Apprenticeship School
What if you took the opportunity to invest in a short-term goal that could create a lifetime career for you? In addition to being paid, apprentices gain job experience, network to obtain job references and can test drive an occupation.
About Us
The Savannah River Site (SRS) Apprenticeship School is a structured workforce development initiative aimed at building a highly skilled, multifaceted workforce.
SRS faced a pressing need to expand its workforce due to employee attrition, new mission requirements, and the scarcity of nuclear-qualified, highly specialized candidates. To bridge the gap, SRS is committed to developing a pipeline of qualified professionals through a tailored workforce development strategy that creates, trains, and retains talent. Through various partnerships, the program provides hands-on training, job-specific education, and professional development for apprentices across three key models: Key Skilled Technician Apprenticeship, Professional/Degree-Based Apprenticeship, and Youth Apprenticeship.
Key Skilled Technician
The Key Skilled Technician Apprenticeship is focused on roles requiring interdepartmental collaboration and specialized skills, such as production operators and maintenance technicians. Registered apprenticeships last approximately 8 months to 4 years, during which apprentices complete on-the-job and classroom training while earning a scalable wage. Each program trains apprentices in the necessary processes to become a qualified employee in their specific discipline. Upon successful completion, participants receive a national, industry-recognized, and portable credential from the Department of Labor.
Professional/Degree-Based
Gain professional experience with paid, hands-on training through our Professional/Degree Based Apprenticeship Program. Designed for careers in Engineering, IT, and Business Management, these programs offer:
- Paid on-the-job training (1,000 hours/year for up to 4 years for some programs
- Hands on, job-related competency and skill development
- A nationally recognized U.S. Department of Labor credential upon completion
- Potential full-time employment opportunities at SRNS
Whether you are entering the workforce or earning your associate or bachelor’s degree, join us for a structured 12 to 48 month journey to develop a career path.
Youth
Join our 12- to 24-month program designed for high school juniors and seniors. Earn your diploma while gaining hands-on experience at SRS. On completion, receive a certificate as a Youth Apprentice from the Department of Labor. The SRNS Youth Apprenticeship Program provides a meaningful head start for students exploring careers in business, engineering, emergency medical services, information technology, and more. It’s more than a job—it’s a launchpad for your future.
Contact Us
If you would like more information on the SRS Apprenticeship School, you can contact us at SRSApprenticeshipSchool@srs.gov.
Programs
Key Skilled Technician Apprenticeships
Key Skilled Technician Apprenticeships
Facility Production Operators
Eight months of paid classroom/laboratory instruction and on-the-job training with an SRS instructor using equipment identical to different facilities). Two courses at a time will be taken at a technical college (Aiken Tech, Augusta Tech, or Denmark Tech, which will be determined by apprenticeship program) for the duration of approximately four weeks, and then the apprentice will come on-site for about four weeks to take general Site training, on-the-job training, etc. This schedule will continue to rotate throughout the eight months of the program. After completing the program, a certificate from the Department of Labor will be earned and a certificate of completion of Nuclear Fundamentals from the technical college.
Maintenance Mechanics
Twenty-four-month program that provides classroom training at SRS and participating technical colleges along with on-the-job training with qualified senior maintenance mechanics and field time experience. After completing the program, the apprentice will earn college credits from the participating technical college to achieve a program certificate and to be used towards an associate degree if the apprentice decides to complete the degree. A certificate from the Department of Labor will also be earned.
Electrical & Instrumentation (E&I) Mechanics
Thirty-six-month program that provides classroom training at SRS and participating technical colleges along with on-the-job training with qualified senior E&I mechanics. After completing the program, the apprentice will earn college credits from the participating technical college to achieve a program certificate and to be used towards an associate degree if the apprentice decides to complete the degree. A certificate from the Department of Labor will also be earned.
Professional/Degree-Based Apprenticeships
Gain professional experience with hands-on training through our Professional/Degree Based Apprenticeship Program. Designed for careers in Engineering, IT, and Business Management, this program offers:
- Paid on-the-job training (1,000 hours/year for up to 4 years for some programs)
- Hands on, job-related competency and skill development
- A nationally recognized U.S. Department of Labor credential upon completion
- Potential full-time employment opportunities at SRNS
Whether you are entering the workforce or earning your associate or bachelor’s degree, join us for a structured 12 to 48 month journey to develop a career path and enhance your field of study. Professional Apprenticeship applications are typically posted in the late summer, early fall, or as needed.
