TY - JOUR
T1 - Industry-Driven Training and Curriculum Development Process
AU - Gehrig, Monica
AU - Knolker, Matthias
AU - Lumsdaine, Arnold
AU - Carasik, Lane
AU - Ferris, A. Louise
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© This material is published by permission of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, operated by UT-Battelle, LLC for the US Department of Energy under Contract No. DE-AC05-00OR22725. The US Government retains for itself, and others acting on its behalf, a paid-up, non-exclusive, and irrevocable worldwide licence in said article to reproduce, prepare derivative works, distribute copies to the public, and perform publicly and display publicly, by or on behalf of the Government.
PY - 2026
Y1 - 2026
N2 - The development of a sustainable, skilled fusion workforce requires a coordinated strategy between all sectors of the fusion industry. This paper outlines a framework to align training programs with the evolving technical and professional demands of fusion, including enhancing existing curricula, the establishment of new programs at educational institutions, and the identification of workforce gaps informed through industry engagement. Effective curriculum development requires input from both educators and employers to ensure that academic content reflects real-world challenges and can prepare students for successful transitions into the field. Collaborative models, such as industry-led training programs, inter-institutional partnerships, and faculty development initiatives, are highlighted as mechanisms for scalable and inclusive workforce development. Continued program success and relevance will be dependent on continuous review processes, including feedback from employers, alumni, and advisory boards. The combination of these programs supports the formation of flexible, industry-informed training pathways. This approach aims to foster a competent workforce capable of advancing fusion energy research and commercialization.
AB - The development of a sustainable, skilled fusion workforce requires a coordinated strategy between all sectors of the fusion industry. This paper outlines a framework to align training programs with the evolving technical and professional demands of fusion, including enhancing existing curricula, the establishment of new programs at educational institutions, and the identification of workforce gaps informed through industry engagement. Effective curriculum development requires input from both educators and employers to ensure that academic content reflects real-world challenges and can prepare students for successful transitions into the field. Collaborative models, such as industry-led training programs, inter-institutional partnerships, and faculty development initiatives, are highlighted as mechanisms for scalable and inclusive workforce development. Continued program success and relevance will be dependent on continuous review processes, including feedback from employers, alumni, and advisory boards. The combination of these programs supports the formation of flexible, industry-informed training pathways. This approach aims to foster a competent workforce capable of advancing fusion energy research and commercialization.
KW - Fusion
KW - education
KW - industry
KW - workforce
UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105029670600
U2 - 10.1080/15361055.2025.2603068
DO - 10.1080/15361055.2025.2603068
M3 - Comment/debate
AN - SCOPUS:105029670600
SN - 1536-1055
JO - Fusion Science and Technology
JF - Fusion Science and Technology
ER -