Third Joint Cohort of SRNS Nuclear Operators Graduate from Denmark Tech
Thursday, January 18th, 2024
Twenty-two apprentices recently earned their Nuclear Fundamentals Technology Certificate from Denmark Technical College (DTC) after graduating from the Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) Nuclear Operator Program. Designed to fill vacancies for mission-critical positions, the program has successfully transitioned three apprenticeship cohorts into full- time roles at the Savannah River Site (SRS).
Pictured with Shanterra Hughes (third from left), a graduate of the Savannah River Nuclear Solutions Nuclear Operator Apprenticeship Program at Denmark Technical College (DTC) is David Jackson, Savannah River Site (SRS) Apprenticeship School Program Lead; BooBoo Roberts, SRS Apprenticeship School and Pipeline Training Program Manager; and Tia Wright- Richards, DTC Vice President for Academic Affairs and Director of Workforce Development and Continuing Education.
“The Nuclear Fundamentals Program provides an ‘earn while you learn’ opportunity that gives students the chance to provide for their families while supporting SRS goals and missions,” said David Jackson, SRS Apprenticeship School Program Lead. “It is a great feeling to know we are changing the lives of these students and aiding in the expansion of our workforce through the apprenticeship pipeline.”
Since 2020, SRNS has strengthened its apprenticeship pipeline, after establishing its first partnership with Aiken Technical College. In May 2021, SRNS mirrored the program with DTC, a two-year college that primarily serves Bamberg, Barnwell and Allendale communities.
The eight-month program allows students to spend two days a week at SRS, shadowing industry leaders, and two days a week at DTC for classroom instruction. DTC provides apprentices compensation for training hours, as well as full academic and financial support. Classroom courses include a knowledge base of applied chemistry for nuclear industry, integrated physics, nuclear physics, industrial instrumentation, hydraulics and pneumatics, heat transfer and fluid mechanics.
“The Site has a great need for apprentices in numerous job sectors to fufill our missions in national security and defense,” said Dorian Newton, Ph.D., SRNS Deputy Director, Site Training. “Over 91% of our apprentices transition into full-time positions at the Site so we are extremely proud of the strides we’ve made with our partnering institutions.”
Shanterra Hughes, who earned her nuclear fundamentals certificate, believes the program set her up for future success at SRS.
“It is truly amazing to know I can provide for my family and make a difference for my country,” said Hughes. “The apprenticeship program helped me build the foundation of knowledge that I will continue to improve on as I transition into my facility position supporting national security missions. I am incredibly thankful for this opportunity with SRNS and Denmark Tech.”
The Nuclear Operator Apprenticeship Program is part of Apprenticeship CarolinaTM (AC), a division of the South Carolina Technical College System, which leads South Carolina in registered apprenticeship programs. With the guidance of AC, as well as the Lower Savannah Council of Governments, the nuclear operator apprenticeship program is registered with the state and nationally.
DTC remains commited to providing speciality training in apprenticeship occupations that meet the SRS workforce needs. Plans are underway to add additional associate degree programs in Radiological Control Technology and Applied Mechatronics Technology.
“Our partnership with DTC continues to be a valuable tool to secure high-paying careers across the Site,” continued Newton. “Since 2020, nearly 350 apprentices have transitioned into our organization through our partnering institutions. It is important for our team to continue to add additional apprenticeship occupations to meet this need.”
For questions regarding the application process for the SRNS apprenticeship program, contact SRS Apprenticeship and Pipeline Training Program Manager BooBoo Roberts at [email protected].
