The personnel training program initiated for the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant (NGS) built in Mersin continues. The list of students who will receive nuclear specialization training at universities in Russia, Republic of Turkey Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources and Akkuyu Nuclear A.Ş. It was announced at the coordination meeting held by the representatives of the company via video conference.
According to this, 53 undergraduate graduates from Turkish universities successfully passed the entrance exams at the National Research University “Moscow Energy Engineering Institute” (NRU MPEI) and the National Nuclear Research University “Moscow Engineering and Physics Institute” (NRNU MEPhI), which are the best technical universities in Russia. and continue their education in related graduate programs.
The protocol on cooperation between Russian and Turkish universities on the development of joint education programs in higher education was signed in 2022 by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources of the Republic of Turkey, Russian State Nuclear Energy Agency Rosatom and Akkuyu Nuclear A.Ş. was signed by Accordingly, the participants of the program receive training in Russian for one academic year at NRNU MEPhI, where they also learn technical terms. Students who complete their language education enroll in the first year of the joint 2-year master's program between NRNU MEPhI and Istanbul Technical University (ITU) after their proficiency is approved. In this context, the first student admission to the preparatory department of NRNU MEPhI was made this year.
After the preparation, students will study at ITU in the first year of the master's program and at NRNU MEPhI in the second year. Graduates who successfully complete the training to be given within the scope of the joint education program developed by the two universities will have two diplomas, one from Russia and the other from Turkey. In addition to this program, students continue to be admitted to Russian universities in energy branches to work at Akkuyu NPP.
Akkuyu Nuclear Inc. General Manager Anastasia Zoteeva emphasized the importance of continuing trainings with the following words: “Highly qualified Turkish specialist training program for Akkuyu NPP continues actively. 296 young engineers have already graduated from Russian universities and are gaining professional experience at the world's largest nuclear power plant construction site. In the coming years, 300 more Turkish experts will be trained to join the Akkuyu NPP project team. Training in Russia includes not only theoretical knowledge, but also practical internships in the operation of nuclear power plants. This allows young Turkish engineers not only to gain knowledge but also to gain invaluable experience by working at NPP to subsequently successfully develop nuclear technology in their home country.”
Salih Sarı, Director of the Nuclear Infrastructure Development Department of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, addressed the students at the coordination meeting for the training program: “Thanks to the Akkuyu NPP project, Turkey's long-established nuclear power plant dream comes true. You, the students who have passed the entrance exams, will study in Russia and I am sure that you will be the future of nuclear energy in Turkey. You will have a bright and fulfilling student life. After this training, you will have the opportunity to create your own projects in the young Turkish nuclear industry.”
Chemical Analysis Specialist Çiğdem Yılmaz, who works at Akkuyu Nuclear AŞ, shared her impressions about her education in Russia with these words: “The nuclear industry in Turkey is still in its infancy. For this reason, it is very important to study in Russia and apply the acquired knowledge in the Republic of Turkey. We have been working on nuclear technology for several years. We do internships at NGS enterprise and participate in related competitions. In 2022 I managed to win the 'Rosatom Person of the Year' industrial competition. I proposed a project to improve the chemistry lab. Today, this project has been successfully implemented at Akkuyu NPP. My family is proud of me, and I am happy to be able to contribute to my country.”
Numerous questions from the applicants at the meeting, the officials of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources of Turkey and Akkuyu Nuclear A.Ş. It was answered comprehensively by the employees of the Training and Cooperation Programs Directorate and the Human Resources Directorate. Employment guarantee in the Akkuyu NPP project was given to the candidates who successfully completed their training in accordance with the acquired expertise.
Target-oriented training program for Akkuyu NPP has been implemented since 2011. Training for future Turkish engineers to work in Turkey's first nuclear power plant is covered by the budget of the Russian Federation in accordance with the allocated quotas. Akkuyu Nuclear A.Ş. provides scholarships, visa support and health insurance to future experts, as well as valid on the Istanbul-Moscow-Istanbul route. It also undertakes the payment of annual flights. Detailed information on admission to the joint training program is available on the official website of Akkuyu Nuclear A.Ş.