| POSITION TITLE | ENTRY REQUIREMENTS | DEGREE REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPLETION | JOB ELIGIBILITY AFTER COMPLETION |
| BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL | |||
| ASSISTANT QUALITY ASSURANCE SPECIALIST | HS DIPLOMA / GED | NO POST-SECONDARY DEGREE REQUIRED | ASSISTANT QUALITY ASSURANCE SPECIALIST |
| CONTRACTS & SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL | HS DIPLOMA / GED | MAY INCLUDE A.S. OR B.S. REQUIREMENT | PROCUREMENT P1, BUSINESS ANALYST 1 OR SCM SYSTEMS & DATA RESOURCE P1 |
| DOCUMENT CONTROL CLERK | RISING COMPUTER SCIENCE SOPHOMORE, OR A RELATED FIELD | NO POST-SECONDARY DEGREE REQUIRED | DOCUMENT CONTROL CLERK |
| EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL | FRESHMAN YEAR AT A FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY | B.S. IN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OR RELATED FIELD | ASSOCIATE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS SPECIALIST |
| PROJECT CONTROL ENGINEER | HS DIPLOMA / GED | NO POST-SECONDARY DEGREE REQUIRED | ASSOCIATE BUSINESS ANALYST / PROJECT CONTROLS |
| RECORDS MANAGEMENT CLERK | HS DIPLOMA / GED | NO POST-SECONDARY DEGREE REQUIRED | RECORDS MANAGEMENT CLERK |
| POSITION TITLE | ENTRY REQUIREMENTS | DEGREE REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPLETION | JOB ELIGIBILITY AFTER COMPLETION |
| INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY | |||
| COMPUTER SYSTEMS SUPPORT | HS DIPLOMA / GED | B.S. IN COMPUTER SCIENCE OR RELATED FIELD | SYSTEMS ENGINEER |
| CYBER SECURITY ENGINEER | HS DIPLOMA / GED | B.S. IN COMPUTER SCIENCE OR RELATED FIELD | ASSOCIATE CYBER ENGINEER |
| NETWORK OPERATIONS ENGINEER | RISING COMPUTER SCIENCE SOPHOMORE, OR A RELATED FIELD | A.S. OR B.S. IN COMPUTER SCIENCE OR RELATED FIELD; OR HS DIPLOMA AND EQUIVALENT YEARS OF EXPERIENCE | ASSOCIATE NETWORK OPS ENGINEER |
| SOFTWARE ENGINEER | HS DIPLOMA / GED | B.S. IN COMPUTER SCIENCE OR RELATED FIELD | SOFTWARE ENGINEER |
| SYSTEMS ENGINEER | HS DIPLOMA / GED | B.S. IN COMPUTER SCIENCE OR RELATED FIELD | SYSTEMS ENGINEER |
| POSITION TITLE | ENTRY REQUIREMENTS | DEGREE REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPLETION | JOB ELIGIBILITY AFTER COMPLETION |
| ENGINEERING | |||
| ASSOCIATE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGER | HS DIPLOMA / GED | B.S. IN ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING OR RELATED FIELD | ASSOCIATE ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER |
| CHEMICAL ENGINEER | COMPLETED FRESHMAN YEAR OF A 4-YEAR DEGREE | B.S. IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING | ASSOCIATE ENGINEER |
| CIVIL ENGINEER | COMPLETED FRESHMAN YEAR OF A 4-YEAR DEGREE | B.S. IN CIVIL ENGINEERING OR RELATED FIELD | ASSOCIATE ENGINEER |
| ELECTRICAL ENGINEER | COMPLETED FRESHMAN YEAR OF A 4-YEAR DEGREE | B.S. IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING OR RELATED FIELD | ASSOCIATE ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER |
| FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEER | HS DIPLOMA, ACTIVELY ENROLLED AS A FULL-TIME STUDENT PURSUING A BACHELOR’S DEGREE | B.S. IN ENGINEERING OR RELATED FIELD | ASSOCIATE ENGINEER |
| MECHANICAL ENGINEER | COMPLETED FRESHMAN YEAR OF A 4-YEAR DEGREE | B.S. IN ENGINEERING OR RELATED FIELD | ASSOCIATE ENGINEER |
| NUCLEAR CRITICALITY ENGINEER | COMPLETED FRESHMAN YEAR OF A 4-YEAR DEGREE | B.S. IN ENGINEERING OR RELATED FIELD | ASSOCIATE ENGINEER |
| OPERATIONAL TECHNOLOGY ENGINEER | COMPLETED FRESHMAN YEAR OF A 4-YEAR DEGREE | A.S. IN COMPUTER SCIENCE OR RELATED FIELD | ASSISTANT ENGINEERING & TECHNICAL SUPPORT SPECIALIST |
| PROCESS SOFTWARE ENGINEER | COMPLETED FRESHMAN YEAR OF A 4-YEAR DEGREE | B.S. IN ENGINEERING OR RELATED FIELD | ASSOCIATE ENGINEER |
Youth Apprenticeships
Twelve to twenty-four-month program for high school juniors in pursuit of a high school diploma. Participants will complete on-the-job training with duties in Site training. After completing the program, apprentices will earn a certificate as an Youth Apprentice from the Department of Labor. To be eligible for this program, applicants must be 16 years or older, be a high school junior or senior, be a U.S. citizen with a valid driver’s license and reliable personal transportation, and be available to work part-time (Monday – Thursday). Applications typically post in the spring (March/April).
