On 2-3 July 2019, the WINS Academy held its first international networking event for WINS Alumni from 15 countries around the world. Twelve women and 11 men who have achieved the status of Certified Nuclear Security Professional (CNSP) met together to network and explore how the WINS Academy Programme can better help nuclear security professionals achieve a diverse, inclusive, demonstrably competent profession.
The Learning Journey
Over the two-day event, participants discussed their learning journey in the Academy. They contributed ideas for how to enhance the learning experience so that every participant in the WINS Academy successfully achieves certification. They also provided practical suggestions for how WINS can help Alumni continue achieving professional success after certification.
Networking Opportunities
In addition, Alumni explored how to enhance their professional networking opportunities through the strategic use of social media and mechanisms like the WINS Academy Ambassador Programme. They also explored how to better develop the Alumni Network to advance their careers, develop professionally, and support each other in fully engaging in the nuclear security profession.
Keynote Address
Alumni benefited immensely from the keynote address given by Ms Jean Llwelleyn, OBE, who is a WINS Board Member and former CEO of the UK National Skills Academy Nuclear. While sharing her learning and career journey, Ms Llewellyn emphasised that:
- Dedication, commitment and hard work lead to a successful career.
- Skills development, training, competency development and certification are key elements of a successful career.
- It is important to seize every opportunity and recognise and appreciate when you are in the right place at the right time.
- WINS programmes and certification are key tools for professional success in the field of nuclear security.
Table-Top Exercise (TTX)
Alumni also had the opportunity to participate in a table-top exercise based on the theme of cybersecurity for the nuclear sector. The TTX examined cyberthreat, cyber targets, cyberattack, cybersecurity incident response, and communication strategies in the aftermath of a cybersecurity incident. As the experts demonstrated, planning and preparedness for cyberattacks is a key issue in the successful management of a cybersecurity incident.
WINS greatly appreciates the proactive participation of our Alumni in this event and their willingness to share their praise, challenges, and suggestions for improvement in the WINS Academy programme. Together we will continue increasing competency, professionalism and career opportunities in the field of nuclear security.
