Nuclear courses on books despite Exelon delay
20 students sign up for nuclear course with Victoria College
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ENHANCED SKILLS CERTIFICATE
Students who pass Victoria College's two-year process technology program are eligible for nuclear-specific training.
The courses:
Nuclear Fundamentals I
Nuclear Fundamentals II
Nuclear Power Plant Organization & Process
Exelon Nuclear's decision to delay construction won't stop a local program that educates potential future plant workers.
Victoria College's nuclear power plant curriculum is still on the books.
"We're always pursuing opportunities to increase the pool of well-trained employees in our area - whether that's for Exelon or the South Texas Project," said Jennifer Yancey, a Victoria College vice president. "Well-trained employees are essential for these companies."
Exelon announced last week it won't decide whether to build a Victoria County plant for at least three years - and possibly as many as 20.
Although the company sought a permit that keeps the project alive, Exelon bides its time while citing U.S. economic woes and a lack of ample federal loan guarantees.
Twenty local students, meanwhile, enrolled in the nuclear fundamentals program last spring, the first time Victoria College offered the course. This fall, the college offers additional related courses.
Students are eligible for the classes after they pass the two-year process technology program, a longstanding course load that prepares students for work at chemical and other plants.
Even if Exelon decides not to build a Victoria County plant, regional nuclear industry workers are in demand.
The South Texas Project operates a two-reactor nuclear plant in Bay City and plans to expand by two more.
"Our needs, based on attrition, retirement and expansion, stay the same," said Clarence Fenner, the South Texas Project workforce development coordinator.
Students who pass the college-level nuclear program become eligible for entry-level positions at the Bay City and potential future site, Fenner said.
The South Texas Project collaborates with a handful of colleges - including Victoria College, Wharton County Junior College and Brazosport College - to ensure nuclear courses are in place.
The company funds the cost of tuition, textbooks and fees for dozens of approved students each year - and will for the next four years. Successful course completion could lead to employment with the company.
