Conquering the Energy Future: Wide Open Opportunities for Engineering Students

GD&TĐ - Vietnam is restarting its nuclear power program and promoting the development of renewable energy.

In that context, students and pupils with an orientation towards engineering are facing wide-open career opportunities, with increasingly clear learning paths and skill preparation from universities.

Students passionate about nuclear industry

Many 12th graders are now starting to take an interest in cutting-edge engineering fields, especially Nuclear Engineering, Electrical - Electronics and Automation. For the younger generation, this is not only a career choice but also an opportunity to participate in high-tech fields, contributing to the country's green energy future.

In May 2025, the Prime Minister issued Decision 1012 approving the Project “Training and fostering human resources for nuclear power development until 2035” (Project 1012). The project paves the way for preparing a team of lecturers, engineers, and experts to serve nuclear power plants, while developing supporting electrical and mechanical engineering sectors.

Accordingly, by 2030, the Ninh Thuan 1 and Ninh Thuan 2 projects will need nearly 4,000 workers, of which more than 2,000 will have university degrees. This is a clear signal for students who are orienting their careers: Job opportunities are wide open and strongly supported by State policies.

Nguyen Mai Anh, a 12th grade student at Dinh Tien Hoang High School (Tam Thang Ward, Ho Chi Minh City), shared: “I am very excited to know that this major is prioritized by the Government , has a scholarship program and international internship opportunities. I want to study engineering so that I can directly participate in clean energy projects in the future, learn modern technology, and contribute to the future of the country.”

Similarly, Le Van Hao, a 12th grade student at Tran Huu Trang High School (Cho Quan Ward, Ho Chi Minh City), expressed his deep interest in modern engineering fields. Hao said he is particularly curious about Nuclear Engineering and Electrical and Electronic Engineering, because these are fields that are both highly challenging and have a direct impact on the country's energy future.

“I am researching domestic and international scholarship and internship programs to prepare for university. This field is attractive because not only do I learn modern technology, but I also have the opportunity to participate in research and real-life projects while still a student,” Hao said.

The male student added that he and his friends in the study group regularly participate in STEM experience sessions and energy seminars to learn about career opportunities, thereby orienting their studies to suit their passion and personal abilities. Project 1012 not only opens up an in-depth training program for the nuclear power sector but also promotes the connection between engineering sectors: from mechanical engineering, automatic control, to renewable energy and environmental technology.

As a second-year student majoring in Chemical Engineering at Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade, Nguyen Viet Dung is very interested in the field of nuclear power and clean energy solutions. When learning about Project 1012 and nuclear engineering training programs, Dung realized that this is a highly applicable profession, both closely linked to modern technology and contributing to sustainable energy development.

According to the male student, engineering majors can work closely together in energy projects, such as Chemistry participating in research on nuclear materials and fuels; Mechanics - Automation in charge of system design and operation; and Electricity - Electronics in charge of control, safety and performance optimization.

“Thanks to this connection, students not only master professional knowledge but also see more diverse, interdisciplinary and practical career opportunities in the future,” Dung shared.

Students of the Nuclear Physics Department - Faculty of Physics (University of Science - Vietnam National University, Hanoi) participated in a course co-organized by the Nuclear and Plasma Science Association and Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: NTCC

Preparing future energy engineers

Faced with the great demand for human resources in the nuclear power and renewable energy industry, the University of Technology (Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City) has developed a detailed plan for training, investment in facilities and research cooperation. The school actively prepares modern teaching programs and promotes business linkages so that students have the opportunity to access knowledge and practical skills early, meeting the practical requirements of the industry.

Recently, during a working session with Deputy Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Van Phuc on preparations for the nuclear power human resource development program, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Duy Anh - Deputy Head of Training Department, said that the school plans to enroll students in Nuclear Engineering from 2026 with a scale of about 60 students/year, and continue to train related majors such as Electricity - Electronics, Mechanics, Telecommunications Engineering, Microchip Design...

The school also expanded its training facilities in the Nha Trang area (Khanh Hoa province) to serve the training of human resources for the Central region - where the two Ninh Thuan 1 and 2 plants are located. At the same time, the school plans to build seven modern laboratories for teaching and research, including: Ionization radiation measurement and radiation safety; nuclear electronics, sensors and measurements; control and operation systems of nuclear power plants; hydrothermal simulation and heat transfer in reactors; materials - fuel cycles; and radiation applications.

Regarding international cooperation, in March 2025, the Polytechnic University signed an exchange program with the Center for Nuclear Engineering Research (Osaka University, Japan), creating conditions for students to visit the particle accelerator system and analytical equipment at the nuclear energy laboratory. In addition, the school also cooperates in training and research with universities and research institutes of the Russian Federation such as Saint Petersburg State University of Electrotechnical Engineering, Obninsk Institute of Nuclear Power Engineering...

With a modern laboratory system, students will be equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, thereby forming the capacity to operate reactors, ensure safety, master technology and meet international standards.

“We focus on building a team of young engineers who not only have solid expertise but also are proficient in practical skills and know how to apply technology in a radiation-safe environment. The combination of training - research - international cooperation will help students proactively keep up with the actual needs of the Vietnamese energy industry,” Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Duy Anh emphasized.

In addition, the University of Technology also implements preferential policies for students: Scholarships, tuition support, recruitment, output commitments and international cooperation programs for final year students to do internships abroad or participate in international research projects. Thanks to that, students have the opportunity to participate in practical projects, research on nuclear technology applications, and at the same time clearly define their career path after graduation.

According to Project 1012, 11 training institutions were selected to participate in training and fostering human resources to serve Ninh Thuan 1 and Ninh Thuan 2 Nuclear Power Plants, including Hanoi University of Science, University of Natural Sciences (Vietnam National University, Hanoi), University of Natural Sciences (Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City), University of Electricity, Dalat University, Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute (Ministry of Science and Technology), University of Science and Technology (Danang University), University of Science and Technology (Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City), Hanoi University of Construction, Ho Chi Minh City College of Electricity (Vietnam Electricity Group), Vietnam College of Petroleum (Vietnam National Energy Industry Group).

Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/chinh-phuc-tuong-lai-nang-luong-co-hoi-rong-mo-cho-sinh-vien-ky-thuat-post756601.html