- How is SRO training when compared to nuke school/prototype and on the boat quals?
I haven't actually been in the pipeline, but I have seen many people try and fail. It definitely is not an easy thing to do. The material is technically easy, but there is a LOT of it, and then at the end of it you get tested over EVERYTHING.
- Is SRO a good entry point to choose if I want to maximize my potential for growth in the company?
YES! I have yet to see any upper management types who haven't been SRO qualified, definitely a "wicket" to fill.
- What salary should I expect pre NRC license and after? TVA is 75K/105K and the HH said to expect ??K/135K
Around 80K is the norm. Once you get a license, the SRO's at my old plant were eligible to start receiving bonuses based on the AIP's (annual incentive program). Basically tied to stuff like overall dose of the plant, SSPI, Forced Outage Rate, Capacity Factor, etc...
I'm OK with rotational shiftwork, but what about the average weekly hours? Do you have to work OT or is it just out there for those that want it? I don't mind living there till I get my license, but I don't want to have to do 60hr weeks for years to come.
Expect it, the SRO's I saw were typically working between 60-70 hours week depending on what shift they were on (we were on 8 hour rotations)
- For those with a MS/ME, assuming a great work ethic/record, how long should I expect to put in the rotational shift work before having the opportunity to advance out of it?
Actually, this depends on route you want to go. If you want to move quickly into upper management, expect around 6-8 years. The SRO's that I saw who had been SRO's for twenty years, well it's like the 20 year first class, there is a reason. ANd sometimes they don't want to do anything else. If you are a hard charger, you will do fine. I have personally seen someone go from NLO (non-licensed operator) to SOS (shift operations supervisor, in charge of the Shift Managers) in about 5 years, without a degree. THis also depends on the company that you work for.
- What are some of the typical next steps for someone after SRO?
Again, this depends on what you want to do. I saw on SRO go into procedure writing, and stay there because he was tired of being on shift and didn't want to do Shift Manager. Typically, if you want to go high in a company, get SRO, get involved with various "side projects" (i.e. BWR owners group, INPO preps, etc), take the initiative to not only bring up problems, but how to fix them and then implement them. You would be surprised on how many good ideas just stay that, good ideas, when all it takes is a little elbow grease to save dose, money, etc. Go Shift Manager, then maybe do a tour at INPO, ot go into Outage management, training is a good one also. It varies from company to company.
Good Luck, hope this helps.