Available Positions:
Junior Records Management Clerk
- Roles/Duties: Perform office tasks, customer interaction, filing, data entry, using office equipment, and distribute reports.
- Is this role for me? Yes, if you are organized, proficient in Microsoft Office, communicate well, and follow procedures.
Junior Information Technology Technician
Youth Apprenticeship Program
- Roles/Duties: Gain hands-on IT experience, support, PC administration, customer service, and perform supervised tasks.
- Is this role for me? Yes, if you are an IT CTAE pathway student, work independently, and follow procedures.
Junior Emergency Medical Service Technician
- Roles/Duties: Observe SRS Fire Department in emergency services, training, drills, participate in ride-a longs and take vitals under supervision.
- Is this role for me? Yes, if you’re in the EMS CTAE pathway, are interested in emergency services, have relevant training, and follow safety protocols.
Junior Project Controls Engineer
- Roles/Duties: Manage capital project life cycles, planning, monitoring, cost and schedule management, risk and change management.
- Is this role for me? Yes, if you have a strong work ethic and are interested in project management.
Junior Business Analyst
- Roles/Duties: Manage cost and accounting operations, payroll services, cost control, and financial planning and analysis.
- Is this role for me? Yes, if you have a strong work ethic, excel in math, and are interested in finance operations.
Partnerships
Apprenticeships work because of our Partnerships
The success of SRS’s workforce initiatives relies on a collaborative network of stakeholders, both external and internal. External partners include technical colleges, local education boards, regional adult learning centers, state and federal funding agencies, and regional and state chambers of commerce. These institutions contribute resources, expertise, and funding support, fostering an environment conducive to sustainable workforce development. Internally, key contributors include the primary SRS contractors— Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS), Savannah River Mission Completion (SRMC), and Battelle Savannah River Alliance (BSRA).
Each contractor provides sponsorship and resource investment, supporting the program’s ongoing development and implementation. Aiken Technical College (ATC), Augusta Technical College, and Denmark Technical College (DTC) are three regional institutions integral to the success of the SRS workforce development program.
Technical Schools
As a major proponent of workforce development, Aiken Technical College plays a vital role in the SRS Apprenticeship School. ATC serves as one of the many sites that provides off-site training to apprentices in the Production Operator, Radiation Protection, Maintenance Mechanic, and Electrical and Instrumentation Programs. It was the first technical school to partner with SRS to establish what would become the SRS Apprenticeship School and has since shared its program knowledge with other schools. ATC provides the hands-on, technical training, which is the essence of an apprenticeship program and sets the SRS Apprenticeship School apart from other technical training programs. (Aiken Technical College website)
Since 1961, Augusta Technical College has been committed to providing workforce training programs to support the regional growth of the Greater Augusta area. Programs such as industrial maintenance, precision manufacturing, and engineering technologies have produced thousands of graduates that have fulfilled job opportunities at the Savannah River Site for decades. Through the Technical College System of Georgia’s office of Workforce Development, the college was allotted $264,000 to fund the cost of instruction (e.g., tuition, books, fees) for up to 60 apprentices. Additional funding sources through DOE are opportunities to expand the program in the future. The college began its first cohort of 20 students in January 2024 and graduated the inaugural cohort of Nuclear Operator Apprentices in August 2024. This is one part of the college’s comprehensive plan to expand programming and enrollment in nuclear and advanced manufacturing within our region. (Augusta Tech website)
Denmark Technical College has four academic divisions on the credit side, School of Arts and Sciences, School of Business and Public Services, School of Industrial Related Technologies, and School of Nursing. It also has a department of Workforce Development and Continuing Education (WD&CE) on the non-credit side that trains workforce needed by local companies, including SRS. The apprentices in the Nuclear Production Operator program receive classroom instructions at Denmark Technical College and hands-on training at SRS participating companies. The apprentices graduate with a Nuclear Fundamentals Technology certificate from the college giving them a credential that shows their competency as well as providing a path to return for further education if so desired. (DTC website)
Community Partners
Apprenticeship Carolina, part of the SC Technical College System, supports the expansion of Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) to strengthen the state’s workforce. It provides SRNS with guidance on program development and registration. It supports the technical colleges with funding opportunities for apprentices. By partnering with employers, Apprenticeship Carolina helps build sustainable talent pipelines in high-demand industries, fostering economic growth and workforce development across South Carolina. (Apprenticeship Carolina website)
