Vietnam's Nuclear Ambitions and Workforce Challenges

As Vietnam embarks on reviving its nuclear power program, the country faces a significant challenge: a shortage of skilled workers. According to Ly Quoc Hung, director of the Department of Science and Technology, a typical nuclear power plant with two reactors requires between 600 to 1,200 personnel. Additionally, 350 experts in nuclear development and regulations are needed to support the program's revival.

Strategic Planning for Human Resource Development

The National Assembly's approval last November to revive the nuclear program, eight years after its cancellation, underscores the government's commitment to diversifying energy sources and ensuring energy security. However, the lack of qualified personnel, particularly in the fields of nuclear science and technology, poses a significant hurdle. The Department of Science and Technology's report highlights the limited number of professors and outdated facilities as critical issues.

International Training and Future Directions

In 2010, as part of the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project, Vietnam planned to train 2,400 engineers and 350 master’s and doctoral graduates in nuclear power, with 13% of them receiving overseas training. Despite sending 55 Vietnam Electricity engineers to Russia and Japan for training, most have left the state-owned company or shifted to other areas after the program's suspension in 2016. Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien emphasizes the importance of proactive planning to develop the necessary scientific, technological, and technical personnel, not just for the nuclear program but for building a nuclear power ecosystem and technology for the future.

Government's Commitment to Overcoming Challenges

Minister Dien has directed relevant agencies to formulate plans to meet personnel requirements and establish specialized training programs by the first quarter of 2025. The collaboration between the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Education and Training aims to create standardized training programs for nuclear power personnel, highlighting the government's commitment to overcoming the workforce shortage and ensuring the success of Vietnam's nuclear power revival.