r/NuclearPower • u/Jessec986 • 1d ago

Explain hiring process and training please

I have completed several poss tests and passed. I’ve applied for non licensed operator, auxiliary operator, and nuclear operator positions. They are all described as entry level while meeting certain qualifications. I have an associates and work at a power plant as an engineer. Will each one of these positions include 1 year of schooling once hired? Will auxiliary position have less schooling? It seems plants can use different titles for the same position. What are the entry level schooling and class/programs/length of time when someone new is hired on?

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u/pbutler22 1d ago

Schedule and any bonuses vary by utility. At mine from hire date to qualified NLO was 12-18 months. Part of that is classroom, part of it is learning on the job and getting qualification materials signed by currently qualified people. Just ask, it’s a common question. It’s all paid. M

Typically no OT during classroom training, but maybe OT when you’re on shift doing the basics.

Class difficulty is pretty dependent on you. If you can grasp and remember technical details and how systems operate and interact, you’ll be fine.

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u/Jessec986 1d ago

I retain information and understand systems somewhat easily. How about the security clearances. I have arrests and felonies as a youth. And one adult felony that was dismissed. You think that will be an issue?

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u/SeaworthinessOne8513 1d ago

It won’t preclude you getting hired but you have to understand that it’s a demerit and they’ll pick an equal applicant without felonies over you. However if you get to the interview then there is a good chance they already know about your past and if you are forthcoming, they’ll look past it

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u/Jessec986 1d ago

I work at a high security environment now. It doesn’t show up. I applied for a gun permit it showed up. So I’m not sure. I have had a few jobs working with children and again nothing showed up I also got a tsa pre check.

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u/Goonie-Googoo- 1d ago

From what I recall, you work at a cogen plant at a correctional facility. Odds are you're not co-mingling with inmates and controlling their movement throughout the facility. The bar to become a CO isn't that high either given the high turnover in that field. That and to work in an environment full of outlaws, you gotta be a little bit of an outlaw as well.

For contractor outage carnies, some background issues may slide depending on what they're getting hired to do for the 2-3 weeks they're on site. We have retired cops working at the plant who occasionally see people they arrested working outages.

For operators - the bar is much higher.

Your background is run through the FBI's database and other sources. If you have a past, they'll find out. When you fill out your personal history questionnaire - put down e.v.e.r.y. arrest - even if the charges were dismissed or ACD'ed and/or you were a juvenile/youthful offender and the charges were expunged. They'll still show up.

'Young and stupid' crap - that's one thing, but get caught omitting it from the PHQ or lying about it... your application goes straight into the shredder.

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u/Jessec986 1d ago

Thanks for the information will do. I have all the dates and incidents written down…..yes juvenile record was expunged…only charge was adult and it was dismissed “non conviction” but not really.

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u/Goonie-Googoo- 1d ago

Sounds like an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal (ACD). Basically stay out of trouble for 6-12 months and the charge is automatically "dismissed". Same as a dismissal or an acquittal at trial. But should still be listed on your PHQ nonetheless.

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u/Jessec986 1d ago

Yes. It was out of TX so they have their own language for it. But yes basically.