A young professional’s view of WANO’s 2019 BGM

WANO’s young generation initiative offers young professionals working for WANO members the opportunity to gain new insights, knowledge and skills from experienced industry professionals. It also facilitates and encourages young nuclear professionals to network with their peers around the world, which strengthens their professional development.

I work with the nuclear industry’s young generation to ensure they are aware of the benefits of taking on positions and special projects that help them develop key competencies. By doing this, they can broaden their understanding of a variety of roles and responsibilities within their respective organisations. From my own personal experience, by working with managers who serve as role models in my professional development, I’ve been able to accomplish my career aspirations. It’s important that young professionals are made aware of, and benefit from, the professional development opportunities WANO provides.

Twenty three of my young professional peers attended the 2019 WANO Biennial General Meeting (BGM) in London. The BGM allowed us to network with senior executives from utilities and commercial nuclear power plants, in addition to attending presentations from industry experts and participate in interactive panel discussions. This year’s BGM theme was ‘30 Years of WANO: Generating a Safer Future Together’ and the young generation panel discussion, ’Looking to the Future’, had representatives from each WANO regional centre. The panellists took part in an interesting, engaging session, which included key topics such as what are the changes that will impact the industry, the challenges facing the young generation, how WANO’s role will change, and what younger professionals need from delegates and the industry to be successful.

The opportunity for my peers and I to attend the 2019 BGM was undoubtedly a highlight of our careers. Upon returning to our utilities, or nuclear power stations/facilities, we will share and learn from the knowledge and insights we gained from attending this key event.

Ross Horgan
WANO Young Generation Coordinator