“This module helped me to understand nuclear security in a business context.”
Milos Mladenovic, Head of Department for Nuclear Security at PC Nuclear Facilities of Serbia, explains how he has applied material from his WINS Academy modules directly in his work and how certification has boosted his career. PC Nuclear Facilities of Serbia was established in 2009 to manage nuclear facilities in the country.
How did your WINS Academy studies help develop your understanding of nuclear security?
Before I enrolled in the WINS Academy, I had four years of experience as a researcher in the Department for Development and Application of Nuclear Technologies, and my field of work was nuclear techniques and technologies and safeguards. Since my background was safety, I didn’t have a clear picture about nuclear security and my accountabilities for it. The WINS Academy helped me to understand that nuclear security affects every part of an organisation, which significantly enhances nuclear security culture.
How did achieving certification help you achieve your professional goals?
When I was preparing for the exams, I became involved in a project to build, upgrade and maintain the security systems, and the coursework helped me to understand the project from all sides. The results were excellent. After obtaining certification, I was clearly recognised as a competent nuclear security professional. In 2016, my organisation formed a Department for Nuclear Security, and I became Head of Department. Since then, I have been involved in various projects with the US Department of Energy, IAEA and European Commission.
“I truly believe that the WINS Academy is the best source of knowledge for nuclear security professionals”
What was your WINS Academy elective? Why did you choose it?
My first WINS Academy elective was Nuclear Security for Executive Management. In the project to build, upgrade and maintain security systems, I was accountable not only for the technical aspects but the complete project management. This module helped me to understand nuclear security in a business context.
What inspired you to become a WINS Academy Ambassador?
I truly believe that the WINS Academy is the best source of knowledge for nuclear security professionals. Even if I had not been chosen as a WINS Academy Ambassador, I would continue to promote the academy and electives among my colleagues and business partners.
What advice do you have for current WINS Academy learners or those considering enrolling?
The electives cover all fields of nuclear security, and everyone from the industry (not only people who are directly involved in nuclear security, but also safety) can find the right one for themselves. I really admire the writers of the materials since the style was easy to follow, with great examples and case studies. I enjoyed preparing for the exams and my only advice is to get enrolled!
From Dalibor Arbutina, Acting Director of PC Nuclear Facilities of Serbia
How has your organisation benefitted from Milos achieving Certified Nuclear Security Professional status?
PC Nuclear Facilities of Serbia and I, the acting director of the company, fully support and emphasise the importance of certification in the field of nuclear security. Every nuclear security professional needs to prove their competences in the field, and that is a clear sign of strong nuclear security culture within the company. Milos and I were enrolled in the WINS Academy at the same time, and I was able to see his full commitment and interest in the subject. We were all proud when he achieved CNSP designation, since our company sees nuclear security not only as necessary to fulfil regulatory requirements but equal to safety. Milos has shared his experience with his colleagues and many of them have changed their point of view regarding nuclear security, which significantly enhanced the company’s nuclear security system.
“Milos has shared his experience with his colleagues, and many of them have changed their point of view regarding nuclear security, which significantly enhanced the company’s nuclear security system.”
What role does WINS certification play in your institution’s professional development programme?
WINS certification plays major role in our professional development programme. It is highly supported by the management of the company, not only for employees who are directly involved in nuclear security but also for other departments, since everyone has their role and accountabilities in a nuclear security system.
