The Savannah River Site recently joined the nationwide celebration of the U.S. Department of Labor’s 10th annual National Apprenticeship Week, spotlighting the progress and diversity of the site’s apprenticeship program spanning 27 occupations.
Office of Environmental Management
December 17, 2024
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To mark National Apprenticeship Week, the Savannah River Site Apprenticeship Program recognized current apprentices and program partners at a luncheon at Aiken Technical College.
AIKEN, S.C. — The Savannah River Site (SRS) recently joined the nationwide celebration of the U.S. Department of Labor’s 10th annual National Apprenticeship Week, spotlighting the progress and diversity of the site’s apprenticeship program spanning 27 occupations.
More than 600 apprentices have enrolled in the SRS Apprenticeship Program since its inception, with nearly a quarter of them minorities, 11% veterans, 26% women and 12% young adults. Over 91% of enrolled apprentices have transitioned to 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, director, SRS Site Training. “National Apprenticeship Week allows us to reflect on and celebrate the transformative role that apprenticeships play in empowering individuals for lasting and fulfilling careers at SRS.”
Savannah River Site Apprenticeship School’s Abigail Bowman, foreground, and Patrick Ott serve lunch to apprentices during the appreciation luncheon held at Aiken Technical College in celebration of National Apprenticeship Week.
A recent event showcased the efforts and achievements of SRS apprentices while celebrating partnerships between Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS), Savannah River National Laboratory, Savannah River Mission Completion (SRMC), and Aiken, Augusta, and Denmark technical colleges. SRNS is the management and operations contractor at SRS and SRMC is the liquid waste contractor at the site.
"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," Sean Alford, SRNS executive vice president and chief administrative officer, said during the event. “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.”
Lawrence Winburn with the Office of Apprenticeship at the Department of Labor said, "Since its inception in 1937, 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.”
Savannah River Site (SRS) youth apprentices committed to career paths that offer paid, work-based learning credits during National Apprenticeship Week. The 24-month program enables rising high school juniors and seniors to complete on-the-job training within the Information Technology, Emergency Medical Services and Site Training divisions at SRS.
The weeklong celebration also included the SRS Youth Apprenticeship “Career Signing Day” event at the Aiken County Career and Technology Center, honoring high school youth apprentices committed to career paths that offer paid, work-based learning credit.
“This experience has been amazing,” said Alejandro Aguirre-Hernandez, SRNS 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.”
Savannah River Site Information Technology (IT) youth apprentices Alejandro Aguirre-Hernandez, left, and Jacob Lott are pictured during the “Career Signing Day” event. Also pictured: Savannah River Nuclear Solutions IT Manager Tim Arnold and IT Response Center Manager Jaqueline Starlings.
Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness recently hosted a breakfast focused on Workforce Opportunities in Regional Careers grant funds and the many partner organizations that support the region’s employee pipeline.
“Our apprenticeship programs are not just about filling jobs — they are about building long term careers for people from all walks of life,” SRNS Apprenticeship School’s Abigail Bowman said. “By investing in each apprentice, we’re investing in the future of SRS and our surrounding community.”
Click here to watch a video highlighting the SRS Apprenticeship Program.
-Contributor: Mackenzie McNabb
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