AREVA and EDF – The French global leaders in nuclear energy – organized an Energy Day today, 20th November, 2014 at Alfaisal University in Riyadh, with the participation of engineering students from Alfaisal University, King Saud University and other Saudi universities. The objective of this event is to introduce the students to the nuclear energy sector and present internship opportunities for third-year students at AREVA and EDF in France and Germany for 3 and 6 months.
This internship program belongs to a broader effort aiming at developing nuclear human capacity in the Kingdom; which is lead by King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (KACARE). By introducing the students to the European nuclear experience, they are getting to explore the best in the industry, with a focus on quality, safety and performance.
Around 120 participants attended the event, including Dr. Nidal Nasser, the Dean of College of Engineering, Dr. Zhao Yong, the Chair of Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering faculty members in Alfaisal University and Dr. Ahmad Al-Ashaikh, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, College of Engineering-King Saud University, AREVA and EDF representatives in Saudi Arabia and students from both universities. Presentations included a brief on AREVA and EDF and their summary of activities done in Saudi Arabia. Finally, a group of Alfaisal University students who have completed the same internship program last year presented their feedback and lessons learned.
The Dean of Alfaisal University commented: “This is the second year in a row to hold this seminar and present our students with the opportunity to take an internship at AREVA and EDF. The adoption of safe nuclear energy is an important complement to the Kingdom’s ambitious renewable energy portfolio currently spearheaded by KACARE. Indeed, this is in line with our goal to intrigue and prepare the young minds of today to the challenges of today and tomorrow.”
AREVA VP of the Middle East, Dr. Ali Nouri said: “We are committed to the development of human capacity in nuclear energy in the Kingdom, and we believe that this is an important foundation for the establishment of the sector”
This internship represents the second wave; the first wave which started in June 2014 and included 40 students from various Saudi universities. Mishari Al Saud, Alfaisal University engineering student who undertook the internship last Summer said: “The experience was great and this initiative played a key role in building human capacity in Saudi Arabia, where such programs and training give great opportunities and involvement for Saudi Arabia and its citizens”.
