Tim McGhee, dean of the Engineering Technology Division at Chattanooga State Community College, was honored as a recipient of the “Robert L. Long Training Excellence Award” for successfully leading a partnership with TVA to develop and implement the Nuclear Energy Institute's Nuclear Uniform Curriculum Program into the Engineering Technology Program at the College. “This award is a reflection of the dedication that Tim has for technical education and Chattanooga State’s commitment to the workforce training needs of our community, “ says Dr. Jim Barrott, vice president of Technology at Chattanooga State. The award was presented at the American Nuclear Society’s CONTE 2011, in Jacksonville, FL. CONTE stands for the Conference On Nuclear Training and Education.

McGhee admits to being taken aback when he learned that the award was given to him personally. “There’s no way I can claim this award as my own. It would not have been possible without the support of our tremendous engineering technology faculty,” says McGhee. In addition to Tim McGhee, Renee Milner, general manager of nuclear training at the Tennessee Valley Authority, also received the “Robert L. Long Training Excellence Award” at CONTE 2011.

The program developed by Chattanooga State in conjunction with TVA offers an A.A.S. (associate of applied science degree) in engineering technology with a concentration in radiation protection. In order to be eligible for a Nuclear Uniform Curriculum Program Certificate, graduates must achieve and maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA in each of their core classes. Chattanooga State and TVA joined forces in 2007, when the nuclear power giant realized that its aging workforce might potentially lead to a shortage of qualified workers to implement radiation protocols and monitor potential exposure at its nuclear power plants. This renewed interest in the nuclear power industry led to the creation of the A.A.S. in radiation protection. The radiation protection program at Chattanooga State recently received accreditation from the Institute for Nuclear Power Operations (INPO).

Students with a concentration in radiation protection receive a broad education in engineering technology fundamentals such as computer tools and applications, engineering drawings, and analysis of mechanical systems. Graduates are prepared to work for any organization or business that handles radioactive substances. These organizations include advanced manufacturing, life sciences, reactor research, nuclear power, hazardous waste removal, and government agencies. According to McGhee, “Chattanooga State is highly sensitive to the needs of local industry. The A.A.S. in radiation protection is a decidedly employable degree. Graduates can work at any nuclear power plant nationwide.” In addition to radiation protection, Chattanooga State now offers a concentration in nuclear power engineering technology. These students also are required to maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA in each of their core classes to be eligible for a Nuclear Uniform Curriculum Program Certificate.

Upon program completion, graduates with a nuclear power engineering technology concentration possess the knowledge and abilities to successfully enter the operational environment of a nuclear power plant with the essential skills to operate equipment safely, follow proper procedures, recognize problems, and communicate effectively. Career opportunities for graduates of the program include non-licensed operator technician, national research lab technician and other nuclear power industry positions.

In keeping with the College’s tradition of rapidly responding to industry needs, a partnership with Wacker Polysilicon, North America has resulted in the creation of the Wacker Institute at Chattanooga State. As part of the engineering technology program, the Wacker Institute will include concentrations in chemical technology, chemical laboratory technology, mechanical technology, and electrical and instrumentation technology. Wacker, N.A. is planning to hire qualified individuals as process operators, laboratory techs, electronic and instrumentation techs and technical operators for its plant located in Bradley County to be completed in 2013. For additional information about careers with Wacker N.A., click on the Wacker Institute banner located at www.chattanoogastate.edu.

Chattanooga State’s website also has facts about the myriad of employment opportunities an associate degree in engineering technology can offer. This information is assessable by clicking on Engineering Technology in the drop down menu.

McGhee honored at CONTE 2011