This is the second part of a two-part series on key partnerships in the nuclear industry. Click here to read part 1.
The success of the nuclear industry relies on a plethora of community and professional partnerships. Nuclear professionals build relationships and work closely with others outside the industry to inform and protect the public, recruit new talent for the industry and serve as environmental stewards. In this two-part series, the Nuclear Information Center explores several areas of the nuclear industry which depend on strong community bonds.
School and Community Outreach
Partnerships are key in school and community outreach. Through operational excellence and diverse community outreach programs, Duke Energy seeks to instill confidence in the safe and reliable operation of its power plants in its communities and beyond. Events like the Charlotte Symphony at McGuire Nuclear Station, nuclear energy presentations at local schools, Oconee's Hunting and Fishing Day and scouting events provide an opportunity for people to gain a better understanding of nuclear energy. In addition, community events and employee volunteerism build strong, enduring relationships within the local community.
Duke Energy employees also collaborate with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) partners to provide tailored programs to school and career development groups. McGuire Nuclear Station participates in STEM events at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte to instill an appreciation for science and technology in students, as well as inform students about career opportunities in the nuclear industry. According to the Nuclear Energy Institute, in the next 10 years, almost half of the industry's workforce will retire. By bringing STEM programs to schools, Duke Energy is making an investment in its future employees to help them realize their full potential. Without the support of local schools, universities and educational organizations, we could not provide programs that inspire students to pursue careers in the nuclear industry.
Workforce Development
Recently, the nuclear industry and the Navy established a formal partnership to help veterans to transition to civilian employment. As previously covered in this NIC article, many nuclear power plant operators have nuclear Navy backgrounds. The new partnership will create the a process for nuclear-trained Navy vets to volunteer their contact information to nuclear industry recruiters, which represent nearly 30 companies that have signed the agreement of understanding.
Establishing this agreement with the nuclear energy industry facilitates the Navy’s access to the graduates of the commercial Nuclear Uniform Curriculum Program to provide them opportunities to serve as nuclear-trained sailors. Additionally, Navy veterans can request their contact information be provided to commercial industry recruiters allowing former sailors more opportunities to use their hard-earned skills after they decide to leave the Navy. Both of these are right for the Navy and the nation.
- Steve Trautman, the deputy director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program
Click here to read more about the nuclear industry's partnership with the Navy.
Mutually Beneficial Partnerships
The nuclear industry works with a variety of community partners from the Navy to local school teachers to the Audubon Society. These partnerships are successful because they are mutually beneficial for those involved. Each partnership involves give and take on both sides, but the end result is the achievement of everyone's goals.