Page 4 - SRNS_Today_August_2021

4 | SRNS T ODA Y | A UGUST 2021
4 | SRNS TODAY | AUGUST 2021

Second cohort of

Nuclear Operator

Apprentices graduate

The second cohort from the SRNS Nuclear Operator Apprenticeship
program graduated in July, after completing the Nuclear
Fundamentals Certificate program at Aiken Technical College (ATC).
Twelve apprentices participated in the program, which allows
ATC students to simultaneously receive on-the-job training while
completing their required classroom work. Apprentices learned the

SRNS Electricians Ke’ean Coleman (left) and Robin Herndon work to install basic qualifications of a production operator, including conduct of
solar lights in the H Canyon North Parking Lot to help improve safety. operations principles, radiation worker training and qualification and
how to perform shift rounds.
H Area team improves “We are proud to have completed another successful operator

parking lot lighting apprenticeship program,” said SRNS President and CEO Stuart
MacVean. “To ensure the development of a viable workforce in our
community, we aspire to establish 300 registered apprenticeships
with low-cost solution throughout organizations in surrounding South Carolina counties by
Oct. 1, 2021.”
H Area Engineering, Operations, and Construction recently Those graduates who met all employment requirements were hired
teamed to deploy smart solar lighting in the H Area north parking and put to work in areas across SRS.
lot, driven by employee suggestions made to the H Area W.I.S.E. The Nuclear Fundamentals Program, created in 2016 in collaboration
(Workers in Safety Excellence) Owls Local Safety Improvement with SRNS, prepares students for entry-level positions in the nuclear
Team (LSIT). industry.
Observations from safety-conscious employees about the lack “For many years, we have partnered with SRNS to provide workforce
of lighting in the H Area north lot were reported to the LSIT using development opportunities. This program has opened a new pathway
the Behavior Based Safety (BBS) Observation program. Often, for those interested in a career in the nuclear industry by providing
during shift changes for H Area facilities, employees noted them with the skills and knowledge that meet the industry’s workforce
limited light in the early mornings and evenings. needs. The apprentices also have a unique opportunity to gain real-

“We identified a trend of increasing observations regarding life, on-the-job experiences and network with various workgroups
the lighting in the north parking lot, which elevated the need to at SRS. It creates a strong foundation for a long-term, successful
resolve this issue,” said H Area W.I.S.E. Owls Chair Emily Skelley. career,” said Steven Simmons, Dean of Technical and Continuing
“While the Engineering department worked to develop a more Education at ATC. “The success of this program has become the
permanent plan, the LSIT identified temporary lighting that could blueprint for us to build similar opportunities for other employers in
be installed quickly.” the area in the future.”
“It’s encouraging when employees know that their voices are The Nuclear Operator Apprenticeship Program is part of
heard and action is taken,” she continued. “This is a perfect Apprenticeship Carolina™. With their guidance, as well as the Lower
example of why it’s important to engage with your LSITs and be Savannah Council of Governments, the operator apprenticeship
a contributor to the BBS Observation program.” program has been registered both with the state and nationally.
Lack of electrical tie-ins within proximity to H Area posed a
challenge for the Operations and Engineering teams. The
solution was found in solar power lighting, which was installed by
Construction this month.
This low-cost solution to the issue was applauded by H Area
Facility Manager Nick Miller, who presented Safety Challenge
Coins to the engineers and operators who provided the solution.
“Thank you to the LSITs and the H Area team that came
together to find this solution,” he said. “We are committed to our
employees’ safety, and the elevation of this issue ensured the
right people were deployed to help fix it. Thank you also to all the The second cohort of the Nuclear Operator Apprenticeship Program was recognized
employees who participate in BBS and the LSITs and who take in a ceremony on July 27 at Aiken Technical College.
the SRNS safety mindset seriously.”