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Dive Brief:
- Bechtel and the construction unions of North America have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at modernizing learning programs for nuclear construction projects, including both traditional reactors and small modular reactors.
- The initiative comes as nuclear construction activity accelerates alongside increased demand for electricity linked to artificial intelligence, data centers and electrification.
- Bechtel said the partnership is designed to align training programs with evolving nuclear construction methods while maintaining strict safety and quality standards required in nuclear projects.
Diving knowledge:
The deal also reflects broader growth in the electrical construction market. Construction of gas and public services begins rose 59.3% in the 12 months ending in February 2026, while nonbuilding construction starts rose 17% overall, according to recent data from the Dodge Construction Network.
In addition, Dodge reported that electric power and utilities construction activity increased more than 350% month to month in March due to several mega-project starts. Analysts have increasingly linked this activity to the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure and hyperscale data centers, which are expected to require significant new power generation and network investment over the next decade.
Bechtel said the agreement is intended to help ensure apprenticeship programs evolve along with modern nuclear construction methods as utilities and developers move more projects into active development.
“As one of the nation’s largest employers of artisan professionals, Bechtel has long known what it takes to hire, train and retain a highly skilled construction workforce,” a company spokesperson told Construction Dive. “This MOU is not about filling a sudden void; it is about seizing an opportunity as advanced nuclear technologies move from concept to construction and the skills needed to deliver them continue to evolve.”
The company noted growing interest in nuclear generation as utilities look for reliable, low-carbon power sources capable of supporting growing electricity demand from AI infrastructure, manufacturing growth and electrification.
“Rather than a single tipping point, we see a steady increase as utilities and developers recognize the role of nuclear in providing reliable, low-carbon power at scale,” the spokesman said.
Bechtel is currently involved in several major nuclear efforts, including the Natrium advanced reactor project in Wyoming and early stage work on the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Clinch River small modular reactor project in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Although large-scale nuclear power plants and SMRs differ in scale and execution, Bechtel noted that the apprenticeship training will continue to emphasize the same fundamental principles.
Earlier this year, NABTU partnered with Microsoft on a focused national initiative AI training for construction workers. The program is designed to expand AI literacy, data security awareness and practical workplace applications across NABTU’s network of approximately 1,700 training centers.
According to NABTU officials, the effort aims to help workers adapt to increasingly digital workplaces, while reinforcing that AI is meant to support skilled artisanal labor rather than replace it.
