The Savannah River Site (SRS) recently joined in the nationwide celebration of the Department of Labor’s 10th annual National Apprenticeship Week, spotlighting the remarkable progress and rich diversity of its apprenticeship program that spans 27 occupations.
With over 600 apprentices enrolled since its inception, the SRS Apprenticeship Program demonstrates a strong representation of minorities (24%), veterans (11%), women (26%) and young adults (12%).
Contributing to this success, over 91% of enrolled apprentices transition into full-service careers at the Site.
“Diversity and skill development are the cornerstones of our workforce strategy, critical for meeting our growing industry needs and national priorities,” said Dorian Newton, SRS director of site training. “NAW allows us to reflect on and celebrate the transformative role that apprenticeships play in empowering individuals for lasting and fulfilling careers at SRS.”
On Nov. 18, a recognition event was held to showcase the dedicated efforts and milestone achievements of SRS apprentices while celebrating partnerships between SRNS, Savannah River National Laboratory, Savannah River Mission Completion and Aiken Technical College, Augusta Technical College, and Denmark Technical College.
“This team has provided you with the tools for success; now, it’s up to you to apply yourself in the classroom and the field,” said SRNS Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Office Sean Alford. “It’s more than a personal milestone; it’s an initiative with national resonance, setting a precedent that could shape apprenticeship programs across the country.”
Since its inception in 1937, Lawrence Winburn, from the Office of Apprenticeship at the Department of Labor, said the Registered Apprenticeship has opened doors, providing innovative pathways for those without the opportunity to attend college.
“This cohort, one of the largest I’ve seen, is setting the bar high and illuminating the possibilities that exist within our workforce,” Winburn said.
The week-long celebration also included the SRS Youth Apprenticeship “Career Signing Day” event at the Aiken County Career and Technology Center, which honored high school youth apprentices as they committed to career paths that offer paid, work-based learning credit.
“This experience has been amazing,” said Alejandro Aguirre-Hernandez, an information technology youth apprentice from North Augusta High School. “Being able to gain hands-on experience at SRS while earning my high school diploma gives me a unique advantage. I am so grateful for this opportunity.”
On Nov. 20, the Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness hosted a breakfast focused on the Workforce Opportunities in Regional Careers grant funds and the many partner organizations that help the region’s employee pipeline.
Guests heard from Steven Simmons, Aiken Technical College; Hadi Hamid, Denmark Technical College; Mindy Mets, SRS Community Reuse Organization; Mylinthia Kelly, Augusta Technical College; and SRNS Apprenticeship School’s Booboo Roberts and Abigail Bowman.
“Our apprenticeship programs are not just about filling jobs— they are about building long-term careers for people from all walks of life,” Bowman said. “By investing in each apprentice, we’re investing in the future of SRS and our surrounding community.”
To watch a video highlighting the SRS Apprenticeship Program, click here.
