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APRIL 2021 | SRNS TODAY | 9

Apprenticeships lead

to SRS careers

David Jackson (center), SRNS Senior Training Instructor, observes as a team of Nuclear Production Operator Apprentices practice work typical of their future job responsibilities as
potential full-service employees at the SRS.
H igh school and college graduates, and unemployed and As an example, Smith mentioned the apprentice profile for Maintenance
Mechanics. For this apprenticeship, no previous experience or training
underemployed adults are taking charge of their future
is required.
careers through the SRNS Registered Apprenticeship
Program at SRS.
to being paid, apprentices gain job experience, network to obtain
Seven paid apprentice profiles have been registered with the An SRNS apprentice enjoys several advantages at SRS. In addition
Department of Labor: Facility/Production Operators, Software references and have an opportunity to test drive an occupation.
Engineers, Records Management Clerks, Process Software “It’s not unusual for us to offer full-time jobs to apprentices upon
Engineers, Systems Engineers; Computer Systems Support and completion—or even before they complete the program,” said Smith.
Maintenance Mechanics. “We’ve recently modified company policy to make this possible.”
“We have several important missions to fulfill, involving the protection According to Smith, typically, most apprentices work while obtaining
of our nation and the cleanup of Cold War-era waste sites, as the an occupation certificate or degree from a local technical college or
management and operations contractor at SRS,” said Sean Alford, university. In some instances, high school students may qualify for the
SRNS Executive Vice President and Chief of Administration. “And apprenticeship program.
we have a need to fill a wide range of job pipelines with enthusiastic
candidates, to safely and securely accomplish all of this for the “To ensure the development of a viable workforce in our community,
Department of Energy.” we aspire to establish 300 Registered Apprenticeships throughout
organizations in the following counties by Oct. 1, 2021: Aiken, Allendale,
According to Alford, since SRNS employs more than 7,000 workers, Bamberg, Barnwell, Edgefield and Orangeburg,” said Alford. “SRNS has
the company needs a vast range of candidates and job skills. committed to ensuring one-third of these apprenticeships will be at SRS.
“We have six more apprentice profiles in the works, to include: “We’re working closely with Apprenticeship Carolina and the Lower
Electrical and Instrumentation Mechanics, Project Controls Savannah Council of Governments as well to make this a reality.
personnel, Fire Protection Engineers; Radcon Inspectors, Supply Together, we will be the first to step forward and champion the conduit
Chain Management Resource employees and Associate Chemical of apprenticeships to endorse an employment solution with local,
Management Center Analysts,” said Janessa Smith, SRNS Talent regional, state and national impact.”
Management. “And the list is growing.”
“Without a doubt, the credentials you earn as a registered apprentice
are invaluable,” said Smith. “In fact, depending on the profile you
pursue, you can be accepted into our program with zero experience. APPLY FOR APPRENTICESHIPS:
We will provide all the training you need. At which point, you now own savannahrivernuclearsolutions.com
a portable credential proving you can do the work for any company go to “Careers”>”Apply Now”
needing that skillset,” she added.