Roane State Community College partners with University of Tennessee Knoxville and TCATs for nuclear workforce pipeline

A new partnership between Roane State Community College, the University of Tennessee Knoxville, and the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology will help enhance the region’s nuclear technology workforce. The collaboration will help create a pipeline of qualified individuals to fill the increased demand for nuclear technology workers. The partnership includes the launch of two pilot programs for nuclear technology training sequences.

According to an article on the University of Tennessee Knoxville’s website, Wes Hines, who serves as Chancellor’s Professor emeritus in UT’s Tickle College of Engineering, was quoted as saying of the partnership and initiative, “We looked closely at what the nuclear workforce needs at every level — identifying gaps and how Tennessee can strategically close them. As our use of nuclear energy expands, one of the biggest needs is skilled tradespeople who are trained to work effectively in nuclear environments. These roles require a specialized understanding to ensure safety, precision and long-term reliability.”

The partnership was born out of the state’s nuclear renaissance. As nuclear power is used more and more, there is a higher demand for well-trained individuals to take on careers in the industry. Teresa Duncan, who is both vice president of workforce development at Roane State Community College and the Tennessee Board of Regents lead strategist for nuclear workforce development, noted, “Our long-term goal is to make sure every student and professional understands there’s a future for them in nuclear. These are jobs that matter — jobs that will be here for decades.”

As part of the collaboration between Roane State Community College, the University of Tennessee Knoxville, and the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology, two new training programs will be piloted. These programs are the 15- and  30-hour nuclear technology training sequences, which have curriculum developed by Roane State Community College faculty with input from University of Tennessee Knoxville faculty. The 15-hour program will be taught at TCAT campuses in four different Tennessee counties, and the 30-hour program will be taught at Roane State Community College. Joseph Stainback IV, who is the program director for nuclear technology at Roane State, will be teaching the courses. 

The 15-hour program includes lectures, hands-on experimentation opportunities, and demonstrations. Joining in on this program is the American Museum of Science and Energy, which will bring a portable laboratory to the courses, giving students the ability to safely work in a hands-on manner with radiation, shielding, safety protocols, and the proper containment and transport of radioactive materials.

The 15-hour program has already been completed by nearly 100 students. Some of these students are already employed in the nuclear industry following completing the program, though some are still completing their primary degree programs.

Stainback said, “We’re teaching students to speak the language of nuclear. One of our graduates, a welder, was able to explain her nuclear training in an interview and land the job. That’s what success looks like.”

The 30-hour program is designed for individuals already working in the industry who wish to advance their careers and upskill. To instruct in this program, Stainback is joined by Kairos Power experts and experts from the University of Tennessee. Students will learn in the Nuclear Technology Lab at Roane State Community College. The curriculum focuses on safety, real-world nuclear science, and radiation measurement techniques.

One student who completed the pilot of this program, Jaymon Bell, said of his experience, “The 30-hour nuclear program has completely transformed my knowledge of nuclear energy. The program brings in subject matter experts and industry leaders to create an immersive hands-on learning experience that deepens both our understanding of and our confidence in nuclear work. I hope more students interested in nuclear careers take advantage of this opportunity — it’s an incredible introduction to the field.”

Christopher Ayers, who is the president of TCAT Harriman, noted a unique benefit of the programs: the stackable credentials. He said, “This is the first time we’re seeing conversations happening across every level of education — from associate up to Ph.D. — focused on how we can support each other in building Tennessee’s nuclear workforce. This collaboration removes the silos that have traditionally separated different levels of education. It gives people the ability to start anywhere on the career ladder and keep moving up.”

The future of these programs include expansion, with the planned next steps including bringing the 15-hour program to more TCAT campuses and to area high schools. Additionally, it is planned to scale up the 30-hour program to make it accessible to more professionals seeking to advance their careers.

Hines said, “Roane State and the TCAT system have been fabulous partners in this effort, and the foresight from Governor (Bill) Lee and state leadership to invest in these programs is remarkable. Together we’re building the talent pipeline that will support not only East Tennessee’s growing nuclear industry but also the nation as a whole.”

For more information about Roane State Community College, visit the school’s website.

More information about the University of Tennessee Knoxville is available on its website.