The long-term sustainability of the nuclear power complex, which includes industry, government, regulatory bodies, research organizations and educational institutions, depends on the availability of specialized, highly skilled and motivated labour. A new IAEA report had recently been prepared containing guidance on the application of integrated workforce planning as a tool for their effective development.

For non-nuclear-powered countries, as well as for planned substantial expansion of existing capacities, it may take up to 10 to 15 years to build the necessary infrastructure. In addition, such infrastructure will need to be maintained for at least 100 years to ensure the operation of NPPs, their decommissioning and waste management.

IAEA ' s Guidelines for the Development of National Atomic Energy Infrastructure

To assist in the development of the human resources infrastructure of the member country of the Agency considering the establishment of its own nuclear power, IAEA has issued a guidance document entitled " The National Atomic Energy Infrastructure Development Steps " [1], which describes three main stages of national infrastructure development:

• Phase No. 1 - Consideration of various aspects prior to the decision to launch its own nuclear and energy programme;
• Phase No. 2 - Preparatory work for the construction of the first NPP following the adoption of a political decision;
• Phase 3 - work on the establishment of the first NPP.

The document deals in detail with 19 selected infrastructure issues to be addressed at each of these stages. The workforce planning process is being considered in the context of these issues and stages.