U.T., ROANE STATE, AND T.C.A.T. PARTNER TO BUILD NUCLEAR WORKFORCE PIPELINE
Tennessee is emerging as a hub for nuclear energy, with over 230 nuclear companies operating in the state, many planning major construction projects, amid a projected national need for 236,000 workers by 2035 to support advanced reactors.
To address this growing demand for skilled labor, a groundbreaking partnership between the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Roane State Community College; and the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCAT) is creating seamless, stackable educational pathways that combine academic rigor with hands-on training for students and professionals entering or advancing in the nuclear field.
Central to this initiative are two pilot programs: a three-day, 15-hour introductory course offered at TCAT campuses, which has already trained over 100 students in nuclear fundamentals using portable labs and real-world simulations, resulting in early employment successes; and a weeklong, 30-hour program at Roane State for working professionals, featuring expert instruction and advanced lab facilities, including a reactor simulator.
These programs emphasize safety, precision, and practical skills, with stackable credentials allowing learners to progress from technical certifications to associate degrees and beyond.
Leaders highlight the collaboration’s role in breaking down educational silos and positioning Tennessee as a national model for nuclear workforce development, with plans to expand offerings to more campuses, high schools, and professionals to sustain the industry’s long-term growth and meet critical national needs.
