Vietnam speeds up recruitment of skilled staff for nuclear power sector

Vietnam is speeding up recruitment of skilled professionals for the nuclear power sector as it prepares to start construction of the country's first nuclear power plant early next year, according to the Ministry of Science and Technology (MST) on Wednesday.

At the ministry's on-going workshop, MST's Deputy Minister Le Dinh Tien urged cooperation and experience sharing from the International Atomic Energy Agency and foreign countries to help Vietnam iron out its comprehensive human resource development plan and road map.

According to MST, in 2010, the Vietnamese government approved a project worth 3 trillion VND (143 million U.S. dollars) to develop human resources in the nuclear sector.

Under the project, by 2015 seven educational institutions will be upgraded to provide human resources for the sector. Training programs related to policy making and management for nuclear power projects are set to ensure enrolment of at least 250 students each year.

By 2020, the country aims to have around 2,400 engineers, 350 master's degree holders and doctors with working experience in nuclear power plants. Another 650 trained engineers and 250 master 's degree holders and doctors are capable of promoting activities of studying, applying and ensuring nuclear safety. In addition, about 500 managers and staff will be sent abroad for intensive experience accumulation in the field.

Vietnam released the Master Plan for National Power Development for the 2011-2020 periods with a vision to 2030. Under which, the first two nuclear power plants in central Ninh Thuan province will be operational in 2020 and estimated to generate 2,000 MW per year.

By 2050, the country expects to generate nuclear power accounting for 20-25 percent of its total energy consumption, according to the ministry.