Hello all. I am considering a career change into the nuclear sector, and was fortunate enough to find this site. Specifically, I am looking to become a valve tech, and work outages across the country.
I'm 35, male, single, no kids. I worked as an automotive mechanics apprentice for 2 years back in my twenties, so mechanical aptitude will not be a problem. I have an AA degree in general studies, and currently work in the service industry. I will not have a problem passing a background check, and drug screening.
I have been looking through previous posts, and have been able to get what I think is a rough outline for the steps I need to be undertaking to get into the industry. As with most other jobs, it seems education, and experience are paramount to finding success in the field. As I have no prior experience in the field, I would be starting from scratch.
The College of Southern Maryland has an accredited two year Nuclear Engineering Technology Mechanical AAS program, that I am planning on completing.
http://catalog.csmd.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=3&poid=657&returnto=686 After graduating, it would seem I should send my resume out to recruiters at companies such as The Atlantic Group, Crane, Teledyne, etc. Hopefully one of these companies will pick me up as an apprentice, and I can begin my career as a valve tech.
Does this sound like a viable path to becoming a valve tech? I have read on the forum, that getting your foot in the door comes first with regard to landing a job in the nuclear field. After you have proven yourself as a valuable asset, you can then begin pushing for the job you actually want in the industry.
That being said, is there some detail or certification(s) I should concern myself with, other than completing the course work at the college, that might improve my professional outlook? To current valve techs, if you could do it all over again, what path would you take? Would you go the college route? Or would you go straight to an apprenticeship if it were possible?
If anyone on the forum feels they have any helpful information they could share regarding becoming a valve tech, I would appreciate it very much. And if this topic has been beat to death, I apologize for my ignorance. I used the search engine for the forum, and found some good information, just not exactly what I was looking for. Thank you.
