To sustain and enhance the Commonwealth of Virginia as a national and global leader in nuclear energy and serving as an interdisciplinary business development, research, training, and information resource on nuclear energy issues. To fulfill this mission, VNEC seeks to promote the benefits of nuclear energy and opportunities available for public and private entities to develop partnerships to advance the industry and the commonwealth.

Nuclear energy provides 32% of the Virginia’s electricity, the largest share of energy from any source. Nuclear energy accounts for 95% of the state’s clean energy generation. More than 40% of the Navy’s major combatants are nuclear powered, including 10 aircraft carriers, 54 attack submarines, and 18 strategic submarines. Two private shipyards, one in Virginia, build all U.S. nuclear-powered ships.

Virginia’s institutions of higher learning offer degree programs for nuclear engineering. In addition, job training programs may be available through vocational schools, high schools, and initiatives that support military personnel making a transition to civilian jobs such as Virginia Values Veterans. Beginning in the fall of 2015, Virginia’s Career and Technical Education Centers (CTEs) will be offering an “Energy and Power” program as well. These occupational training programs will help applicants find employment in the nuclear energy industry.

A workforce survey conducted in August of 2015 revealed a number of factors that affect the industry’s short-term and long-term employment outlook. The industry is facing a wave of attrition as the original generation of industry workers approaches retirement age. There is, as a result, a strong demand for new employees across the industry, and in Virginia specifically. In addition, an increasing number of contracts and needs for Naval propulsion system operators is creating additional labor demand.