Denmark Technical College recently held a completion ceremony celebrating its latest Nuclear Fundamentals Apprenticeship graduates. This achievement reflects the college’s growing partnership with Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, Apprenticeship Carolina and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site, as well as its ongoing commitment to preparing a highly skilled workforce to meet some of the nation’s most critical energy and security needs.
The event featured remarks from Tia Wright-Richards, Denmark Tech interim president; Kevin Whitt, director for operational excellence and quality assurance at SRNS and chair of the Denmark Technical College Area Commission; keynote speaker Edwin Deshong, manager for the USDOE-SRS; Dr. Hadi Hamid, Denmark Tech’s assistant vice president for industrial related technologies and workforce; and Dr. Dorian Newton, SRNS site training director.
The Zeta Cohort graduates include Brendan Clendenen, Michael Dent, Alex Ivey, Vertiz Jackson, Tiffany Page, Caelan Postell, Nicole Renshaw, Blake Slaven, Brandon Smith and Devin Truesdale. These graduates have completed an intensive earn-while-you-learn program, gaining both academic knowledge and hands-on experience to prepare for immediate careers at the Savannah River Site.
“This program is a clear example of how Denmark Technical College is delivering on its mission to engage, educate and empower,” said Wright-Richards. “By connecting our students to meaningful apprenticeship opportunities with respected industry partners, we are equipping them to succeed from day one in roles that pay well, offer growth potential and strengthen our local and national economy.”
Whitt praised the graduates for their determination and the program for its impact. “As chair of the Area Commission and someone who works daily in the nuclear industry, I can tell you this program is changing lives and shaping the future of our workforce,” he said. “These graduates are walking proof that when education, industry and community come together, we can build a pipeline of talent that will sustain this vital sector for decades to come.”
At the heart of the Nuclear Fundamentals Apprenticeship Program is the Denmark Technical College Center of Energy, an innovative workforce development hub focused on aligning rural talent with high-demand careers in clean energy, nuclear fundamentals, utility linework and battery storage. Through partnerships with SRNS, the Savannah River National Laboratory and Apprenticeship Carolina, students participate in rigorous training, earn industry-recognized credentials and gain real-world experience while earning competitive wages.
“What these graduates have achieved is more than personal success. It’s a direct investment in the security, safety and energy resilience of our country,” said Dorian Newton, director of training at the Savannah River Site. “They represent the skilled workforce that will keep our industry strong for generations.”
With six successful cohorts completed, the Nuclear Fundamentals Apprenticeship Program continues to stand as a model of collaboration between education, industry and government, delivering tangible results for students, employers and the communities they serve.