3 Key Insights on FIA report "The Fusion Workforce: Where It’s Heading and How To Prepare"
by Caroline Anderson, Fusion Industry Association
At the Fusion Industry Association, we’re often asked by policymakers about what they can do to support the growing fusion workforce - and equally often - asked by students and other folks about the best way to get involved in the fusion industry and what skills companies are looking for.
Last week, we launched a fusion workforce report, based on surveys and interviews with the major fusion developers and suppliers. The report gives insight into the skills needed today and tomorrow; projects where the fusion jobs will be; and recommends ways policymakers, fusion developers, suppliers, and academia can synergize and support the rapidly expanding industry.
Here are three key insights.
1. The fusion industry is growing quickly - supporting job growth and supply chain expansion.
The fusion industry has attracted over $8 billion in investment, bringing the timeline for commercial fusion energy closer. 89% of fusion companies believe fusion plants will generate electricity for the grid in the 2030s. This growth necessitates a significant expansion in jobs supported by fusion companies and their supply chains.
Fusion companies are already seeing increasing demand for highly skilled workers, including engineers, precision manufacturers, and specialized technicians. Companies are investing in technologies such as high-temperature superconducting (HTS) wire, magnets, advanced lasers, and AI-driven control systems. As the industry expands, skilled workers are needed not only at fusion companies but across the entire supply chain.
There is - and will continue to be - an increased need for skilled workers to produce parts, assemble machines, and develop advanced components. Specialized skills in areas like engineering, manufacturing, power electronics, and AI will be critical. As companies advance their technology, the demand for these skills will grow, and supply chains will evolve and new ones will emerge.
2. There are opportunities for public and private sectors to synergize and support.
To support this rapid expansion, a synergy in strategic workforce development is crucial. Governments, fusion companies, and academia must partner to create tailored educational programs - from courses to specialized training and apprenticeships. The report recommends initiatives like providing grants to educational institutions, fostering partnerships, and setting up online resource centers for career mapping and skills development. It also calls for clear regulatory frameworks, public-private partnerships, and international collaboration to drive industry growth and ensure broad development of necessary skills.
3. The time to act is now.
We currently face a “chicken or egg” scenario - will suppliers scale to allow fusion companies to meet their milestones, or will companies meet the milestones and give suppliers the confidence and ability to grow? In order for both to happen, the industry needs a strong and capable workforce. The expansion of the fusion industry is just beginning - the need for skilled workers will increase rapidly as fusion is deployed and scaled to meet global energy demand.
As the fusion industry moves toward large-scale energy production, these insights aim to provide a roadmap for creating the skilled workforce and supply chains necessary to meet future demands, ensuring that fusion energy can play a major role in the global transition to clean energy.
You can explore the full report and one-pager for insights on preparing the fusion workforce on the FIA’s website:https://www.fusionindustryassociation.org/fia-outlines-fusion-workforce-opportunities-and-projections-in-skills-report/