Despite some critics of nuclear power, who prefer renewable sources, the generation of electricity from nuclear reaction has a history of safety and effectiveness. Plus, it provides the opportunity for a high-paying career with on-the-job training, even right out of high school.

A nuclear power plant technician’s career combines the challenge of the potential dangers of nuclear fusion and the reward of ensuring safe and effective production of electrical power.

What does a nuclear power plant technician do?

Safety is a high priority for nuclear power plant operations and begins with the maintenance of the many pieces of equipment in the power plant. The technician or plant operator tests and operates the turbine generators, valves, pumps, controls, and other machinery surrounding the nuclear reactor containment area.

When the reactor containment area is shut down, work is done there as well. The regulations of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in the US call for protection for its workers by limiting the time they spend in a radiation area, providing remote handling tools and robotics to allow them to keep their distance from the radiation, and shielding them through concrete and lead shields or walls in the containment areas of the nuclear power plant. Protective clothing is also worn at times to protect the technicians as another responsibility can be the collection and segregation for packaging of radiological waste.

All work is done to control the continuous generation of electrical power. It is important to note that nuclear power plants never close, so staff must work rotating shifts around the clock.

Where are the jobs?

There are 61 commercially operated nuclear power plants in 30 states in the United States. Companies such as First Energy, Exelon, and Southern Company are potential employers. In addition, 240 research reactors operate in 56 countries. The World Nuclear Association reports there are 437 operating civil nuclear power plant reactors worldwide and more under construction.

Job opportunities also are offered for nuclear power plant technicians in military service. The US Navy has 180 nuclear reactors powering 140 ships, aircraft carriers, and the largest fleet of nuclear submarines in the world.

What training is required?

A high school diploma is required to become a nuclear power plant technician, but an associate or bachelor of science degree will make you a better job candidate. The US Navy also offers a two-year nuclear power training programme that includes classroom instruction and hands-on training.

Tristan Germann, who was a participant in this programme, reports that the training prepares you for all aspects of the nuclear power and technology field, both in the Navy and anywhere in the world. All nuclear power plant operators are licensed by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission. To pass the licencing exam, applicants must be prepared by both technical education and job training.

Acquiring a reactor operator licence requires three years of experience working in a power plant and at least six months working in the plant in which you wish to be licenced. A second type of licence, the senior reactor operator licence, requires at least 18 months of experience as a plant manager, plant staff engineer, or as a non-licensed operator. Workers must pass a plant operations exam each year and a physical exam every two years to retain their licence. Each nuclear power plant facility provides extensive training for its employees.

What do they earn?

The average salary for a nuclear power plant technician in the US is US$69,000 annually. Nuclear power plant operators earned an average annual salary of $82,500 in 2014, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What STEM skills are required?

Nuclear power plant technicians must have a good understanding of physical science, chemistry, and physics. Maths and engineering skills are also important in understanding the machine’s mechanical properties, such as fluid flow and heat transfer. The most successful workers are life-long learners who are able to deepen their STEM skills by learning from their superiors. It is important to have the ability to recognise problems and arrive at a good solution for them. Communication is key for working with others, exchanging information, and maintaining safety.

— www.stemjobs.com