A number of regulatory authorities took part in the expert conference from 1 to 5 July in Vienna. The aim of the event was to provide an overview of global developments in knowledge management and human resources development in the nuclear sector. This was a hands-on event, with participants receiving specific tools of practical benefit. The regulatory authorities will be able to apply these at an organisational, national and international level in order to develop and maintain their human resources in the areas of nuclear safety and security. At the same time, some latest technological developments, such as artificial intelligence and translation tools were also presented.

Marc Kenzelmann, Director General of the Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate ENSI, said, “As a regulatory authority, ENSI has a vested interest in ensuring that there are sufficient and well-qualified personnel both in the regulated parties and, of course, also working in the regulatory function itself. Skills retention and development are absolutely essential for the safety of nuclear installations, and, for our top priority, the protection of people and the environment against radiation exposure.”

Important measures implemented

“We too at ENSI are fully aware of the generational shift, which is accompanied by increased competition in the labour market and a shortage of skilled workers,” stated Tamara Garny, member of ENSI’s Executive Board and Director of the Resources Division. The shortage of skilled workers is primarily a problem in the STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

“The event showed that ENSI is on the right track in that we have, for example, introduced tandem partnering positions, to ensure that knowledge is transferred, while in human resources development the focus is on technical and regulatory issues as well as leadership and social skills. For us it is important to be an attractive employer offering long-term perspectives and corresponding framework conditions. We are pleased that the conference also addressed the role of women in technical professions and, more generally, the attractiveness of the nuclear sector to young people of whatever gender who are setting out on their careers.”

• Skills retention: Focus of the ENSI Board and recommendation of an IAEA mission

  As Swiss nuclear power plants continue to contribute an important proportion of the national energy supply, the safe long-term operation is increasingly becoming the focus of ENSI’s regulatory activities. In its service mandate ENSI’s internal supervisory body, the ENSI Board, defined skills retention in the nuclear industry as a strategic focus for the period 2024 to 2027.

  The ENSI Board and the ENSI Executive Board are expected to provide employees with tools that will ensure that there continues to be sufficient numbers of well-qualified personnel. This includes a modern and forward-looking HR policy. In doing so, ENSI ensures the long-term maintenance of skills and competencies and fosters the development, motivation and flexibility of its employees so that they can adapt to and tackle new tasks. ENSI also ensures that work commitments are not to the detriment of family life, and facilitates gender equality and diversity within the organisation.

  The IAEA team of experts identified this as a useful strategic objective during the Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) of October 2021 in Switzerland. And further: The Swiss government should evaluate the need for expertise and take measures to ensure the safety of the currently operating nuclear installations, the nuclear installations undergoing decommissioning and the disposal of radioactive waste in deep geological repositories. ENSI is currently planning to implement the IAEA recommendation in its “Action Plan for the Implementation of IRRS Recommendations from 2021” in conjunction with the other relevant bodies.