“Tennessee’s legacy of nuclear innovation positions the Volunteer State to lead America’s energy independence and drive continued economic growth with safe, clean, and reliable nuclear energy. From our universities to our outstanding community and technical colleges, we’re investing in the people and places that power our future. With a highly skilled workforce and world-class training programs, Tennessee is ready to lead the way and ensure that the jobs of tomorrow are built right here at home."

"Tennessee is leading the way in the next generation of clean energy, and our commitment to nuclear power is a key part of that success. The Tennessee Board of Regents and its colleges play a vital role in preparing our students for the highly skilled, good-paying jobs that will power this growing industry. By investing in workforce development today, we’re ensuring that Tennessee remains a national leader in innovation, energy, and opportunity for years to come."

“Tennessee is emerging as a national leader in advanced energy, and our Tennessee Board of Regents colleges are helping drive that momentum. From programs at Roane State, Pellissippi State, and Chattanooga State to high-demand technical training across our TCATs, TBR is helping to prepare the skilled workforce nuclear companies need to grow and succeed in our state.”

“The development of a robust nuclear workforce to fill the highly skilled nuclear-related jobs available across our state is essential to Tennessee’s current and future economic success. Our community and technical colleges provide critical skills and training to strengthen the state's existing nuclear workforce pipeline, and to address immediate, emerging and long-term needs of nuclear companies looking to establish operations in our great state.”

“People think nuclear is all about scientists and engineers. But trade and administrative functions are the keys to making the nuclear industry successful. It’s not just PhDs — we’ll have a few of those, but nothing compared to the rest of our workforce.”

“We have electricians, we have mechanics, the nuclear industry needs every possible trade and craft, in addition to scientists. There’s very few PHD nuclear physicists in a nuclear company. There are a whole lot of craft people, process technicians, control room operators, that just need to have the basics in math and science.”

“It’s incredibly safe to work in nuclear; the pay is very good, very competitive, and the industry has a rewarding outcome because what we do really makes a difference.”

“My studies at Chattanooga State gave me the strong technical foundation and mindset for radiological safety practices that I know are essential as a Radiation Protection technician. I feel the diligent, hands-on training my instructors gave me not only helped build my knowledge and understanding of the job, but my confidence in applying those skills with excellence standards for safety and precision.”