In his current role of Engineering Aide he assists two veteran engineers. Based on pending retirements, Murray Electric recognized the importance of investing in its employees and presented Jim the opportunity to further his education with his employer covering the cost and also allowing him to complete schoolwork at work.“I thought it was great my employer was willing to invest in me,” Jim said, adding, “It was a great incentive to further my education. Especially when I knew it was necessary for me to progress my career.” Jim earned his Associate of Applied Science in Electric Power Technology through Bismarck State College’s online program and graduated in May of 2017.    

Lana began her second career in nuclear energy as a Technical Intern while taking classes in Bismarck State College’s online Nuclear Power Technology Program. Upon completion of her internship, she was hired as an Equipment Operator, and saw the value her education provided. “The course work was instrumental in my ability to survive a lot of my initial training; there was a great deal of similar content in my generic fundamentals portion. Lana noted, “I actually chose not to graduate from the BSC program, but transferred to Excelsior College when I learned that certain career paths that were opening to me would require a Bachelor’s degree.” She graduated from Excelsior College in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology. Lana continued her career through Operations Support in various functions before being promoted to her current role as Sr. Site Assessor at LaSalle Generating Station in April 2017.  

When the South Texas Project Nuclear Operating Company began operation on their reactors in 1988, they hired numerous people to fill positions at their sites. Now almost thirty years later, many of these people are looking towards retirement, and STPNOC is seeking to fill the vacant positions. “We knew this moment was coming,” said Clarence Fenner, STP’s Supervisor of Talent Acquisition and Planning, “we’re on pace to hire 155 this year, and we believe we’re going to breach 200 the next.”                                            

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