A Study of Reasons for Participation in Continuing Professional Education in the U.S. Nuclear Power Industry

Abstract

The need for workers in the U.S. nuclear power industry to continually update their knowledge, skills, and abilities is critical to the safe and reliable operation of the country's nuclear power facilities. To improve their skills, knowledge, and abilities, many professionals in the nuclear power industry participate in continuing professional education (CPE). This study investigates participation in CPE using the Participation Reasons Scale (Grotel-ueschen, 1985), a 30-item self-report instrument that measures five dimensions or reasons for participation in continuing professional education. Professional Development ranked as the most important reason for participating in continuing professional education. Identity and Commitment ranked as the least important reason for participating. All reasons for voluntary participation were found to be significantly different (higher) than corresponding compulsory reasons for participation in CPE.