Proposed Methodology for Developing a National Strategy for Human Resource Development: Lessons Learned from a NNSA Workshop

This paper describes a recent Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) workshop on Human Resource Development (HRD), which focused on assisting participants from emerging nuclear states develop the essential elements of a National Human Resource strategy for nuclear power. The need to develop a cadre of skilled professionals capable of implementing a nuclear power program has been singled out as a key milestone by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in its 2007 Milestones in the Development of a National Infrastructure for Nuclear Power document. A number of countries considering nuclear energy have reiterated that HRD is a major need and priority but many have expressed concerns over assuring the long-term availability of crucial human resources, initiating the workforce planning process, and determining the key elements of developing a national strategy. This paper will describe the methodology for developing human resources presented during the NNSA workshop and present lessons learned and recommendations for future workshops.