Paper 9: Industrial Training and the Nuclear Engineer

With the expansion of the application of nuclear power, it would now seem reasonable that the initial formal training of all mechanical engineers should contain instruction in some basic nuclear technology, including physics, special materials, safety, engineering in radioactive environments, reactor types, and basic control problems. The professional institutions should be encouraged to co-operate with the universities and technical colleges in formulating a basic syllabus.

Students should be encouraged to pursue post-graduate work in related subjects but this work should not become simply an extension of first degree work. Universities and technical colleges should establish a close relationship with industry and the government establishments so that research projects and practical work correspond to the industry's needs.

Industry should provide the education which adapts the new graduate to local engineering conditions and traditions, and also provide imaginative programmes. The organization structure should have the necessary flexibility to allow experience to grow and should not insist on too early a specialization.