Graduates of Shelley Adult Training Academy prepare for work in the nuclear industry
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Get certified as a radiological control technician at the Shelley Adult Training Academy
SHELLEY – Eighteen students are graduating from the Shelley Adult Training Academy next week to pursue a career as radiological control technicians in the nuclear industry.
The school at 670 North State Street provides a three-month curriculum that allows students to become certified to work at any Department of Energy or Nuclear Regulatory Commission facility.
Ted Tamiguchi is one of three instructors at the school. In an interview with EastIdahoNews.com, he explains that an RCT’s job is to ensure that radiological issues don’t get out of hand.
“They’re monitoring (employees) to make sure they’re following (proper) work practices, as well as taking surveys to verify what the radiation levels are and any airborne contaminants,” Tamiguchi says. “They’re kind of like the safety crew.”
Over the years, many students have gotten work at the Idaho National Lab. But there are hundreds of nuclear facilities across the country where graduates can seek employment.
Tyler Pierce of Idaho Falls is among the group of graduates. He’s been working at the INL for the last several years. He enrolled in the academy to broaden his area of expertise.
“It’s work that requires a little bit of certification and practice and it’s opening some doors for me that I’m excited to look in to,” Pierce says.
Although there are jobs in this capacity at the INL, Pierce says his wife has family back east and he’s considering getting a job out there.
He’s enjoyed his experience and the interaction with instructors. He demonstrates how some of the radiological testing equipment works in the video above.
Georgia native David Porter founded the school in 2012, which is owned by Porter House Inc. The company, which provides services for the INL and other nuclear facilities, launched in 1996 at the Shelley location. Right now, it’s working with the INL on the development of small modular reactors, such as MARVEL and PELE.
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A desire to learn how to become certified radiological control technicians is what prompted him and his wife to start the Shelley academy.
Although there were similar programs offered at what is now College of Eastern Idaho, Porter realized a two-year degree wasn’t necessary to get this particular certification.
“He used the DOE model and created this curriculum. It’s condensed quite a bit,” Tamiguchi says, which is more convenient for students. The three-month program allows the school to train dozens of students three times a year.
Since its inception, Porter estimates between 500 and 1,000 students have graduated from the RCT program.
Watching students’ understanding of the nuclear industry and the effects of radiation grow is rewarding for Tamiguchi. He also enjoys hearing from former students about where they ended up.
He’s proud of this group of graduates and wishes them well in their future endeavors.
“They’re a pretty sharp group,” he says. “I think they’re going to do a good job.”
Graduation ceremonies for the fall 2024 class will be held Dec. 6 at the Senior Citizen Center in Shelley.
To apply or learn more, visit the website. You can also call (208) 522-4218.
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