The Lower Savannah Council of Governments (LSCOG) supports regional development by coordinating local governments and securing funding for growth initiatives. As a workforce development collaborator, LSCOG partners with SRNS and the Apprenticeship Program, enrolling regional apprentices in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program. WIOA provides financial support for work-based learning, occupational skills training, and wrap-around services like tools, uniforms, and travel vouchers. Its goal is to help jobseekers secure full-time, self-sufficient employment. (Lower Savannah Council of Governments website)
Funded by DOE-EM and NNSA through the Savannah River Site Community Reuse Organization (SRSCRO), WORC supports local workforce development by providing scholarships, student success coaches, recruitment events, and promotional efforts. Grant partnerships like WORC are vital to the success of the SRS Apprenticeship School. One example is from Aiken Technical College, a key WORC partner. They have used funding to cover over $100,000 in tuition and fees for more than 100 apprenticeship students, allowing them to receive their certificate debt-free. WORC exemplifies the impact of employer-educator collaboration, strengthening talent pipelines critical to SRS missions in South Carolina and Georgia. (Savannah River Site Community Reuse Organization website)
The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) leads the expansion of Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) through Apprentice Georgia, supporting small to medium-sized businesses and government entities. Each of TCSG’s 22 technical colleges serves as a RAP sponsor, providing statewide access to apprenticeships and partnering with employers to design programs, deliver training, and secure funding. TCSG ensures federal compliance and offers programmatic support, including technical assistance and funding administration. In collaboration with the U.S. Department of Labor, TCSG has established reciprocity for 22 occupations supporting SRNS workforce needs. Augusta Technical College leads RTI for the Nuclear Operator RAP, coordinating with stakeholders to align training with employer and apprentice needs. (Technical College System of Georgia website)
WorkSource Georgia CSRA, under the CSRA Regional Commission, administers Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding across 13 counties to support employment, education, and economic development. Partnering with governments, educational institutions, and community organizations, WorkSource CSRA connects workers to apprenticeship programs, using WIOA funds to enhance skills and meet employer needs. This initiative strengthens the energy sector talent pipeline, particularly for SRNS, by developing entry-level workers from underserved communities. SRNS collaborates with WorkSource CSRA and Augusta Technical College on the Nuclear Operators Apprenticeship Program to support workforce growth at Savannah River Site. (CSRA Regional Commission website)
Expand Your Knowledge
Gain real-life on-the-job experience and invaluable credentials as a registered apprentice
Entry Requirements for Youth Apprenticeships
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be 16 years of age or older
- Be a high school junior or senior
- Have reliable transportation
- Be available to work part-time (Monday-Thursday)
Hiring typically takes place in the spring (March/April)
Entry Requirements for Professional/Degree-Based Apprenticeships
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Be a U.S. citizen for security-cleared positions (See DOE Order 472.2)
- Possess a high school diploma or GED
- Successfully complete SRS General Employee Training and substance abuse screening
- Be enrolled in a 2- or 4-year college or university pursuing a related degree (for select apprenticeships)
Entry Requirements for Key Skilled Technician Apprenticeships
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Be a U.S. citizen for security-cleared positions
- Successfully complete SRS General Employee Training and substance abuse screening
- Complete ACT WorkKeys or SC WIN Skills assessments and acheive minimum scores (See chart below for job-specific score requirements)
| JOB-SPECIFIC SCORE REQUIREMENTS | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACT WorkKeys | SC WIN | ||||||||
| ACT WorkKeys Skills Assessments and Scores | WIN Skills Assessments and Scores | ||||||||
| Position | Applied Math | Applied Technology | Graphic Literacy | Workplace Documents | Workplace Observation | Work Ready Data | Work Ready Math | Work Ready Reading | |
| Electrical and Instrumentation Mechanic | N/A | 4 | 3 | N/A | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | |
| Maintenance Mechanic | N/A | 4 | 3 | N/A | 2 | OR | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| Production Operator | N/A | 3 | 3 | N/A | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | |
| Radiological Protection Inspector | 4 | N/A | 3 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | |
| ACTWorkKeys is a job skills assessment which measures foundational and soft skills. The assessment is offered at multiple test sites. Visit act.org to find a testing center near you and learn more about ACT WorkKeys. Visit act.org > Click “Registration” > Select “Test Center Locator” from the drop-down menu. | WIN is a job skills assessment system, which measures foundational and soft skills. The assessment is offered at every Adult Education Test Center in South Carolina. | ||||||||
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SRNS is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. SRNS utilizes the Disabled Veteran Enhancement Opportunities program which is aimed at improving employment opportunities for disabled veterans at the Savannah River Site (SRS). SRNS is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, you may contact us by phone at 803-952-8207, or by e-mail at hrrecruiting@srs.gov.
