The possibility of creating a training system for qualified specialists in support of new products of Rosatom based on the unique experience of advanced training of personnel for foreign nuclear power plants at the Atomexpo-2022 site was discussed by the participants of the round table "Creating Human Resources for Advanced Nuclear Technologies".

The event was attended by heads of departments, divisions and enterprises of Rosatom State Corporation, representatives of the IAEA, ambassadors and heads of ministries and operating organizations of partner countries, members of the Federation Council and the State Duma of the Russian Federation, leading Russian universities, representatives of new businesses in the industry. Mikhail Chudakov, director of the IAEA Department of Nuclear Energy, emphasized in his address to the meeting participants that being the center of cooperation with four IAEA departments, the Rosatom Technical Academy has unique technical competencies in the sphere of nuclear energy, nuclear sciences and applications, nuclear security and safeguards.

“The education of our specialists is the most important aspect. There are many programs that are being implemented in the sphere of personnel and professional development. We also have good connections with neighboring countries, nuclear agencies and structures in these countries in order to provide support as part of this formation,” said Mikhail Chudakov.

The speaker also recalled that in 2024, under the auspices of cooperation between the Russian Federation and the IAEA, Moscow will host an international forum-conference dedicated to personnel training and development in the sphere of personnel management.

Gennady Sklyar, deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on Industry and Trade, told the round table participants about the support of the nuclear industry by the Government of the Russian Federation. He noted that serious funds are allocated for state programs designed to make Russia a leader in the development of nuclear technologies, space activities, electronics and shipbuilding. Today the main task is to provide all these areas with highly qualified personnel.

“When the Rosatom Technical Academy receives specialists from a dozen countries where new nuclear facilities are being built, I think this is a serious bridge to discuss new plans for expanding cooperation and new models with our foreign partners,” Gennady Sklyar said.

The intentions of the Republic of Ghana to include the atom in the country's energy balance were reminded by the assistant researcher of the Atomic Energy Commission, participant of the "Ambassadors of Rosatom" project Paul Atta Amoah. “We know that we need to learn from those who have already passed this way and who can share their accumulated knowledge. Today, excellent Russian specialists, graduates of various institutions, are working with us, who share their experience and allow us to take a fresh look at the prospects,” said the representative of Ghana.

Anton Dyachenko, a member of the IAEA working group on personnel training, spoke about work in the sphere of human resources development: “Sufficiently successful projects are being implemented at the Technical Academy, depending on one or another facility for which it is necessary to train personnel. For example, training courses for personnel training for floating nuclear infrastructure facilities have been launched, and we are preparing personnel to work on the relevant equipment. We see the need for professionals at a particular facility, we plan how many personnel need to be trained.”

According to Dmitry Gasten, director of the HR Department of Rosatom State Corporation, the main principles on which the approaches to attracting and developing employees are based on continuity. “As you know, a number of projects on innovative types of reactors are being implemented today. We take as a basis the training and recruitment programs that we already have, adjust them in terms of the requirements of the regulator and expert opinion. This approach is very consistent and allows one to achieve reliable results in terms of changes,” explained Dmitry Gasten.

The key aspects of development as part of international cooperation were shared with the participants of the round table by Tatyana Akyn, assistant project manager for nuclear rnergy NYUKSAK PPA (Turkey):

“A government agreement was concluded between Russia and Turkey on the construction of a nuclear reactor. We have organized companies that will provide a management system for nuclear facilities, conduct training, research and survey of steel structures, provide various consultations, services in the sphere of auxiliary work in the construction of a reactor and nuclear power plant. We cooperate with the Technical Academy of Rosatom, whose representatives visited this year the ASO Technical College. We also provide our managers with training on the system of the Technical Academy in the sphere of procurement and conduct trainings on nuclear safety. We would not have succeeded without cooperation and exchange of experience.”