Donation Improves Nuclear Training, Education

RICHLAND, Wash. – A $32,000 donation from Washington River Protection Solutions (WRPS), the Hanford Tank Operations Contractor for EM’s Office of River Protection, is improving nuclear training and education at a local community college.

   Nuclear technology students at Columbia Basin College (CBC) in Pasco, Wash., demonstrated a state-of-the-art system that will help workers more effectively avoid radiation exposure. The WRPS donation helped fund the Q-Track system, which allows instructors and students to simulate radiation conditions. The college paid an additional $80,000 for it. 

   WRPS has contributed more than $300,000 to CBC since the nuclear technology program was established in 2009. WRPS currently employs 10 graduates of the program.

   “By investing in CBC’s nuclear technology program, we’re getting students finishing the program and coming out to work at the Hanford Site with a base level of knowledge and skills,” WRPS President and Project Manager Mark Lindholm said. “Our investment at this level allows us to accelerate employee training and development once they get out to the field.”

   Q-Track is a computer-based system that follows students’ movements and can display them on a large monitor. The need for a radiation tracking system was identified about five years ago, but the college couldn’t cover the cost alone. That’s where WRPS stepped in.

   “WRPS’ donation is of critical importance to our program,” said Dawn Alford, director of the CBC Nuclear Technology program. “This new piece of technology is paramount to the success of our students. The caliber of our training has been elevated, and students leave the program even more prepared to work safely in the nuclear industry.”