Can you guess which countries are leading the race for global STEM talent development? Unfortunately, the answer is not the United States. In fact, according to an article published by Georgetown University, only 20% of the college graduates in the United States hold degrees in a science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) field, while 41% of China’s graduates and 37% of Russia’s graduates hold STEM degrees. In addition, in sheer volume, China produces nearly four times more STEM graduates annually than the United States. So, how do we close this gap? According to Michelle Goodson, director of the ORAU STEM Accelerator (OSA), it’s going to take the help of everyone. Here are six ways we can work together to make a difference:
1. Join the Partnership for Nuclear Energy
During her presentation at the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs meeting recently, Goodson discussed how ORAU and partners are working together to solve the national STEM worker supply challenge. The first solution Goodson brought up was the chance for others to join the Partnership for Nuclear Energy (PNE). PNE is working is to develop comprehensive solutions that address critical challenges in the nuclear sector. In short, it addresses the workforce challenges from a holistic model approach, focusing on solutions that consider the needs of various stakeholders and sectors.
PNE brings together nuclear energy experts from universities, community colleges and technical skill training organizations, industries producing nuclear reactors large and small, professional industry organizations, national research laboratories, and government agencies.
2. Serve on the Partnership for Nuclear Energy Advisory Council
In addition to joining PNE, Goodson offered the opportunity to be part of the organization’s Advisory Council, which will launch in August of 2025. The goal of this group will be to strengthen the skills, knowledge, tools, and resources that Tennessee nuclear energy organizations need. The advisory council is where the vision will happen, helping to decide what the next steps are to push through the ideas on the list of recommendations. If you want to be instrumental in shaping the future of STEM and nuclear energy in the United States, this collaborative initiative is for you.
3. Participate in PNE’s workforce demand study
PNE’s workforce demand study is also set to kick off in the summer of this year. To best understand how to fill the gap between the nuclear workforce supply and demand, Goodson said we need to figure out the scope of the demand. If you are a nuclear leader in your organization, Goodson would love for you to supply your workforce data to create a comprehensive model of what demand looks like. According to Goodson, this is important for large companies, but also smaller companies as well.
“We need the data not only from the large companies in the area, but also from the secondary and tertiary companies in the supply chain,” said Goodson. “Without all that data, we have an incomplete model. We are starting with Oak Ridge because it’s the most complex nuclear energy industry stakeholder group in the country. If we can do it here, we can replicate that model and send it outside of Tennessee where others can benefit.”
4. Be a nuclear ambassador
One of the easiest ways to get involved in the nuclear renaissance and the mission of OSA is to be an ambassador for nuclear energy. Whether that’s talking about the work that you do in nuclear, or telling your family, neighbors, and everyone else about the career opportunities in nuclear, there are many ways for you to make an impact just by conveying the message. As we mentioned earlier, solving this challenge is going to take us all, which is why it’s important to create awareness and to communicate positive messages about the nuclear energy solution.
5. Hire a summer intern
Nuclear organizations can encourage interest in entry level positions by hiring summer interns. Establishing an internship program serves as a valuable gateway for students and young professionals to gain firsthand experience in the field, allowing them to explore potential career paths while contributing to meaningful projects. By engaging interns in practical and educational experiences, organizations can showcase the dynamic and impactful opportunities of the nuclear industry, ultimately inspiring participants to pursue long-term careers in the sector. It works well for the company, too, because internships provide a platform for organizations to identify and nurture emerging talent; they can build a pipeline of skilled candidates who are well-prepared to meet future workforce demands. This strategic approach not only enhances recruitment efforts but also strengthens the industry’s overall growth and sustainability. ORAU had a great experience with a summer intern last year. It’s a win-win for the company and students!
6. Support the deployment of solutions
Now that we have talked about some of the ways we can bridge the gap between the supply and demand of the nuclear workforce, the question becomes how do we work to deploy some of these solutions? There are multiple answers depending on your own resources. Whether it’s through policy advocacy or funding initiatives, or just becoming an ambassador like we mentioned before, everyone has a role to play.
Now that you know how you can make a difference, be sure to check out our website to learn more about the ORAU STEM Accelerator and the Partnership for Nuclear Energy.
Sources:
- Georgetown University
- Goodson, Michelle (2025). Closing the Gap, Nuclear Workforce Supply and Demand