Augusta Tech Launches Nuclear Engineering Technology Program

After years of planning, Augusta Technical College presented its’ first class of students in the Nuclear Engineering Technology (NET) associate degree program. This new program was developed from a partnership between Augusta Technical College and Southern Nuclear. This program is Augusta Tech’s answer to the “nuclear renaissance” that the country as well as the CSRA is experiencing in the nuclear power industry. 

“There were numerous applications in this highly competitive degree program, but we had a limited amount of space and we have invited 41 students to start classes beginning Fall Quarter. Upon completion, we are confident that our students will be highly skilled, trained and ready for a workforce,” said Terry Elam, President of Augusta Technical College.

The NET program is a high-tech, two-year associate degree program that will prepare graduates for careers in nuclear plant maintenance and operations at electric generating facilities such as Southern Nuclear’s Plant Vogtle or other commercial nuclear power companies. The robust program will span three technical areas to include electrical, mechanical, and nuclear specific courses. The program is based on the Institute for Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) Nuclear Uniform Curriculum guidelines for associate degree programs. 

Augusta Tech hosted NET student orientation on Monday, September 13 at 8am on the Augusta campus. The college was elated to have the continued support of Southern Nuclear and introduced the class to several executives from Southern Nuclear and Plant Vogtle.

 

“We are so proud of the students that have been accepted into this program. We are even more excited of the future that awaits the success of these students,” said JoAnne Robinson, dean of Information and Engineering Technology.

Robinson also announced the hiring of William Candy as the Department Head and Instructor for the program. Candy comes to us most recently from Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico. He has over 40 years in the nuclear industry field including several colleges.

All 41 students received gifts including a $100 gift from Southern Nuclear towards the purchase of their books. The program classes will start in September 27, the first day of Fall Quarter with an internship program that is being developed for these students.   

Those interested in the program can call Jo Anne Robinson at (706) 771-5730.

 

William Candy, Department Head, Nuclear Engineering Technology