A first-of-a-kind program is preparing young adults for careers while providing a pipeline of talent for local companies around the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management Portsmouth Site.
Office of Environmental Management
May 13, 2025
minute read time
Students at Waverly High School review Manufacturing Skills Standard Council Program material on computers. The inaugural class includes current Waverly High School seniors and recent graduates who started college but have decided to pursue different career paths.
PIKE COUNTY, Ohio — A first-of-a-kind program is preparing young adults for careers while providing a pipeline of talent for local companies around the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental ManagementPortsmouth Site.
This year, United Steelworkers (USW) Local 689, a labor union for Portsmouth Site team members, partnered with Waverly High School for a training program for high school seniors and recent graduates looking for new career paths.
Students who successfully complete the Manufacturing Skills Standard Council Program will earn a certification that qualifies them for many entry level manufacturing jobs.
North Wind Dynamics Service Worker and USW Worker-Trainer Jeff Pinson says the program is great for the future of the community as the Portsmouth Site continues to transform liabilities into opportunities for new jobs, innovation and strong economies. North Wind Dynamics is the site’s infrastructure support services contractor.
“Using these nationally validated standard skills programs, we can raise the skill set of these young adults in the area for the reindustrialization of the site,” said Pinson, referring to the former Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Piketon, Ohio.
Jessie Vanderpool, far left, and Steven Amburgey, second from left, successfully completed the Manufacturing Skills Standard Council Program. Here, they speak with Fluor-BWXT Portsmouth human resources generalists Britani Wolfenbarker, second from right, and Gracie Morgensen, far right, at the Waverly High School Career Fair. Vanderpool and Amburgey discussed the hiring process at the Portsmouth Site and potential jobs opportunities with their new certification.
Students at Waverly High School review Manufacturing Skills Standard Council Program material on computers. The students meet twice a week for 12 weeks after school.
The 12-week program covers safety, quality practice and measurement, manufacturing process and production, and maintenance awareness.
“This has been a wonderful opportunity for us to help some of our students prepare for the workforce,” Waverly High School Principal Sara Ramsey said. “We recognize that our students are a valuable resource to our community and are always looking for ways to help them gain access to a career path of their choice. That path isn't always college or trade school, so helping them gain knowledge that can be applied to our local workforce is a benefit to us all.”
The inaugural class of 15 students features a range of backgrounds and experiences, from those currently in high school to recent graduates who have started college but are looking for different career paths.
Jaylen Riffe, a senior at Waverly High School, is looking to enter the workforce after graduating this spring.
“This program has helped me discover career paths I would not have really known about if it wasn’t for this class,” said Riffe. “Now, I have access to different types of jobs and a certificate that will help improve my resume.”
Students who successfully complete the class will receive a Certified Production Tech and Skills Boss certification. These certifications are accepted in a wide variety of manufacturing jobs nationwide.
-Contributor: Cindi Remy
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