AIKEN — Twenty-two apprentices recently earned their Nuclear Basic Technology Certificate from the Danish Technical University (DTC) after graduating from the Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) Nuclear Operator Program. The program, designed to fill vacancies in mission-critical positions, has successfully transitioned her three apprentice groups to full-time positions at the Savannah River Site (SRS).
Pictured with Savannah River Nuclear Solutions Nuclear Operator Apprenticeship Program graduate Chantella Hughes (third from left)…
“The Nuclear Fundamentals program provides an ‘earn while you learn’ opportunity that gives students the opportunity to support their families while supporting the goals and mission of SRS,” said David Jackson, SRS Apprentice School Program Director. “It feels great to know that we are changing the lives of these students and helping them expand the workforce through the apprenticeship pipeline.”
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Since 2020, SRNS has strengthened its training pipeline after establishing its first partnership with Aiken Technical College. In May 2021, SRNS reflected on the program with DTC, his two-year college primarily serving the communities of Bamberg, Barnwell and Allendale.
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“Graduates from the Technical University of Denmark can continue full-time work at SRS, where they can apply their newly acquired skills to become fully qualified nuclear operators,” said Willy, President of DTC. said Dr. L. Todd Jr. And the CEO. “This is a great partnership that will allow our students to advance into their future careers and earn credits that they can apply for at SRS or transfer to pursue higher education opportunities.”
The eight-month program allows students to spend two days a week at SRS shadowing industry leaders and two days a week receiving classroom instruction at DTC. DTC not only provides apprentices with compensation for their training time, but also provides full academic and financial support. Lecture courses include a knowledge base of applied chemistry, integrated physics, nuclear physics, industrial instrumentation, hydraulics and pneumatics, heat transfer and fluid mechanics for the nuclear industry.
SRNS Deputy Site Training Director Dr. Dorian Newton said, “The site has a critical need for apprentices in many positions to fulfill our mission in national security and defense.” “More than 91% of our apprentices have gone on to full-time positions in the field and we are extremely proud of the progress we have made with our partner agencies.”
Chantella Hughes, who earned her Nuclear Fundamentals qualification, believes the program will set her up for future success at SRS.
“It’s really great to be able to support my family and make a difference in my country,” Hughes said. “The apprenticeship program helped me build a foundation of knowledge that I will further develop as I move into positions at facilities that support national security missions. This opportunity with SRNS and the Technical University of Denmark I am very grateful to you.”
The Nuclear Operator Apprenticeship Program is part of Apprenticeship Carolina™ (AC), a division of the South Carolina Technical College System, South Carolina’s leader in registered apprenticeship programs. Under the guidance of AC and the Lower Savannah Council of Governments, the Nuclear Operator Apprenticeship Program is state and nationally registered.
DTC remains committed to providing specialized training in apprenticeship occupations to meet the needs of SRS employees. Plans are underway to add associate degree programs in Radiation Control Technology and Applied Mechatronics Technology.
“Our partnership with DTC continues to be a valuable tool in securing well-paying careers across our sites,” Newton continued. “Since 2020, nearly 350 apprentices have transitioned into our organization through our partner agencies. It is important to our team that we continue to add apprenticeships to meet this need.”
For questions regarding the SRNS Apprenticeship Program application process, please contact BooBoo Roberts, SRS Apprenticeship and Pipeline Training Program Manager, at booboo.roberts@srs.gov.