European Nuclear Society
e-news Issue 31 Winter 2011
http://www.euronuclear.org/e-news/e-news-31/areva.htm

AREVA TRAINING ACTIVITIES

The nuclear industry is facing two major challenges: an ageing workforce and rapid growth. Ranked number one in the global nuclear power industry, AREVA provides all related skills enhancement and training solutions for its partners and customers, both in France and in the rest of the world. These are based upon optimum safety levels, as well as on the experience and know-how developed by the Group for its own training requirements.

Major institutions in France (e.g. universities, INSTN – the national institute for nuclear technology- etc.) provide the education, required at various levels, by staff working in the nuclear industry. AREVA is involved in defining programmes, contributing lecturers, offering internships and, in general, presenting the industry’s viewpoint. One example is the creation of the International Master's degree in Nuclear Energy, run by a consortium of several academic institutions in France (Université Paris-Sud 11, ParisTech, Supélec, Ecole Centrale Paris, INSTN) with the support of major industrial companies (AREVA, EDF, GDF-SUEZ).

AREVA also participates in ENELA (European Nuclear Energy Leaders Academy) with other industrial actors, such as Urenco, Axpo, EnBW, E.ON and Vattenfall and with the support of the European Commission. The objective is to train post-graduates and high potential employees with different backgrounds to become leaders in joint European nuclear ventures and institutions, and to facilitate a dialogue with industrial and non-industrial stakeholders.

As a project progresses through the various industrial phases, AREVA’s training role increases in parallel with the technological content. Industrial training is provided by AREVA at a dozen training centres in Europe and in the USA. Around 600 courses are currently on offer, with 100 trainers and several thousand students participating every year. All teaching methods are used, including e-learning, classroom sessions, simulations and experimental reactor training, fact-finding missions and visits to operating nuclear facilities and specific internships. AREVA is also able to set up and manage turnkey training centres.

Courses are available to all the Group’s partners and stakeholders, i.e. government authorities, technical support organisations (IRSN, TÜV, etc), engineering & manufacturing companies (design & construction, decommissioning), utilities (operation, maintenance), uranium cycle plants (operation, maintenance) and suppliers.

The courses cover all stages of a nuclear programme and can meet the needs of both newcomers and current actors in the nuclear field. They focus not only on scientific and technical subjects, but also on project management, with specific programmes covering the entire lifecycle of a nuclear facility:

• Introduction to nuclear energy

• Supplier excellence

• Nuclear project management

• Nuclear safety skills

• Design, operation, maintenance and decommissioning of nuclear facilities

For more information consult:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
www.areva.com
AREVA Training Department
contact:
serge.runge@areva.com

© European Nuclear Society, 2011