The Tennessee nuclear industry is growing at an unprecedented pace, creating exciting opportunities for economic development and innovation. [Read about the nuclear renaissance and ORAU’s Nuclear Energy Academic Roadmap.] However, with this rapid expansion comes the critical need for a skilled workforce to meet the demands of the industry. This creates an incredible opportunity for workers and others throughout our community and region; and if you have a stake in any part of this industry, your input matters!
On Thursday, May 14, 2026, industry leaders, educators, trade unions, government representatives, and community partners will meet on ORAU’s main campus and the Pollard Center in Oak Ridge for the Pathway to Trades Summit, a collaborative event focused on building and sustaining the nuclear trades pipeline. This is your chance to be part of a high-impact group of stakeholders dedicated to crafting solutions and driving meaningful change.
This summit isn’t just another meeting—it’s a dynamic and collaborative workspace designed to tackle workforce development challenges head-on. Attendees will have the opportunity to:
- Bridge communication gaps: Connect the dots between those who train workers, fund programs and hire employees. Interactive exercises, networking and information-sharing opportunities abound.
- Influence curriculum and capacity: Share insights on certifications and skills that are currently in demand, helping education and training institutions align their programs with industry needs.
- Leverage resources: Learn about available state, local and community resources for program development, deployment, and support services for students and others learning new skills.
- Commit to solutions: Build lasting connections to contribute to actionable strategies for workforce development in the nuclear trades.
This summit is designed for a diverse group of stakeholders who play a vital role in workforce development, including:
- Industry leaders and HR executives: Share workforce demand signals (such as customer traffic and job posting velocity), as well as educational, training and hiring needs.
- Trade union leadership: Highlight capacity and training requirements to meet industry demands.
- Education administrators: Collaborate on curriculum development and inspire interest in nuclear trades careers. We want all levels involved – K-12, Career and Technical Education (CTE), Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCAT), community colleges, universities, and those who are retraining and reskilling the workforce.
- National, regional and local government representatives: Provide insights into available resources and support opportunities.
- Non-profit and community partners: Offer wrap-around services and support for students and programs.
Why your input matters
The Pathway to Trades Summit is more than a discussion. It’s a call to action. Your expertise and insights are essential to shaping the future of Tennessee’s nuclear workforce. Together, we can ensure the seamless development of a skilled workforce pipeline that meets industry needs and drives economic growth.
Save the date
Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference! Join us and be part of the collaborative effort to build the nuclear trades pipeline. The Pathway to Trades Summit is your chance to contribute to a vital initiative that will shape the future of the nuclear trades in Tennessee. Whether you’re an industry leader, educator, government official or community partner, your voice matters. Let’s build the pipeline together!
Thursday, May 14, 2026
8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Pollard Center
ORAU Main Campus
210 Badger Ave.
Oak Ridge, Tenn.
Review the event schedule
See the list of speakers
Further reading:
Beyond the degree: The rising demand for skilled trades and technical workers
How ORAU is shaping the conversation about the nuclear energy workforce
6 ways to help close the gap between the nuclear workforce supply and demand
Academic stakeholders gather for Partnership for Nuclear Energy meeting | ORAU