Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) will hold a public workshop aimed at workforce development and education in the state’s emerging advanced nuclear energy sector. Scheduled for late July, the event marks the fourth in a series designed to engage stakeholders and inform policy surrounding new nuclear energy capacity.
The workshop will highlight workforce and economic opportunities tied to cutting-edge nuclear technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), microreactors, and fusion machines. It features a keynote address by Philip Jordan, CEO of BW Research Partnership, who will present on national workforce trends in advanced nuclear energy. A panel of experts from higher education, labor, industry, and economic development will follow, exploring strategic paths for building a skilled nuclear workforce in Connecticut.
Connecticut recently enacted Public Act 26-46, which acknowledges the critical role of workforce development for advancing nuclear energy technologies. The law assigns the Connecticut Council for Advancing Nuclear Energy Development the task to study workforce needs, educational pathways, and strategies to secure qualified personnel for future nuclear projects.
DEEP’s educational and engagement efforts come as states across the U.S. pursue advanced nuclear solutions to meet increasing energy demands while reducing carbon emissions. Connecticut stands out due to its established nuclear workforce, existing maritime and manufacturing nuclear industries, and robust higher education and skilled trade programs. The state also has a longstanding history in commercial nuclear energy and naval nuclear propulsion sectors, positioning it favorably to lead regional nuclear innovation.
The series of DEEP workshops aims to provide municipalities and policymakers with crucial information on the complexities and opportunities of hosting new nuclear facilities. The conversations focus on workforce readiness, community impacts, and economic development possibilities tied to advanced nuclear technologies.
DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes emphasized the dual benefits of advanced nuclear energy in providing reliable, carbon-free power and generating jobs for Connecticut’s residents and businesses. The upcoming workshop is part of a wider effort to ensure that education and workforce training align with the needs of a growing nuclear sector in the state, helping to foster sustainable economic growth alongside clean energy expansion.