On March 25, 2024, during the XIII International Forum ATOMEXPO 2024, Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom and Eskom signed an action plan for the period of 2024-2026. This agreement builds upon the cooperation agreement on a human-centric approach to personnel training initially established at COP28 in Dubai, UAE.
The plan encompasses various collaborative initiatives aimed at enhancing personnel development.
It includes joint educational programmes for employees, the implementation of joint degree programmes in partnership with universities associated with both Rosatom and Eskom, and business education efforts. Notably, the plan incorporates a hydrogen train-the-trainers programme developed by Rosatom.
Additionally, both parties have agreed to collaborate on programming the Obninsk Tech School for Women in STEM, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the world’s first nuclear power plant in Obninsk, scheduled for June of the same year.
Furthermore, the plan acknowledges the leadership roles of both parties in empowering women and youth.
Consequently, it lays the groundwork for integrating Eskom’s Women Advancement Programme with Rosatom’s “[In]Visible Power” Women Leadership Programme. Employees from both organisations will participate in events such as the Eskom Women Conference, the International Youth Nuclear Forum Obninsk NEW, and the VI BRICS Youth Energy Summit. Additionally, the plan emphasises the exchange of engineering competencies and the development of professional skills championships, including AtomSkills.
One of the primary objectives of the plan is to facilitate the integration of highly qualified African graduates from Russian universities into Eskom enterprises across the continent. This endeavour begins with the establishment of a joint database of students, enabling Eskom’s active involvement in career days and students’ career guidance.
Eskom and Rosatom are committed to exchanging best practices in human resource management, fostering mutual empowerment, and promoting development. The roadmap outlined in the plan supports activities within the Alliance of Human Centric Organisations, placing human-centric businesses at the forefront of their endeavours.
“This action plan is firmly aligned to Eskom and Rosatom’s shared commitment in empowering women and the youth by enriching their knowledge and skills through training programmes in their chosen career fields,” Eskom’s Group Executive for Human Resources, Elsie Pule says.
“It offers encouragement that knowledge transfer and professional development will be facilitated in a manner that will not only present career opportunities but the realisation of a better future for women and the youth.
“The integration of the Eskom Women Advancement Programme and Rosatom’s “[In]Visible Power” Women Leadership Programme will also act as a vehicle in driving their readiness and advancement into critical leadership and technical positions in the workplace.”
