HB 1420

This bill directs Virginia's Department of Energy Director to identify and develop training resources to build a skilled workforce for the nuclear energy industry in the Commonwealth, including curriculum for both soft skills and technical training in areas such as nuclear plant operations, engineering, radiation protection, and maintenance trades. The Director must assess existing nuclear industry presence in Virginia and consider establishing training programs that meet Nuclear Regulatory Commission requirements and industry standards, with priority given to veterans, local workers, and those from historically economically disadvantaged communities. The bill requires consultation with Virginia's higher education institutions, vocational schools, apprenticeship programs, and at least one historically black college or university, while allowing the use of existing local, state, and federal funding sources to develop these workforce training resources in coordination with relevant federal programs.