Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Emirates Nuclear Energy Company has launched a graduate reactor operators programme.
The program aims to develop the next Emirati generation of nuclear energy sector leaders. It continues its commitment to investing in the new generation of Emirati expertise that will lead this sector in the country.
The Reactor Operators Graduate Program is designed for outstanding Emirati students. These students hold bachelor’s degrees in engineering disciplines such as electrical, mechanical, nuclear, and others.
The program provides a unique opportunity to gain comprehensive scientific knowledge. Additionally, candidates receive essential practical and operational experience. This leads to rewarding career opportunities in the fields of operating and managing nuclear power plants.
Candidates will begin their careers with practical training as field operators at Barakah nuclear power plants. They will gain extensive knowledge of the plant’s operating systems.
After three years, reactor operators who have proven their excellence will move on to training as reactor operation managers.
This is a key role responsible for the safe operation of reactors, along with maintenance and testing of plant systems.
Strategic investment
His Excellency Mohammed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and CEO of Emirates Nuclear Energy Company, said that the Reactor Operators Program for Graduates is a strategic investment in Emirati competencies. The company continues developing these competencies in the clean energy sector. By empowering current generations of graduates, it ensures Barakah nuclear power plants operate according to the highest local and international standards. These standards are related to safety, security, and efficiency.
He added that the role of nuclear energy is not limited to ensuring energy security and sustainability alone. It has developed an entirely new sector that provides rewarding jobs for at least 100 years. This contributes to ensuring job security for Emirati competencies for decades to come.
The Reactor Operators Graduate Program is one of the latest of many education and training initiatives. Emirates Nuclear Energy Company has launched these since its founding. It ensures the development of qualified and specialized Emirati competencies to ensure the safe operation of Barakah stations for more than 60 years.
The program complements the company’s existing graduate development program. This provides Emirati graduates with 12 to 30 months of structured education in a work environment. Whether in technical or basic support positions in Barakah, the admission criteria for both programs are consistent.
Since its establishment, more than a thousand Emiratis have benefited from the range of programs launched by the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company. These include scholarships, a training-for-work program, a graduate development program, a nuclear technology diploma, and an internship program.
The training facilities at the Barakah plants are the most modern in the world. They have contributed to more than 70 Emirati competencies obtaining a license from the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulatory as managers and operators of nuclear reactors. These individuals form the backbone of the operating teams at the plants, whose number exceeds 190 reactor operators. This highlights the UAE’s success in developing Emirati expertise in the nuclear energy sector.
Emirati graduates interested in applying to the Reactor Operators Program or learning more about opportunities can visit the website www.enec.gov.ae/careers.
