Construction Magazine July 2018 | Page 28

CONSTRUCTION STRATEGIES

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Innovation like this , along with numerous digital-focussed solutions , could help to bridge the oft-cited skills gap facing the industry .

“ I don ’ t see a skills shortage right now , but with more projects coming back and with more technology being used the industry may face a challenge ,” says Jeanneau , who is also Director of the Assystem Nuclear Institute . “ Currently we are able to provide the best technology to our clients and deliver this with 2,800 nuclear staff around the world .”

Established in 2008 , the institute aims to transmit the skills and knowledge developed by Assystem across areas such as dependability , commissioning and decommissioning of nuclear sites to new generations of engineers . “ Another programme we have launched is called Imagine , which helps us to share innovation ideas ,” adds Jeanneau . The firm also partners closely with

JULY 2018 universities to help provide the very specific teachings and knowledge required for students to learn the trade .

“ We have the skills and we have the knowledge ,” Jeanneau continues . “ For the last decade our institute has been dedicated to developing skills in nuclear , and this for me is a major differentiator between us and our competition . This industry is so heavily regulated and documented , but digitisation can help this and I am confident we will be able to match the skills needed in the future .”

“ I am on optimist , for sure ,” Jeanneau says . “ I believe nuclear can and will , along with renewable energy , replace the power generated by coal , gas and oil .

“ At the moment nuclear holds a very small share of the global energy mix , but we are generating more and more demand for power as technology advances in all areas . Nuclear will help to fulfil this demand .”