The Prime Minister has approved a VND3trillion project to train and develop human resources for the atomic energy field from now until 2020.

The project aims to provide a sufficient, high-quality workforce for the atomic power sector and meet demands for the safe and secure application of atomic energy in socio-economic fields as well as science and technology.

From until 2015, Vietnam will plan and upgrade tertiary education centres that provide training for the atomic power sector, with an initial focus on six schools: the Science Colleges under Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City National Universities, Hanoi Polytechnic, Da Lat University, the Electricity Power College, and the Nuclear Training Centre under the Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute.

In addition, the country will reform the curricula, course books and policies for teaching nuclear science. A target has been set to recruit at least 250 undergraduates each year for this major.

Under the project, by 2020, Vietnam will have sufficient human resources to manage and apply atomic energy safely and securely. The country will then be able to receive nuclear technology transfers and operate and maintain nuclear power plants.

By the time Vietnam will have trained 2,400 nuclear engineers, and 350 masters and PhDs for operating nuclear power plants, with 200 engineers, 150 masters and doctors being trained abroad. In terms of research, application and safety in this industry, the country will have trained a total of 650 engineers, and 250 masters and PhDs. Vietnam will also train another 100 masters and PhDs to teach nuclear energy at educational institutions.

A National Steering Committee will be set up to implement this project, led by a Deputy Prime Minister with the Minister of Education and Training as its permanent Vice Head.

Thuy Hang