Transferring Your Skills Into a Nuclear Job
Transferring Your Skills Into a Nuclear Job
Maybe you’re reading this because you’ve always been involved in the nuclear field, and you’re just looking to change jobs. Or maybe you’re reading this because you’ve heard that nuclear is one of the few industries that is bucking the recession trend and hiring like crazy.
Yes, nuclear energy is a growing field. As climate change awareness grows, and more focus is placed upon carbon neutral power, nuclear energy’s demand will continue to rise.
As we’ve said before, the future of energy cannot depend on renewable sources, like solar and wind power, alone. The issue of baseload – how much demand we put on our system – is critical. The fact is… the sun doesn’t always shine, and the wind doesn’t always blow.
Although nuclear isn’t currently receiving the same federal funding as other sources of green energy, it has been identified by the Obama administration as part of the plan for energy independence.
Due to the highly skilled nature of individuals employed in this field, there are some very high paying positions.
How will you fit into this growing industry?
A nuclear power plant offers a wide range of positions. Some require high level training and education, but others are entry-level. Because the plant operates 24 hours a day, they typically maintain three fully staffed shifts.
Currently the majority of skills in demand include a broad range of engineers, skilled tradespersons, and business professionals.
Even if your degree is not in nuclear engineering, there still may be an opportunity for you. Employers are looking for transferrable skills. In fact, in some cases these sectors are willing to train potential employees who come in with core skills. So if you’re coming from construction, automobile industry, etc., your odds of landing a nuclear job may be better than you think.
What are transferrable skills?
Your transferrable skills are the basic unit of your career. These skills can link you from one position to another. Your skills can be rearranged in a way that opens up a whole new career. With high-level transferrable skills, you’ll face less competition in the job market.
In this case, many of the skills you use as an aluminum factory shift supervisor can be transferred into a supervisor role at a nuclear facility. Each industry has unique duties, but the core concept is the same.
If you’re a tradesperson or skilled worker there are plenty of resources out there to help you make the move into nuclear. After having looked into potential pay and places to work, you should start looking into the skills required for each position of interest. Then take some time to explore some sites that can help you make the move into commercial nuclear. In order to help facilitate your connection to the nuclear industry we will begin adding links to some of the sites in the very near future so that you will have easy access to them.
In the mean time here are a couple of great places to start. The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) 
conducts employment testing for plant operator, maintenance, technician and other skill positions for most of the nuclear facilities in the United States. Check with a company that you are interested in to see if they use EEI tests as part of their selection criteria. If so, you should be able to schedule a test and get access to practive tests beforehand.
Another place to look for help is the Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD). CEWD is a non-profit consortium established specifically to help cultivate new employees for the utility industry nuclear and otherwise. Give these sites a look and see what they can offer you. If you are a displaced worker check with your state to see if they offer any transition assistance as you may qualify for training.
Non-technical nuclear opportunities
There are also non-technical opportunities, with more along the way as the industry grows. The government operates some nuclear plants, while regional power companies manage others.
At the end of the day, nuclear energy is a business. And it needs the same business managers, human resources, accountants, marketing and sales professionals, etc. as any other business. If you want to get in, you just need to start looking.
Remember it is about finding that perfect match of skill and opportunity. You want to work, they want workers and they are trying to facilitate the match on their end by providing access to training, education and practice tests. Make sure you are taking advantage of the opportunity - the need for you has never been greater, the ease for your entrance into the nuclear workforce has never been easier; but it is still serious business and it still requires your hard work and determination.
With hard work, determination and your commitment; there is no reason why you can't get into one of the best paying and growing industries worldwide. And no matter what happens in the world, people need power. Schools, Hospitals and Clean Water all require power. And that is job security.
Until next time,
Stay Cool! 
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