NRC, nuclear industry mull personnel lack

[jpak]

http://www.reformer.com/ci_11433336

BRATTLEBORO -- Are there enough qualified people to keep Vermont Yankee operating until 2032?

Or what about any of the other 103 commercial reactors in the United States?

Across the industry, personnel shortages could lead to the loss of institutional knowledge and years of experience. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Nuclear Energy Institute are helping to bridge the gap between supply and demand for qualified nuclear engineers and other nuclear industry employees.

"Both industry and the NRC are feeling the effects of the aging nuclear workforce," said NRC Chairman Dale Klein. "This fact, and the corresponding loss of experienced people, are happening right at the time that industry is prepared to grow."

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