Recent trends show that the nuclear industry is poised for
expansion for the first time in decades. The greatest expansion
is seen in Asia. Out of 15 new nuclear power plants connected to
the grid during the period 2000-2002, 12 are in Asia. In 2002,
all new nuclear plant construction was in Asia. Besides energy
generation, nuclear technology has an important role in meeting
basic human needs - clean water, modern health care and food
security. The expansion in the nuclear industry requires a
sustainable, qualified and experienced workforce to ensure a
high level of safety and performance as well as the next
generation of innovative technologies. Even where no expansion
is foreseen, it is vital that steps are taken to prevent the
loss of accumulated knowledge to ensure that the operation of
existing nuclear facilities meets the highest safety
requirements and to prepare for decommissioning activities.
Ageing of the nuclear workforce in many countries has prompted
the nuclear community to initiate various prog