Universities: students again consider nuclear careers.

When the Three Mile Island accident stalled the U.S. nuclear-power industry for more than three decades, it did more than stop construction plans. It also caused interest to flag in nuclear jobs--and in education for those jobs. Many universities scaled back nuclear engineering and other programs that generate the trained workforce needed to keep plants functioning.

As a result, the industry is facing a crisis. According to the Washington, D.C.-based Nuclear Energy Institute, nearly 38% of U.S. nuclear industry workers will be eligible for retirement by 2014. Couple that with applications for 28 new reactors in the United States. When those reactors come online, they will put further demands on the workforce.

Utilities already are concerned about finding a supply of workers. In the Carolinas, they're looking to universities to step up the number of graduates in nuclear and nuclear engineering fields. "That's something we've been looking at, not only for new generation but for existing plants." says Rita Sipe, spokeswoman for Charlotte-based Duke Energy.

She explains that all seven Duke reactors have had their original 40-year operating licenses extended for 20 additional years. The utility also has filed an application for a new plant, which would have two more reactors. near Gaffney, S.C. "We've worked with local community colleges and universities, both on partnering existing programs and starting new ones. For example, we have worked with Spartanburg Technical College in developing a radiation-protection-technician program. We have some of our Duke folks teaching pan of that curriculum."

Likewise, Raleigh-based Progress Energy, even as it is sorting through its construction options, is formulating a workforce strategy, spokesman Mike Hughes says. "The nuclear renaissance, whatever form it takes, whether it's continuing operations of what we have or opening new plants, is going to require new employees. We're working to develop that curricula to inspire a new generation of engineers to move into that field."

In addition, top universities in both states are contributing to the cause, including Clemson University, the University of South Carolina and S.C. State University, as well as N.C. State University and UNC Charlotte, among others. These universities are among pioneers in the field. N.C. State, for example, in 1953 developed the first university-based research reactor in the country. But that was then. This is now, and those colleges...