Changing trends in human resource management

While the nuclear industry used to be attractive due to, among other things, the prospect of a lifelong career, this appeal no longer resonates with today's young people. They are much more receptive to aspects related to Paks II., such as the international nature of the project or the fact that nuclear energy is green energy. Áron Benedek used this example to illustrate the changing trends and challenges in human resource management on the morning show of Paks FM. The human resources director of Paks II. Zrt. added that numerous factors – the threat of epidemics, changes in the economic situation, rapidly developing technology, artificial intelligence – have an impact on various fields, including HR.

As he pointed out, the Paks II project is a multi-generational team effort. Each generation has different strengths, and the expectations of generations X, Y and Z are different."Our task is to make the most efficient use of these diverse strengths, to meet the different expectations, i.e. to create sustainable cooperation between generations", he stressed.

He also pointed out that Paks II's corporate values are built on three pillars: human resources, excellence and partnership. The theoretical and professional basis for this is provided by the University of Pécs (Pécs University of Technology) and the Energy Technology and College Institute (ETI), a strategic partner of the two companies that provide the training. "Let us say it and be proud of it: we have brought university education back to the city of Paks. The ambitious goal is to start full-time education in September 2026, the need and feasibility of university-level courses in other specialisations is being investigated, and the longer-term goals include the implementation of MSc-level education."

Áron Benedek said that the cooperation between Paks I and Paks II HR is not limited to the training of electrical engineers. The further extension of the plant's lifetime has shed new light on the issue of the supply of technicians and raised a number of important questions that need to be answered. For example, who will be the future operators, who will train them, and how to make use of the knowledge available in the two companies.

"In a joint project, we will explore the challenges and untapped opportunities, share our good practices, positive and negative experiences, and seek synergies. The management of the two companies has identified the need to move to a 'one for one' way of working", outlined the HR Director. The magnitude of the human resource needs is well illustrated by the fact that MVM Paksi Atomerőmű Zrt. is working towards a further 20-year life extension, and Paks II nuclear power plant is planned for a 60-year lifetime, with the possibility of a future life extension added to this.