SRS celebrates successes during National Apprenticeship Week

The Department of Energy's Savannah River Site in South Carolina recently joined in the nationwide celebration of the Department of Labor's 10th annual National Apprenticeship Week, spotlighting the progress and diversity of its apprenticeship program that spans 27 occupations.

Click here to watch a video highlighting the SRS Apprenticeship Program.

Success: About 91 percent of the more than 600 apprentices enrolled in SRS's program since its inception have transitioned into full-service careers at the site. SRS's apprenticeship program has included a strong representation of women (26 percent), minorities (24 percent), young adults (12 percent), and veterans (11 percent).

"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. "[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."

Activities: The Department of Labor's annual National Apprenticeship Week took place on November 17-23. A recognition event at SRS was held on November 18 to showcase the efforts and achievements of the site's apprentices while celebrating partnerships among DOE contractor Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, Savannah River National Laboratory, DOE contractor Savannah River Mission Completion, Aiken Technical College, Augusta Technical College, and Denmark Technical College.

The weeklong 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, Information Technology Youth Apprentice from North Augusta High School in South Carolina. "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."

In addition, the Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness hosted a breakfast on November 20 focused on the Department of Labor's Workforce Opportunities in Regional Careers grant funds and the partner organizations that help the region's employee pipeline. Guests heard from Steven Simmons of Aiken Technical College, Hadi Hamid of Denmark Technical College, Mindy Mets of SRS Community Reuse Organization, Mylinthia Kelly of Augusta Technical College, and Booboo Roberts and Abigail Bowman of Savannah River Nuclear Solutions' Apprenticeship School.

"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."