The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has introduced a Graduate Plant Operator (GPO) Programme aimed at preparing Emirati engineers for nuclear plant operations and strengthening the nation’s clean energy workforce for the future.
The programme is available to Emirati graduates who hold bachelor’s degrees in electrical, mechanical, nuclear, or related engineering fields.
Successful applicants will start their careers as Local Operators at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, undergoing a three-year training period before progressing to the Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) qualification stage.
Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ENEC, stated: “The Graduate Plant Operator Programme is a long-term investment in national talent. By equipping today’s graduates with essential skills, we are safeguarding the UAE’s clean energy future and ensuring our plants meet the highest global standards of safety, security, and efficiency.
“Nuclear power not only supports energy security and sustainability, but because of the long lifespan of nuclear facilities, it also provides a sector offering stable, high-value careers for generations to come.”
This initiative is designed to complement ENEC’s Graduate Development Programme (GDP), which delivers 12 to 30 months of structured, workplace-based training across both technical and support roles. ENEC confirmed that both programmes share aligned entry requirements, targeting ambitious Emirati graduates.
To date, ENEC has supported the training of more than 1,000 Emiratis through scholarships, internships, and specialised schemes such as the Diploma in Nuclear Technology. The company has already developed a skilled workforce at Barakah, including over 70 Emirati SROs and Reactor Operators, within a certified operations team of 190 professionals.
