Apply Now: European Nuclear Skills Initiative

Focus Areas, establishment of a European Nuclear Skills Academy, standardised curricula across vocational and academic levels, recognition of learning outcomes across Member States, targeted training programmes for Small Modular Reactors and advanced reactors, strengthening regulatory expertise for safety assessment and licensing, mobility schemes for critical nuclear professions, addressing nuclear skills shortages, development of nuclear workforce across all sub-sectors, alignment with EU nuclear policy frameworks, talent attraction, development and retention, support for future Net Zero Industry Academy, coordinated EU-wide nuclear skills strategy, capacity building in nuclear construction, engineering, operations and regulation.

Funding for the initiative is approximately €1,600,000, supporting the development and implementation of actions that contribute to the establishment of the European Nuclear Skills Academy and related activities.

The initiative is designed to complement and expand ongoing efforts in the nuclear skills domain by creating a unified and strategic approach to education and training across the European Union. A key component is the design and implementation of a European Nuclear Skills Academy that aligns training standards and promotes consistency in qualifications across different education levels.

The programme emphasizes the importance of launching targeted training programmes that build on existing initiatives, particularly in critical and emerging areas such as Small Modular Reactors and advanced nuclear technologies. It also seeks to strengthen the capabilities of national regulatory authorities by developing specialised expertise required for independent safety assessments and efficient licensing processes.

Another important aspect of the initiative is enhancing mobility opportunities for professionals in critical nuclear roles. By complementing existing mobility schemes, the programme aims to create tailored actions that address the specific needs of both industry and regulatory bodies, while generating best practices for future large-scale initiatives.

The broader scope of the initiative reflects the growing demand for skilled professionals across the nuclear sector, including construction workers, technicians, engineers, scientists, operators, and regulatory staff. It responds to the urgent need for coordinated action at the European level to address workforce shortages and ensure the safe and efficient implementation of nuclear energy plans.

The programme also aligns with wider European policy priorities, supporting long-term goals related to nuclear energy development, safety, and sustainability. It is intended to serve as a foundational step toward future initiatives, including potential contributions to a Net Zero Industry Academy and other EU-wide skills strategies.

Eligibility is open to any legal entity, including individuals, organisations, and institutions from EU Member States, non-associated third countries, and international organisations, provided they meet the conditions set out under the Horizon Europe framework and related regulations.

For more information, visit European Commission.