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We are celebrating a historic partnership between I2EN and UNENE, marking a milestone in collaboration between France and Canada in the field of nuclear education and training.
This agreement aims to address human resources challenges by promoting and improving public education, vocational training and student development in the nuclear sector. Jeff Labonté, Associate Deputy Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Canada, emphasized the crucial role of human capacity building in achieving our carbon neutral ambitions. Jerry Hopwood, President of UNENE, and Jan van der Lee, Executive Director of I2EN, emphasized the importance of international cooperation.
Recognizing the crucial role of nuclear power in a low-carbon future, the French and Canadian governments issued a joint statement in November 2023. As part of their action plan, they are committed to addressing human resource challenges in the nuclear sector through joint training and workforce development initiatives. Building on France’s extensive nuclear expertise acquired over more than six decades, I2EN offers comprehensive education and training programs, notably through its academic seal of quality, the I2EN Seal, awarded to French nuclear programs that meet high standards.
Currently, international students represent around 18% of participants in nuclear higher education programs in France, and we aim to increase this figure significantly through our collaboration with UNENE. Together, we aim to attract more students to the nuclear sector by welcoming Canadian students into French programs and vice-versa, while promoting student exchanges. The partnership will also explore the development of joint research topics and shared online courses, tailored to the needs of both countries.
We are proud to support the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding between UNENE and I2EN, which promotes the development of essential skills to advance our carbon neutrality ambitions. These activities with our French partners represent concrete commitments to deepening our relationship in this key area, to the benefit of both countries.
UNENE is delighted to conclude this agreement with our colleagues at I2EN. We recognize the importance of developing and training qualified people for the safe and efficient use of nuclear technologies. International cooperation is an essential mechanism for strengthening the foundations of nuclear knowledge, expertise and practices. This agreement will promote collaboration to support students, teachers and educational provision within our two networks.
This partnership is an important step towards meeting the growing need for qualified professionals in the nuclear sector. By pooling our international efforts and sharing our expertise, we aim to make nuclear education more attractive to students in France and Canada.