Westinghouse supports Czech technical education. Five students from CTU and UWB to begin internships at US headquarters in August

Educating a new generation of experts is absolutely crucial to the future of the Czech nuclear industry. Cooperation with universities is one of the important elements of Westinghouse’s activities in Czechia. The internship programme for students from Central and Eastern Europe began last year. Following a successful first year, three students from the Czech Technical University in Prague and two from the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen will join the project this year.

Westinghouse Electric Company, a global leader in the nuclear industry, will welcome five Czech students to its headquarters in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, in August. The programme is designed to develop the talents of future nuclear energy professionals and represents a unique opportunity for gifted students from Czechia embarking on an inspiring journey towards a future career in nuclear energy.

„We promote innovative technologies and have a long tradition of cooperation with universities around the world. We are proud that we can now build on this legacy in our country, where the nuclear industry has had strong roots for decades.” said Petr Brzezina, Westinghouse President for the Czech Republic, at a meeting with the students.

The internship programme is highly structured and focused on maximising hands-on experience in a real-world environment. Students will be assigned tasks similar to those worked on by newly graduated engineers joining Westinghouse. They will also have the opportunity to attend technical presentations across various departments and meet the company’s senior employees.

Tomáš Kadavý, who is studying Energy Machinery and Equipment Construction at the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, added about the planned internship: „I studied at a university in the United States, but I do not have experience of the working environment there, so I am looking forward to getting to know the professional sphere as well. Above all, I will try to develop contacts with colleagues and deepen my knowledge.” The internship will also include visits to technical facilities related to the nuclear industry.

Last year, Westinghouse offered jobs to all students who had completed or were close to completing their studies.

„So far during my studies, I have not had the opportunity to do any practical work directly in the field, so this offer seemed like a great opportunity to try applying what I am learning and what I have so far only known theoretically.” said Lucie Tycová from the Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering at the Czech Technical University in Prague.

According to Petr Brzezina, the benefits of similar programmes are long-term. „With the current renaissance of the nuclear industry, this programme is the best thing that could happen to Czech students. Nuclear energy has a future, especially in our region, where many interesting projects are being developed, whether in Czechia, Poland or, in the future, Ukraine,” Brzezina said.

The nuclear industry is evolving dynamically, and Westinghouse recognises how important it is to support a new generation of talent in this highly specialised field. Westinghouse is committed to innovation, safety and zero-emission solutions. The programme includes providing practical experience to early-career nuclear energy professionals. Exposure to state-of-the-art technologies will enable them to become leaders in the nuclear industry in the future.

Andrej Prítrský, Lucie Tycová and Tomáš Svoboda from the Czech Technical University in Prague, along with Tomáš Kadavý and Petr Vastl from the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, will take part in Westinghouse’s student programme. The internship will begin in August and last six weeks.