Hanford Contractor Helps Teens Explore Career Pathways

RICHLAND, Wash. — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Environmental Management’s (EM) contractor for the Hanford Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) team recently hosted more than 30 local teens at its annual Dream Big Day event with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties.

The event allowed the teens to explore different career pathways in the engineering and construction industry through hands-on activities and interaction with WTP employees.

“These opportunities are a critical part of investing in the future and developing the next generation of engineers and skilled tradespeople,” said Mat Irwin, Hanford Field Office assistant manager for WTP. “Without this workforce, large-scale projects like the Hanford cleanup mission would not be possible."

An employee from the Hanford Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant guides teens through a hands-on activity at the Dream Big Day event.

The event featured an activity that challenged the teens to design and build a warehouse structure using Lego bricks. The youth worked together to plan, execute and deliver the schedule and the building across multiple types of roles such as project controls, construction, engineering and the trades. It also included a panel discussion with WTP employees representing a variety of careers, including tradespeople, engineers and more.

“We’re proud to provide students with a fun and memorable experience that highlights the many possibilities available to them as they prepare for their future careers,” said Brian Hartman, WTP project director and senior vice president with Bechtel National Inc. “By engaging students through hands-on activities and offering insight from professionals in engineering and skilled trades, we hope to inspire them to pursue rewarding paths and become the next generation of innovators and leaders in our industry.”