Nearly 50 high-performing, qualifying interns from an EM contractor’s paid summer internship program were recently offered a chance to turn full service during the annual “Signing Day” event held at the Savannah River Site (SRS).
Office of Environmental Management
August 1, 2023![Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) Internship Program students sign and accept their full-time position offers at the Savannah River Site with support from SRNS executives, managers and mentors who aided in their success.](/sites/default/files/styles/full_article_width/public/2023-08/Intern%20Event%20Signing%20Day%201.0.jpg?itok=gCTbtYrf)
Internship Program Brings Fresh Talent to Cleanup Site’s Workforce
AIKEN, S.C. – Nearly 50 high-performing, qualifying interns from a a U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management (EM) contractor’s paid summer internship program were recently offered a chance to turn full service during the annual “Signing Day” event held at the Savannah River Site (SRS).
“By offering full-time positions to nearly 50 students today, we are closing major gaps and positively impacting our future workforce,” said Bryan Ortner, manager, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) Talent Acquisition and Analytics. “From Day 1, these interns were fully engaged, brought fresh energy and shared new viewpoints that we are excited to see in a full-service capacity.”
This year, 180 students participated in the SRNS summer internship program, up from 117 interns last year. Students engaged with a variety of disciplines within SRNS, including engineering, computer science, safety, business services, information technology and more.
Georgia Institute of Technology student Hunter Holden, who was offered an associate engineering job, would recommend the internship program to any students looking to gain industry knowledge and networking opportunities with SRNS executives.
“From running tests in H Canyon to learning how to operate control systems, this experience was so impactful for my career,” said Holden. “It feels amazing to say that I have received a job offer from the hard work and dedication I’ve put into my studies and this internship program.”
![Savannah River Nuclear Solutions engineering interns Cole Rappold, left, and DoHyeon Mason sign and accept their job offers with the Savannah River Site during the “Signing Day” event.](/sites/default/files/styles/full_article_width/public/2023-08/Intern%20Signing%20Day%202.jpg?itok=-p8IlwJ-)
The SRNS Internship Program creates opportunities for students to test drive a wide range of potential careers, getting a glimpse into life at SRS and finding a vocation that best suits their needs.
“The unique experiences and personal growth that happens throughout this program you won’t be able to find anywhere else,” said intern Kiley Bridgmon, who will transition to full service in December. “The benefits, compensation, mentors and positive work culture of the site made the choice to accept the job offer a no-brainer.”
Beyond internships, SRNS is also strengthening the pipeline between students and full-service positions through 20 registered apprenticeship occupations. SRS is focused on the growth of year-round apprenticeship occupations to help fill vacancies.
“This is a huge win for SRNS,” said Ortner. “We are always looking for new ways to advance these programs to attract early-career talent and continue to be the industry leader in nuclear deterrence and national safety. These new hires will bring a new set of skills and potential that will benefit our missions for years to come.”
Click here for more information about SRNS internship opportunities.
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