AIKEN, S.C. – Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) was named the 2026 South Carolina Workforce Champion by Gov. Henry McMaster and the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) during a Sept. 1 ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion in Columbia, S.C.
“SRNS leads the way in South Carolina by providing students with hands-on experiences that introduce them to the opportunities available right here at home,” said McMaster. “South Carolina has a strong nuclear industry that needs skilled workers, and programs like these help ensure that young people are prepared to pursue rewarding careers in our state.”
Selected from nearly 100 nominations, SRNS was honored for its Education Outreach Programs (EOP), SRS Apprenticeship School and summer internship program. These initiatives reflect SRNS’ longstanding commitment to workforce development at the Savannah River Site (SRS) and its efforts to introduce students and educators to meaningful careers in national security, nuclear operations, engineering, and other critical‑skill fields vital to the U.S. Department of Energy and National Nuclear Security Administration.
“Along with Governor McMaster, it is my privilege to present the Workforce Champion Award to SRNS,” said William Floyd, DEW Executive Director. “SRNS does an exemplary job of spreading awareness of in-demand occupations in nuclear defense and protection, directly working with students as early as elementary school, and creating programs for teenagers, including those in our state’s rural areas, allowing them to earn a wage while progressing towards long-term careers at SRNS.”
Through these programs, SRNS introduces K-12 and college students to high-demand fields while highlighting the purpose‑driven missions that protect the nation and advance global security.
“SRNS is honored to be recognized for this award,” said Jeff Griffin, SRNS President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our collaboration with DEW amplifies the impact of every program we offer to ensure students across the region can access career opportunities, industry-leading training, and barrier-free pathways into critical-skill careers. We are proud to model scalable workforce programs that build strong community partnerships and remove obstacles for young professionals.”
SRNS Education Outreach Programs
Serving six South Carolina counties, EOP connects classroom learning with real‑world experiences through science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) activities, mentorship and career exploration. In 2025, eight signature programs collectively engaged over 24,000 students, 630 educators and 3,000 community members.
“Our team of three delivers meaningful, year‑round STEM experiences that break down barriers, strengthen community partnerships and inspire the next generation,” said Taylor Rice, SRNS Education Outreach Programs Lead. “Impacting nearly 28,000 people in 2025 alone, our scalable, volunteer‑driven programs continue to build a strong, sustainable talent pipeline for the future.”
SRS Apprenticeship School
A cornerstone of SRNS’ long‑term workforce strategy, the SRS Apprenticeship School prepares high‑skilled talent through 29 registered apprenticeships across three pathways — Key-Skilled Technician, Professional/Degree‑Based, and Youth Apprenticeships. The program has graduated nearly 900 apprentices, with a 93% full‑time employment rate at SRS.
“Our apprenticeship programs empower the next generation and deliver the ‘Pay, Paper, and Position’ needed for long-term success at SRS,” said BooBoo Roberts, SRNS Program Manager, SRS Apprenticeship School. “By connecting students with mentors, educators and real-world training, we’re building a highly skilled workforce ready to lead our missions forward.”
SRNS Internship Program
The SRNS summer internship program offers college and technical students practical training across engineering, IT, business, sciences, communications and more. Interns gain competitive pay, mentorship, OSHA-10 certification, Mental Health First Aid training, and exposure to diverse career paths at SRS. In FY25, 4,500 applications were received from 51 colleges across 18 states; 173 internships were completed, with 38 students accepting full‑time offers and 25 converting into registered apprenticeships.
“SRNS is proud of the strong talent pipelines we’ve built for students and recent graduates,” said Bryan Ortner, SRNS Senior Vice President of Workforce Services and Talent Management. “We are committed to developing tomorrow’s workforce to ensure we deliver on the country’s vital national security missions.”
Since 2023, DEW has presented the Workforce Champion Award annually to recognize a person or employer demonstrating creative, effective leadership in school-to-work initiatives. For more information on this award, click here.
Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, a Fluor and HII partnership company, is responsible for the management and operations of the Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site, located near Aiken, South Carolina.
The S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce is putting South Carolinians to work. The agency has four missions: (1) workforce development; (2) free job match employment services; (3) unemployment insurance; and (4) labor market information. All four missions contribute to workforce development in South Carolina. The agency is dedicated to advancing South Carolina through services and programs that meet the needs of our businesses, job seekers, and those looking to advance their careers.
SRNS-2026-1768