Well, here is what I have seen the last 2 years.
With the economy in the crapper, more and more ex Nukes that went on to do other things, have decided to make a return to the relatively job secure world of nuclear power. With that influx of new applicants, on tops of people getting out of the Navy and people with 4 year degrees, makes it very difficult for one with none of that to break into the industry. It can be done, however. There is a person who recently posted about his success and what he had to endure before finally getting something to stick. I am not sure I can offer anything else that would help, as it seems you are doing everything possible. You have to stick with it, and with a little luck, your needs and a utilities needs will one day line up.
I know that isn't helpful, but it is what it is. Like I said, you are competing with ex-Navy nukes, 4 year degrees, in house folks, people that left that want to come back....
Hopefully someone else will be able to provide something useful for you to put in your tool bag.
Good luck!
Justin
PS Here is the thread about the guy that was in your situation.
http://www.nukeworker.com/forum/index.php/topic,26776.0.html
