A career in nuclear energy just got easier

Increasing energy demand, and greater concern for the environment, are leading to expansion of nuclear power in the United States. At the same time, the industry faces a large number of retirements over the next several years.

The result: challenging and rewarding opportunities are appearing locally and throughout the nation.

West Kentucky Community & Technical College offers several educational options in health physics and industrial maintenance that can provide individuals with hands-on skills and an educational foundation for a career in nuclear energy.

Free tuition and books for special, pre-employment training in Health Physics and Industrial Maintenance classes are available at WKCTC.

The classes will be in an accelerated format designed to allow participants to complete a certificate in a shorter period of time.

The programs are made possible through the Project Nuclear Energy Workforce Systems (NEWS) grant funded by the U.S. Department of Labor. These programs will be selective entry.

Dr. Deborah Pape, WKCTC vice president for economic development, said the programs offer a great opportunity for those who wish to obtain a credential that will allow them to increase their ability to get a job.

“Although these are highly competitive, selective entry programs, those who are committed and willing to work hard will really benefit,” Pape said.

Those applying must have a high school diploma or GED. In addition, applicants will have to complete application forms, provide letters of reference, interview and successfully complete several screen assessments. Applications will be available at the informational sessions. A maximum of 25 people will be admitted to each of the cohort groups. Two types of programs will to different certificates.

n Successful completion of the program in Health Physics will lead to a Radiological Control Technician Certificate.

Individuals working in this profession monitor nuclear safety levels in nuclear energy production and power plants. Individuals earning this certification earn an average of $15 per hour as a starting wage. The curriculum for this program is highly technical and requires a specific entry level in reading, writing and math. In addition, applicants must meet strenuous physical requirements of the job and be able to qualify for security clearance.

Individuals successfully completing the Radiological Control Technician Certificate will be eligible to apply for jobs at USEC plus several of the other associated companies at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant site. Jobs are also available working for companies who provide temporary technicians to nuclear sites throughout the country and nuclear plants in other states. Those completing the certificate may also continue study to achieve an associate’s degree in applied science in Health Physics.

n The second program being offered will lead to an Industrial Maintenance Electrical Technician Certificate. Individuals working in this profession provide maintenance to equipment and systems. Individuals completing this certificate will earn an average of $15 per hour, but this may vary depending on the organization where they are employed. This program requires work with highly technical systems and has a specific entry level requirements in reading, writing and math.

Those earning the Industrial Maintenance Electrical Technician Certificate would typically find jobs at nuclear facilities and manufacturing facilities but are also in demand as in-house maintenance for large retail and hospitality companies. Those completing this certificate may also continue study to achieve an associate’s degree in applied science in Industrial Maintenance Technology.

Classes for both certificates will start this month and continue through January 2012.

All classes will be offered in the evening. Completion of these certificates does not guarantee a job, but will increase the individual’s marketability. Those selected for the program must be committed to attending school up to 20 hours per week. For more information call 270-534-3846.

 

Janett M. Blythe, a former reporter for The Paducah Sun, has been director of public relations at West Kentucky Community & Technical College for 16 years.

West Kentucky Community & Technical College offers several educational options in health physics and industrial maintenance that can provide individuals with hands-on skills and an educational foundation for a career in nuclear energy.