New Bechtel Nuclear Energy Workforce Development Fund will support student learning, workforce partnerships and the Molinaroli College’s Nuclear Innovation Center.
The University of South Carolina’s Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing is expanding its work to prepare South Carolinians for the growing nuclear-energy sector through a new partnership with Bechtel.
Bechtel’s investment establishes the Bechtel Nuclear Energy Workforce Development Fund, which will support nuclear education, research, innovation and workforce-development efforts at the college. The partnership will connect the university with industry, technical colleges, building-trades partners and other workforce leaders to create clearer pathways into the wide range of careers needed to build, operate and maintain nuclear energy infrastructure.
“South Carolina has the talent, experience and supporting infrastructure to play an important role in America’s nuclear future,” said Dena Volovar, president of Bechtel’s Nuclear, Security & Environmental business. “Bechtel is proud to partner with the University of South Carolina because of its ability to bring together industry, educators and workforce partners. This kind of collaboration is essential to building the talent pipeline required for the next generation of nuclear projects.”
For the Molinaroli College, the fund represents an important investment in a workforce ecosystem that reaches beyond engineering classrooms. It will help support experiential learning and workforce-development programs that introduce students and trainees to opportunities in engineering, project management and the skilled trade professions essential to the nuclear industry.
It also will draw on Bechtel’s more than 70 years of nuclear experience to help develop curriculum and training materials for skilled trades professionals pursuing careers in nuclear construction.
“The future of nuclear energy in South Carolina depends on a workforce ecosystem that prepares people for the full range of careers this industry will require,” said Hossein Haj-Hariri, dean of the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing. “Bechtel’s investment will help us strengthen partnerships among industry, technical colleges, the skilled trades and the university, creating more opportunities for South Carolinians to contribute to this important sector.”
Building a statewide workforce network
South Carolina’s nuclear future will require professionals across disciplines and educational pathways – from engineers and researchers to electricians, welders, construction professionals, operators and project managers. Through the new partnership, USC will work with Bechtel and statewide partners to help create a more connected system for preparing that workforce.
Dr. Tim Hardee, president of the South Carolina Technical College System, said the partnership will help create meaningful career pathways for people across the state.
“South Carolina’s nuclear energy future depends on a highly skilled workforce ready to support every stage of this industry, from construction and operations to advanced technical roles,” Hardee said. “The SC Technical College System is proud to partner with Bechtel, the Nuclear Innovation Center, our colleges, industry and higher education partners to create pathways that prepare South Carolinians for meaningful careers in this growing sector.”
Supporting USC’s Nuclear Innovation Center vision
The partnership also supports the Molinaroli College’s proposed Nuclear Innovation Center, a major initiative within the college’s emerging Engineering District. The center is envisioned as a place where education, research, industry and workforce-development partners can come together to help South Carolina meet the opportunities ahead in nuclear energy.
By connecting students, faculty, technical colleges, skilled-trades organizations and employers, the center would help USC serve as a hub for developing the talent and ideas needed to support the state’s nuclear future.
Columbia Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann said the partnership brings together the partners needed to recruit and train the next generation of nuclear professionals.
“The partnership between the University of South Carolina and Bechtel Corporation will bring together industry, building trades and education to recruit and train America’s future nuclear leaders,” Rickenmann said. “We are working together to develop the workforce ecosystem needed to capture the economic opportunities ahead and advance career prospects in the city.”