Framatome, a nuclear energy company, will invest $400,000 over four years to relaunch its Nuclear Technology Academy in collaboration with Central Virginia Community College to educate students to become nuclear technicians. The program offers students an associate of applied science degree in nuclear technology with a mechatronics track, and they will split their time between the classroom and working at Framatome while earning full-time pay with benefits. The program was previously restricted to current Framatome employees but is now open to all students. Framatome expects the demand for skilled nuclear technicians to increase to meet US and international energy needs.
In light of the recent report by Cardinal News, Framatome, a nuclear energy company, is investing $400,000 over four years to relaunch its Nuclear Technology Academy in collaboration with Central Virginia Community College. The program aims to educate students to become nuclear technicians and offers an associate of applied science degree in nuclear technology with a mechatronics track. Students will split their time between the classroom and working at Framatome while earning full-time pay with benefits.
The Framatome Nuclear Technology Academy has been in operation since its launch in 2004, but it was previously restricted to current Framatome employees. The program is now open to all students, In light of the recent report by CVCC President John Capps. The program has been reworked to better balance students’ classroom time and on-the-job time, offer students more competitive pay, and provide graduates with opportunities for full-time jobs at Framatome.
Craig Ranson, Senior Vice President of the Installed Base Business Unit at Framatome, said at a news conference announcing the relaunched program that “these students have the opportunity to come out completely debt-free with a job. And that’s awesome.”
Framatome, formerly known as Areva, is a France-based company that employs more than 16,000 people worldwide, including 1,320 in Lynchburg, the site of its North American headquarters. The company designs and maintains large nuclear reactors, providing control systems and other equipment, fuel, and maintenance services. Its current projects include building the two European pressurized water reactors for the 3,200-megawatt Hinkley Point C nuclear power station under construction in Somerset, England.
Framatome says it modernized its program with CVCC because it expects the demand for skilled nuclear technicians to increase to meet U.S. and international energy needs. Katherine Williams, Framatome’s Chief Financial Officer, who will become its CEO on July 1, said the nuclear industry offers “tremendous opportunities.”
“We are giving young people the opportunity to make a difference, to help us keep the lights on, to help us help North America grow, and even internationally,” Williams said. “We have the technology. We simply need the workforce, the res, people who are committed and are willing to…”
The relaunch of the Nuclear Technology Academy is a significant step towards addressing the growing demand for skilled nuclear technicians. With the support of Framatome, students will have access to quality education and on-the-job training, which will prepare them for a successful career in the nuclear industry. The program’s emphasis on providing students with competitive pay and opportunities for full-time jobs at Framatome is particularly noteworthy and will help alleviate the financial burden of pursuing higher education. The relaunched program is a win-win for both Framatome and students, and it will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of the nuclear industry.
