Denmark Technical College held a milestone commencement ceremony celebrating its latest cohort of Nuclear Fundamentals Apprenticeship graduates, marking the first time the program has produced graduates who will join the Savannah River Plutonium Processing Facility. The achievement represents a major advancement in the college’s growing partnership with the Savannah River Site (SRS) and its longstanding commitment to training a workforce that meets the nation’s most critical needs.
The event featured a distinguished slate of guest speakers, including Erika Baeza-Wisdom, SRNS deputy vice president of NNSA pit production operations and programs; keynote speaker Darlene Murdoch, SRNS senior vice president of NNSA pit production operations and programs; Dr. Johney Green Jr., laboratory director of the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL); and Dr. Dorian Newton, site training director for Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS); and Dr. Willie L. Todd Jr., Denmark Technical College president and CEO.
Denmark Technical College proudly recognized the accomplishments of its Nuclear Fundamentals Apprenticeship graduates, including Christopher Cody, Brianna Golphin, Logan Hamblin, Johnathan Martin and David Whitson, who will join the Savannah River Plutonium Processing Facility, as well as Jayden Baker, Adrien McCall and Mitchell Webster, who will begin their careers at the Savannah River National Laboratory.
“I could not be more proud of this graduating class,” said Dr. Willie L. Todd Jr., president and CEO of Denmark Technical College. “They are a testament to what happens when education is deeply connected to purpose. These students have not only mastered a rigorous curriculum. They’ve trained inside a critical workforce pipeline while earning a wage and gaining real-world experience. With the support of our Center of Energy and outstanding industry partners, they are leaving here engaged, educated and empowered to build generational wealth in the vitally important energy industry.”
“The collaboration between SRS and Denmark Tech exemplifies the true power of apprenticeship,” added Amanda Richardson, vice president of Apprenticeship Carolina. “Programs like this don’t just prepare students for careers. They create accessible, high-impact opportunities that strengthen our state’s economy, fortify our talent pipelines and give students a meaningful path forward.”
At the heart of this initiative is the Denmark Technical College Center of Energy, an innovative workforce development hub designed to align rural talent with high-demand careers in clean, renewable energy, utility linework, nuclear fundamentals and battery storage. Through partnerships with agencies such as Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, the Savannah River National Laboratory and Apprenticeship Carolina, students participate in a hands-on, earn-while-you-learn-model that equips them with the technical knowledge, credentials and professional experience required to thrive from day one on the job.
Dr. Johney Green Jr., laboratory director of SRNL, emphasized the broader implications of the program. “It is an honor to collaborate with educational partners who share our commitment to innovation and national service,” said Green. “These graduates represent the next generation of talent that will advance our work in national security and energy resilience. Their journey is just beginning, and the emerging possibilities are endless.”
Dr. Dorian Newton, SRNS site training director, added, “What we see here today is more than a graduation. It’s a blueprint for building the workforce of tomorrow. Through programs like this, we’re ensuring that the critical knowledge and skills needed across the nuclear industry are passed to the next generation.”
With 8 successful cohorts, the Nuclear Fundamentals Apprenticeship Program remains a strong example of Denmark Technical College’s commitment to workforce development through hands-on training and meaningful partnerships. As the need for skilled energy professionals grows, Denmark Tech continues to play an important role in preparing students for careers that support critical industry needs.