Tennessee Board of Regents to host Oct. 28 Nuclear Workforce Summit in Oak Ridge

TBR - The College System of Tennessee has announced a Nuclear Workforce Summit will be held on Oct. 28, 2025, on the Oak Ridge Campus of Roane State Community College. This event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It will provide an opportunity for attendees to learn more about the ongoing nuclear renaissance in Tennessee.

“The development of a robust nuclear workforce to fill the highly skilled jobs available in our state is essential in solidifying Tennessee’s status as a national nuclear industry leader,” said Chancellor Flora W. Tydings. “Our Nuclear Workforce Summit, in partnership with Roane State Community College, will help identify opportunities and resources to prioritize workforce development in this specialized industry sector. This will ensure we are prepared to address immediate, emerging and long-term needs of nuclear companies looking to establish their operations here.”

Attendees will hear from industry leaders during a panel discussion at the event. They will also learn more about industry issues, including how nuclear energy organizational structures impact workforce planning, artificial intelligence and its role in the industry and current College System programs in place to enhance workforce development in this emerging sector.

“Each of the nuclear related companies coming to Tennessee are keenly aware that their shared success is highly dependent on a trained workforce both now and in the coming years,” said Omega Technical Services President & CEO Bill Tindal. "The College System of Tennessee is an essential component of that success.”

The nuclear industry is one of four major workforce development priorities for the College System in 2026. Currently, TBR supports workforce development in the emerging nuclear industry through various programs. Chattanooga State and Roane State offer nuclear technology, while Pellissippi State has added a chemical radiation technology program. Roane State is also cross-training more than 100 Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) students in nuclear energy, the fuel cycle, radiation measurements, safety and other career opportunities through its introduction to nuclear technology program.

“The nuclear renaissance provides an extraordinary opportunity for our state and our nation. Tennessee is the epicenter of this activity, and the College System of Tennessee — through its 36 community and technical colleges—stands ready to support this effort across the state,” said Tennessee Board of Regents Nuclear Workforce Lead Strategist Teresa S. Duncan.

TCAT campuses also strengthen the state’s nuclear workforce through programs that include construction, machining, trucking and welding. These programs all support the construction and operation of current and future nuclear facilities in Tennessee.

For more information on the College System’s initiatives that prepare students to build careers in nuclear energy and other high-demand fields, visit tbr.edu.