New Initiatives to Develop the Plasma and Fusion Energy Workforce
Abstract
As the US moves closer to a burning plasma device, the demand for a technical workforce in plasma physics and fusion energy is growing. In response, PPPL has created three engineering- and technician-focused training programs in 2019 that will develop and train future generations. These include a 10-week Engineering Undergraduate Internship, a 2-Year Engineering Rotational Program, and the 4-Year technical Apprenticeship. The Engineering Rotational Program consists of four six-months rotations to grow technical expertise in areas such as technology development, analysis and design, fabrication, installation, and experimental operation. The technical Apprenticeship is a federally certified program, in partnership with the State of New Jersey, consisting of 4 years of on-the-job training and nearly 600 hours of formal instruction. Upon completion, apprentices will be highly skilled and well-qualified fusion energy-relevant technicians. These new programs will develop pipelines of talent in the plasma and fusion energy workforce in areas critical to bringing the science of fusion to practical reality.
- Publication:
-
APS Division of Plasma Physics Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- 2019
- Bibcode:
- 2019APS..DPPJ10004G