As construction plans continue at the Savannah River Plutonium Processing Facility (SRPPF), located at the Savannah River Site (SRS), efforts to staff the Plutonium (Pu) Modernization Program, which will develop and train the workforce prior to SRPPF project completion and startup, are progressing.

The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) recently granted Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS), the managing and operating contractor at SRS, approval of the SRPPF Workforce Development Program Plan, allowing scholarships to be used for funding training and education expenses for students at colleges and universities identified to help address SRPPF workforce needs.

“SRNS has recognized the need to engage in workforce planning for the plutonium pit production mission and has taken steps to address workforce development needs,” said Jason Ashe, Pu Modernization Program Manager. “We are actively engaging local colleges and universities in developing programs to recruit, train and retain skilled and knowledgeable employees needed to produce plutonium pits.”

Ashe led an effort in 2022 to establish relationships with eight Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in South Carolina. He and his team are continuing to establish similar relationships with other educational institutions in the region through programs such an internships and apprenticeships.

Once SRPPF is fully operational, approximately 2,000 employees will be needed in a variety of areas, including  engineering, maintenance, operations, security and information technology. SRS has been tasked with modernizing the nuclear weapon stockpile, an area identified as a national priority.

“We are committed to recruiting and retaining an innovative, talented and diverse workforce to support the Site’s pit production mission,” said Angela Martin, HR Manager, NNSA Pu Programs/Projects. “The recent NNSA approvals provide a path for improving our funding capabilities related to training incoming employees.”

The Pu Modernization Program is an enduring mission projected to be in operation for a minimum of 50 years, once SRPPF construction is completed.

For more information on apprenticeship opportunities at SRS, click here.