Competent and motivated employees create the foundation for the safe operation of a nuclear power plant.
TVO continuously offers training to maintain the competence and expertise of its empl
oyees and the external workforce. Internal training courses are arranged on topics such as plant, nuclear power and operating technology. A high level of expertise can be achieved by using training requirements tailored for the different units, job rotation, employee orientation and work guidance. An individual training plan has been prepared for each employee of TVO. The plan includes training requirements involving the unit, licenses/permits and special roles.
In 2018, competence development focused especially on plant introduction training courses, introduction of a competence analysis system and modernisation of online training. The main goal of operation training at OL1 and OL2 was the implementation of high-quality training, with particular focus on plant modifications. The planned goals were reached.
The operating personnel of the nuclear power plant receive comprehensive training throughout their careers. In spring and autumn 2018, operators of OL1 and OL2 participated in operating training events and advanced simulator courses as required by their refresher training program.
Several supervisor training events focusing on a variety of themes were arranged. Furthermore, a number of people completed supervisor training and special training on supervisory operations.
Basic annual outage competence was developed with two separate training courses. The prerequisites for receiving an access permit were completion of the annual online training course and practical training (in a “mock-up tent”). The purpose of these actions was to inform the employees of the Group and all persons working on the site during the annual outages of TVO Group’s expectations related to high-quality work performance and correct procedures. A total of 828 TVO Group employees, 1,930 subcontractors and 55 representatives of authorities were trained. The total number of persons attending the training was 2,758.
TVO aims to do its part in competence development, being aware of the fact that it will continue to employ new nuclear sector experts in the future. Cooperation with educational institutions and schools takes place in many different ways.
The Group prepares an extensive annual training program that takes into account unit-specific training requirements and other special training needs observed in the organisation. The annual training program was mostly implemented according to plan. In 2018, the employees received a total of 13,813 days of training, which means on average 15.7 days per TVO employee.
All employees working at the Olkiluoto nuclear power plant site must complete the general part of the introduction training and all persons working in the controlled area must complete the radiation protection part of the training. Both training courses must be repeated every three years. The figures for the general and radiation protection part of the introduction training include the attendance of TVO Group employees and subcontractors. In 2018, 3,585 people completed the introduction training, of whom 1,567 people completed an online refresher course.
The radiation protection part was completed by 1,703 people, of whom 697 completed an online refresher course. Both training parts were provided in Finnish and English.
Training for OL3 operators
In 2018, OL3 operators participated in training arranged by the plant supplier as well as a theory course and simulator training included in the basic simulator training course. The operators also attended training events in spring and fall in accordance with their refresher training program. The OL3 operators worked in shifts in the joint operating organisation of the plant supplier and TVO, performing operational and monitoring tasks and participated in the inspection and preparation of operating procedures. Licensing of the OL3 operating personnel took place in late 2018.
Competence analysis
The competence analysis project continued in 2018 with an assessment of the units’ competencies and their criticality in terms of the business, carried out by employees and supervisors. The navigation discussions between the supervisors and employees are also part of the competence analysis. The competence analysis aims at surveying the competencies required by the Group. The competence analysis provides valuable information on any competence gaps, which will improve awareness of the actions needed to improve competence development. 
