AIKEN, S.C. — The Savannah River Site is further enhancing its nuclear workforce with the recognition of 10 graduates from the Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) Nuclear Operator Apprenticeship Program. These graduates were honored at a ceremony held at Denmark Technical College (DTC), marking the commencement of their careers as fully qualified nuclear operators for the Savannah River Tritium Enterprise (SRTE).
After receiving eight months of combined classroom instruction and paid on-the-job training with experienced senior operators, the graduates successfully completed the SRNS Nuclear Operator Program, earning their Nuclear Fundamental Technology certificate from DTC and a nationally recognized, portable credential from the U.S. Department of Labor.
During the graduation ceremony, graduate Caelan Postell shared his experiences from the program. He recounted the challenges he faced and the skills he developed throughout the eight-month journey. He also highlighted the support and mentorship he received along the way.
“I want to thank the apprenticeship program for giving us this opportunity,” said Postell. “Not only did you give us a job, but you also gave us a career.”
Preparing the nation’s only tritium supply, SRTE provides a unique work experience for these new operators, requiring them to assume crucial nuclear responsibilities.
“The graduates are now equipped not only with the foundational skills necessary to become world class operators, but also with a profound understanding of the strategic importance of their roles,” said Senior Vice President, National Nuclear Security Administration Tritium Operations and Programs for SRNS Nick Miller.
The SRNS Nuclear Operator Program is part of the highly acclaimed SRS Apprenticeship School that has produced more than 800 graduates, with 90% joining the workforce to support various missions across the Site. In addition to earning competitive wages and acquiring qualified working certificates, participants can continue their education by receiving college credits from the partnering technical colleges, which can be applied towards an associate’s degree if they choose to complete it.
For more than 70 years, SRTE has helped maintain the U.S. nuclear stockpile by preparing the nation’s only tritium supply. The SRS Apprenticeship program has played a significant role in helping build the workforce pipeline to ensure its continued commitments to the Department of War.
Established by Congress in 2000, NNSA is a semi-autonomous agency within the U.S. Department of Energy responsible for enhancing national security through the military application of nuclear science. NNSA maintains and enhances the safety, security, and effectiveness of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile; works to reduce the global danger from weapons of mass destruction; provides the U.S. Navy with safe and militarily effective nuclear propulsion; and responds to nuclear and radiological emergencies in the U.S. and abroad.
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.
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