More than 230 nuclear companies operate in Tennessee, including several that are new to the state and planning major construction projects. The Nuclear Energy Institute workforce report projects that 236,000 workers will be needed nationally to manufacture, construct, and operate advanced reactors through 2035, and the demand for skilled workers in the nuclear industry will continue to grow. In response, a new partnership between the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Roane State Community College; and the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology is transforming how students prepare for and advance in the nuclear workforce.
The collaboration is creating seamless education pathways with hands-on training opportunities for students and professionals looking to transition or advance in nuclear fields—one of the state’s most critical industries.
“We looked closely at what the nuclear workforce needs at every level—identifying gaps and how Tennessee can strategically close them,” said Wes Hines, Chancellor’s Professor emeritus in UT’s Tickle College of Engineering. “As our use of nuclear energy expands, one of the biggest needs is skilled tradespeople who are trained to work effectively in nuclear environments. These roles require a specialized understanding to ensure safety, precision, and long-term reliability.”