#USA #Columbia #Bechtel #USC #Nuclear Energy

Bechtel Partners with USC for Nuclear Workforce Development

COLUMBIA, S.C. — In a significant step towards strengthening South Carolina's nuclear workforce, Bechtel and the University of South Carolina’s Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing have announced a groundbreaking partnership. This collaboration focuses on enhancing education and workforce development in the nuclear sector and is bolstered by the creation of the Bechtel Nuclear Energy Workforce Development Fund.

This fund is aimed at bridging the gap between education and the nuclear industry. It provides vital support for experiential learning and workforce development programs that prepare students and trainees for diverse careers in the nuclear field, including engineering, project management, and skilled trades, which are essential for constructing, operating, and maintaining nuclear energy infrastructures.

Bechtel, a leader with over 70 years of experience in nuclear energy, will contribute its vast expertise to help develop specialized curricula and training materials geared towards equipping skilled trades professionals for careers in nuclear construction. Moreover, the fund will facilitate collaboration among Bechtel, the University of South Carolina, technical colleges, building trades partners, and other key workforce leaders across the state.

Dena Volovar, President of Bechtel’s Nuclear, Security, and Environmental business, commented, "South Carolina has the talent and infrastructure necessary to play a crucial role in America’s nuclear future. Our partnership with USC is pivotal in bringing together industry professionals and educational experts, essential for developing the talent pipeline needed for upcoming nuclear projects.”

The initiative also aligns with the Molinaroli College's vision of establishing a Nuclear Innovation Center. This center aims to consolidate education, research, industry partnerships, and workforce development to ensure South Carolina capitalizes on future opportunities in nuclear energy.

“Creating a workforce ecosystem that effectively prepares individuals for diverse careers in the nuclear industry is critical,” stated Hossein Haj-Hariri, Dean of the Molinaroli College. “Bechtel’s investment will significantly enhance our collaboration with industry stakeholders, technical colleges, and skilled trades, thereby generating more opportunities for South Carolinians to engage in this vital sector.”

The collaboration between Bechtel and USC is also receiving robust support from various state leaders. Dr. Tim Hardee, President of the SC Technical College System, emphasized the need for a skilled workforce to sustain South Carolina's nuclear energy sector. He highlighted the commitment of the Technical College System to prepare South Carolinians for substantive careers by partnering with Bechtel, the Nuclear Innovation Center, and other educational and industry entities.

Columbia Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann praised the initiative's potential to not only maintain but also enhance South Carolina's status as a leading nuclear power producer. He expressed pride in the partnership's capacity to unite industry, construction trades, and education to cultivate the future leaders in nuclear energy.

Ethel Bunch, founder of the Palmetto Nuclear Coalition, noted the transformative potential of connecting industry leaders with educational institutions to establish pathways into lucrative careers, thereby solidifying South Carolina’s position in the nuclear economy.

Bechtel’s extensive experience in the nuclear sector includes designing and constructing over 150 nuclear plants worldwide and bringing more than 76,000 megawatts of power online. The company's expertise ranges from pioneering the first power-generating reactor to managing current projects, including three AP1000 reactors for Poland’s inaugural nuclear power facility. By applying advanced digital construction tools, AI-driven planning, and modernized work processes, Bechtel is setting the foundation for executing future nuclear projects efficiently and safely.

The company's commitment to enhancing the skilled trades workforce is also evidenced by a recent memorandum with North America's Building Trades Unions to revamp nuclear construction apprenticeships. Together, they are identifying essential craft skills, updating training curricula, and broadening recruitment efforts into the expanding nuclear construction sector.

The partnership between Bechtel and USC exemplifies a pivotal investment in South Carolina’s nuclear workforce development with far-reaching implications for both local communities and the national energy landscape.

About the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing

The Molinaroli College at the University of South Carolina is dedicated to preparing students to tackle complex challenges through education and collaboration with industry partners. The college is actively enhancing its role in nuclear engineering and workforce development to strengthen South Carolina’s energy future.

About Bechtel

Established in 1898, Bechtel is a globally recognized engineering, construction, procurement, and project management firm. It is committed to delivering successful outcomes through the quality and dedication of its workforce while contributing positively to communities worldwide. Bechtel is engaged in a wide spectrum of markets, including Energy, Infrastructure, and Nuclear sectors. More information is available at www.bechtel.com.