Eskom is training 100 artisans as future nuclear operators under its Nuclear Project 100.

According to Minister of Public Enterprises Lynne Brown, Nuclear Project 100 will provide a platform for developing a robust nuclear operator pipeline for South Africa.

The programme, spanning five years, aims to build a path to ensure that there are sufficient local nuclear resources to service the country’s present and future nuclear needs.

After the five-year period, trainees will qualify as nuclear plant operators or will enter related career equivalents.

“This programme allows our youth to train in a field not typically common in the engineering profession in South Africa. It influences us to ramp up our training programmes and to build up the operator pipeline, which is vital to the running of a nuclear programme,” said Brown.

The training is conducted in three waves. Each focuses on a non-licensed training programme and exposure to operating areas such as fire risk management, maintenance, inspection and testing, and chemical plant operations.

According to the minister, it is inspiring that approximately 95% of students are 35 years and younger, and about 40% are black females from various parts of the country.

“To the 100 artisans, I congratulate you on your achievement. You represent the youth of today, but, more so, you represent our future. We have awarded you an opportunity to stand out and make a difference. Teach others who come after you, for only through sharing can we empower one another,” said Brown.

 

Other nuclear training opportunities

“I was pleased to learn that Koeberg nuclear plant is one of the few nuclear power stations outside of the United States of America whose training programme is accredited with the National Academy of Nuclear Training, ensuring that our training is both current and world class,” said Brown.

Koeberg also offers various other training programmes, from maintenance training to licensed nuclear plant operator training.

With two full-scale control room simulators, Koeberg is geared to train reactor operators in this field. An in-house chemistry plant operator and radiation protection monitor training programme is also unique to Koeberg.

Eskom has also developed internationally acknowledged nuclear leadership development programmes for managers and supervisors and has undertaken training both locally and internationally for nuclear operators.

Universities also play their part in addressing gaps in the nuclear industry, added Brown. The North-West University in Potchefstroom offers postgraduate studies in nuclear engineering.

Eskom is in partnership with local universities who have developed two unique master’s programmes, set up initially for Eskom staff, at the University of Cape Town (Master’s in Nuclear Engineering) and Wits University (Master’s in Nuclear Technology Leadership). These courses are now also being taken up by learners outside of Eskom.

In addition, Eskom is collaborating with industry partners such as NECSA on nuclear-industry-offered training and development opportunities.