The Savannah River Site (SRS) recently celebrated a major workforce milestone with the graduation of the first class of Savannah River Plutonium Processing Facility (SRPPF) Nuclear Operator Apprentices.
The ceremony, held on April 23 at Denmark Technical College (DTC), marked the successful completion of the Nuclear Fundamentals Apprenticeship Program, a collaborative effort between SRS and DTC aimed at developing the next generation of nuclear operators.
The program, which spans eight months, included a combination of classroom instruction at DTC’s satellite campus in Allendale, S.C. and hands-on training at SRS, according to a press release from SRS.
Graduates received both a certificate in nuclear fundamentals and a portable credential from the Department of Labor.
Among the graduates were Chris Cody, Logan Hamblin, David (Zach) Whitson, Brianna Golphin and Cade Martin, along with three apprentices from Savannah River National Laboratory.
Darlene Murdoch, senior vice president for NNSA Pit Production Operations and Programs, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the significance of the graduates’ achievement.
“You are blazing a trail as future leaders and the new generation of decision-makers at the Savannah River Site,” Murdoch said. “You are now part of a 75-year legacy of service to the nation, and we look forward to seeing your careers grow.”
The graduates will now transition into full-time positions with Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) within the Pit Production Operations and Programs organization.
Zach Whitson, one of the apprentices, shared his excitement about his future with SRS:
“The program has been great for starting my career. It provides an opportunity to make a good living and jumpstart your future,” Whitson said.
The SRS Apprenticeship School, formed in partnership with local technical colleges, aims to strengthen the workforce pipeline for key positions at SRS, according to a press release from SRS.
In addition to Denmark Technical College, the program works with Aiken Technical College, Augusta Technical College, and several economic development organizations, including the Lower Savannah Council of Governments and the Savannah River Site Community Reuse Organization.
DTC President and CEO Dr. Willie L. Todd, Jr. praised the graduates for their dedication and perseverance, emphasizing the importance of their impact.
“You are a living testament to what’s possible when purpose meets perseverance,” Todd said. “We’re excited about our growing partnership with SRS and the opportunities it’s creating for our students.”
Patrick Ott, SRS Apprenticeship Program lead, also expressed pride in the apprentices’ accomplishments.
“These students will now be on the front lines of the nuclear deterrent as SRNS employees,” Ott said. “Every day, they are demonstrating the SRS mantra of ‘We make the world safer.’”
For more information about the SRS Apprenticeship School, visit: https://www.srs.gov/general/outreach/apprenticeship/apprenticeship_school.htm
