knowledge, and optimize operations to reduce the learning curve for new hires, especially in maintenance roles.
3. Artificial intelligence is being increasingly used to capture and organize operating procedures, reduce reliance on subject-matter experts, and facilitate learning and compliance in the face of a shortage of junior experts in the industry.
The nuclear industry is facing a significant challenge as a large portion of its workforce approaches retirement age, with 25% of current employees over 55. This generational shift is concerning due to the already existing skill shortages and fierce competition for talent. To address this issue, nuclear operators are increasingly turning to technology to digitize processes, preserve knowledge, and optimize operations.
Maintenance, a field with high demand for specialized workers, such as welders and pipefitters, is at the forefront of this generational shift. The industry is facing a shortage of these workers, who are often older than the general population. Efforts are being made to train and qualify technicians and optimize their tasks through digitization of processes using specialized software.
Artificial intelligence is being used to capture and organize operating procedures, ensuring the transfer of knowledge from seasoned employees to new hires. The digitization of operations and procedures is seen as crucial in advancing nuclear energy production. Despite technological advances, the industry will still need to significantly increase its workforce to meet global objectives and capacity demands.
As the industry shifts towards automation and digitization, attracting new workers and showcasing new projects is essential. Technological advancements are critical in minimizing the impact of the generational handover and ensuring the industry remains relevant and attractive to the next generation of workers.