AIKEN, S.C. (December 14, 2022) — The Savannah River Site’s liquid waste contractor has forged a partnership with South Carolina's only historically black technical college to help prepare the next generation of welders.
Students and faculty of Denmark Technical College’s (DTC) welding program recently toured Savannah River Mission Completion’s (SRMC) welding facilities. DTC then hosted an SRMC welding inspector at the school to speak to students and faculty in the welding program. These tours are a result of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between the organizations in July.
SRMC hosted welding program instructors and students at the welding shop in the H Tank Farm, which is a grouping of large underground waste-storage tanks at SRS. The welding shop is where all welders must be tested and certified before starting work for the Liquid Waste Program at SRS.
This onsite tour provided students the opportunity to learn more about job opportunities within SRMC, as well as networking opportunities with leadership such as SRMC President and Program Manager Dave Olson, SRMC Project and Construction Director Brandon Witt and SRMC Welding Engineer Randy Rimes.
According to Olson, the MOU is an important part of SRMC’s community commitment to regional education outreach.
“The partnership between Denmark Technical College and Savannah River Mission Completion benefits both organizations,” Olson said. “DTC students are able to gain real-world experience through internships supporting SRMC’s welding facility.”
During his visit to DTC’s welding facility, Rimes reviewed curriculum with faculty, discussed opportunities for internships and jobs with students and examined the school’s equipment to ensure the students are working on equipment that would help them at SRS.
“After more than 30 years in this trade, I’m more than happy to pass on any knowledge I can to students considering pursuing welding,” Rimes said. “Working at the Savannah River Site is a great opportunity for any early-career welder. There is a lot to be learned from the way we work.”
The MOU between SRMC and DTC is effective until June 30, 2023, and can be renewed.
SRMC comprises parent company BWX Technologies, Inc. with partners Amentum and Fluor. Its team brings the capabilities necessary to accelerate cleanup at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site through safe nuclear operations, optimized and integrated mission execution, and strong corporate governance.
Savannah River Mission Completion President and Program Manager Dave Olson (right) meets with students and faculty from Denmark Technical College as they tour H Tank Farm’s welding facility.