Page 13 - SRNS_Today_October_2020

OCTOBER 2020 | SRNS TODAY | 13

Operator Apprentice graduates

First cohort in SRNS and ATC program completes coursework for certificate

The first cohort from SRNS Operator Apprenticeship Program was from the classroom to the workforce. We strive to provide
recognized on Oct. 2 upon completion of their Nuclear Fundamentals students with employable skills that are valued and meet the needs
Certificate course from Aiken Technical College (ATC). of our local employers.”
The eight-month Operator Apprenticeship Program provided a unique The Operator Apprenticeship Program is part of Apprenticeship
learning opportunity for eight apprentices from ATC to simultaneously Carolina™ (AC). AC is a division of the South Carolina Technical
complete classroom work while receiving on-the-job training. Students College System, and leads South Carolina in registered apprenticeship
spent two days a week receiving instruction from ATC and two days a programs that help businesses and communities thrive economically.
week working at SRS. With the guidance of AC as well as the Lower Savannah Council
of Governments, the Operator Apprenticeship Program has been
SRNS paid the tuition for the operator apprentices enrolled in the
first round of this program. Apprentices learned the basic registered both with the state and nationally.
qualifications of a production operator including conduct of operations “Many employers struggle to find the skilled workers they need
principles, radiation worker training and qualification, and how to to grow their business,” said Amy Firestone, Vice President for
perform shift rounds. Apprenticeship Carolina. “Apprenticeship Carolina and our technical
SRNS has hired six of the apprentices, who will be put to work in colleges across the state are dedicated to increasing the awareness
areas across the Site. and use of registered apprenticeships in South Carolina. We know
from experience that apprenticeships, like Savannah River Nuclear
“This pilot program was a success for both the operator apprentices Solutions’, can go a long way to bridging the skills gap so many
and SRNS,” said Stuart MacVean. “Through the program, the companies face.”
apprentices have gained the skills to prepare them for jobs in the
nuclear field, while SRNS is receiving employees already trained in the For more information on the Operator Apprenticship Program, visit:
work for needed positions.” https://savannahrivernuclearsolutions.com/careers/careers.htm
or call Janessa Smith, SRNS Human Resources Specialist, at (803)
The Nuclear Fundamentals Program, created in 2016 in collaboration 646-3538.
with SRNS, prepares students for entry-level positions in the nuclear
industry. The recent addition of the apprenticeship program pathway For more information about the Nuclear Fundamentals Program, visit
further helps to build the workforce pipeline. www.atc.edu.
“Providing opportunities for educational and workforce development Photo: The first cohort from the SRNS Operator Apprenticeship Program was recognized
is central to ATC’s mission and contributes to the economic vitality on Oct. 2. Pictured are (front row, from left) Kevin Thomas, Melinda Green and Alexander
of the region,” said ATC President Dr. Forest E. Mahan. “This Sims; (second row, from left) Adam Thomas, Denis Pressley and Christopher Sullivan; and
partnership is a great example of creating a pathway for students (back row, from left) Michael McAdory and John Starnes.