High School Students “Power Up” for Careers at SRS
AIKEN, S.C., May 17, 2022 – Nearly 500 Allendale, Bamberg, Calhoun and Orangeburg students and educators recently attended the second annual Power Up Your Future: Career and College Day held on the South Carolina State University (SC State) campus.
“We had representatives from about 50 businesses and industries covering a very broad range of occupations. Approximately 20 colleges and post-secondary training institutions attended as well; each had their own exhibit for the students to explore and obtain information,” said Joni McDaniel, South Carolina Department of Commerce, Regional Workforce Advisor.
“Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) had an extensive, five-table exhibit for the students,” added McDaniel. “They always do a great job. They make it a hands-on experience, which is critical to help the students fully understand the opportunities to be found at the Savannah River Site (SRS).”
The South Carolina Department of Commerce organized the event with the assistance of representatives from the Orangeburg County School District, Lower Savannah Workforce Development Area and SC State. Working as a team, they succeeded with their primary goal to inform attending students of the critical skills and knowledge needed to obtain a successful career at SRNS and other businesses throughout the region.
SRNS was one of the largest companies attending Career and College Day. “We provided information on current job openings and apprenticeship postings during the event for their consideration,” said Kim Mitchell, SRNS Lead, Education Outreach. “In fact, soon we will be advertising apprenticeship positions within our Electrical and Instrumentation Maintenance group, as well.”
“While we had the attention of the students, we also provided guidance on how to apply for jobs at SRS and the importance of obtaining ‘WorkKeys’ as soon as possible since the scores are required to apply for skilled technician jobs at SRS,” said Mitchell.
WorkKeys is a system of assessments and curriculum that build and measure essential workplace skills.
Based on current numbers and projections, SRNS is on track for 171 apprentices to be registered by Oct. 1, 2022.
SRNS presented an extensive, interactive exhibit at the annual Power Up event, hoping to connect with high school students about to graduate.
Cynthia “Booboo” Roberts, SRNS Apprenticeships and Pipeline Training, said representatives are happy to tell students about missions at SRS and potential jobs at the Department of Energy site. “We have the opportunity to inform them about the critical skill areas in need, right now, and other occupational pathways with our company. In fact, we’d like their careers to begin at Savannah River Nuclear Solutions.”
During the Power Up Your Future event, SRNS personnel covered topics including jobs related to the fields of Fire and Emergency Medical Services, Information Technology, Radiation Control and Maintenance.
Candidates can apply for apprenticeships at:
https://savannahrivernuclearsolutions.com/careers/careers.htm
