what type of education is need for entry level operations?

[Ahenriksen]

I have recently graduated from college with an associates degree in Applied Science. With my major being Electrical Engineering Technology.  I have applied to several Entry-level Operator positions but with no success.  I feel that maybe my education is not quite what they are looking for. This positions is my dream job!! and if I can't get a job working in this position I will be very  . I am willing to do what ever it takes!

Question 1:  What education is best.

Question 2:  Where are the best schools to get training and certificates. (minus 4 years degrees)

Thank you for your responses 

[Pman52]

How long ago did you apply for these jobs?  How many did you apply for?  An Associates of Science degree is sufficient but you have to remember guys/gals with B.S. degrees are applying too and the talent recruiters are going to find the best.  The competition is stiff in this economy.  Keep applying and keep working towards a bachelors in the mean time.  Most of all don't give up hope.  Keep your GPA up as well.  Good luck.

And from what I've been told, mechanical/electrical majors in engineering or engineering Tech. are desired. 

[JustinHEMI05]

Can you please be specific as to what you mean by entry level operator, and provide examples of what exactly you applied for? We hire people with associates all the time as non-licensed operators, so perhaps you are applying for/looking for the wrong thing. Also, if you want, you can forward me your resume and I would be happy to look it over and offer advice if it needs tweaked. Besides landing myself 3 jobs in the commercial industry, my format has helped at least a half dozen friends.

[Ahenriksen]

Can you please be specific as to what you mean by entry level operator, and provide examples of what exactly you applied for? We hire people with associates all the time as non-licensed operators, so perhaps you are applying for/looking for the wrong thing. Also, if you want, you can forward me your resume and I would be happy to look it over and offer advice if it needs tweaked. Besides landing myself 3 jobs in the commercial industry, my format has helped at least a half dozen friends.

The position titles was "Nuclear Equipment operator Entry-Level"

Required:
High School diploma or equivalent

NOTE: Candidates must meet one of the below preferred criteria

Preferred:   

Candidates must possess a Bachelors of Science degree in engineering, engineering technology, or related science program

OR

An Associates of Science degree in engineering, engineering technology or related science program or equivalency*

*Equivalency for the Associate of Science degree is established by meeting the criteria below:

43 credit hours of post secondary education of which 75% (at least 8 courses or 32 hours) is advanced math, physics, chemistry and/or engineering/engineering technology. Transcripts will be required to verify coursework.

OR
             
Documented training and experience applicable to power generation operating experience while a member of the Nuclear Navy program.

TESTING REQUIREMENTS:

- Candidates must pass the Plant Operator Selection System (POSS)
Examination
- Score satisfactorily on the Basic Math and Science Test
(BMST)
-Candidate must be able to obtain unescorted access to a nuclear facility as a member of a critical group.
Equal Employment Statement

[JustinHEMI05]

Okay, I need to see an example of this resume format, it sounds almost mythical,...

Nothing magical, nothing you don't know. It is a simple, to the point operators resume.

What I find when people send me their resumes, is that they focus on entirely the wrong aspects of their background as compared to what managers are looking for in an operator.

For example, in a recent resume I reviewed, it embellished how awesome they were at supervising a road crew in the time since they got out of the Navy. Very little attention was paid to their operating experience, yet they were applying for an operator position. Plus, their "objective" was half a page long and talked of things like "very motivated, hard working and dedicated to 30 years with the company. I strive to be a Vice President one day."

You get the picture.

And to be fair, my resume is an adaption of another friends resume, but he had things like

Naval Chief Petty Officer

branded across the top in 24pt bolded font. So I just tweaked it a bit to remove those embellishments and it as served me well.

[Ahenriksen]

How long ago did you apply for these jobs?  How many did you apply for?  An Associates of Science degree is sufficient but you have to remember guys/gals with B.S. degrees are applying too and the talent recruiters are going to find the best.  The competition is stiff in this economy.  Keep applying and keep working towards a bachelors in the mean time.  Most of all don't give up hope.  Keep your GPA up as well.  Good luck.

And from what I've been told, mechanical/electrical majors in engineering or engineering Tech. are desired.  

Several months ago I applied for Several positions. I received only one response stating that they were looking to go other directions and pointed me in the direction of another position at another plant. The position they told me to apply to was Entry level nuclear equipment operator. This was about a month and half ago.  I applied for several more positions today of the same job title. But I'm afraid I may be wasting my time if I don't have the proper credentials it takes to be in that type of position.

[JustinHEMI05]

The position titles was "Nuclear Equipment operator Entry-Level"

Sounds like you are applying for the correct positions, so that points to a resume or experience issue. With the economy right now, you are competing with a much large and diverse field of candidates. Many people who swore off nukes when they got out of the Navy, are clamoring to get back in. Although some here will say that Navy nukes aren't preferred over others, that simply isn't the case most of the time. A hiring manager will take someone with a proven track record of success in nuclear over a unexperienced associates candidate if they can. That is just the way it is.

However, most places DO try to diversify their NLO hirings, and pull from the Navy, off the street and degreed people. So not only are you competing with ex Navy people, you are competing with people with bachelor degrees as well.

Assuming your resume is good to go, you simple haven't found your in yet, and need to keep trying. It could take some time.

[JustinHEMI05]

Several months ago I applied for Several positions. I received only one response stating that they were looking to go other directions and pointed me in the direction of another position at another plant. The position they told me to apply to was Entry level nuclear equipment operator. This was about a month and half ago.  I applied for several more positions today of the same job title. But I'm afraid I may be wasting my time if I don't have the proper credentials it takes to be in that type of position.

You aren't wasting your time!!! I know it is frustrating, but perseverance is the key. You have to keep trying, you have the credentials.

[Ahenriksen]

You aren't wasting your time!!! I know it is frustrating, but perseverance is the key. You have to keep trying, you have the credentials.

Do you think you could give me your opinion on my resume??! i would be very greatful!!   

[JustinHEMI05]

Yup I got it. Tonight is my last night and the end of the outage, so I will be able to look at it this weekend. I have another 2 ahead of you, but I will get to it. At first glance, I can certainly provide some ideas.

[retread]

Wow Justin now you got me thinking of sending you my resume!  How are you with HP's?  Seriously, your offer just shows how good a group Mike has helped assemble!  Glad to see you back!   and to Mike.

[Pman52]

I think JustinHEMI can testify...the process is slow and the waiting is long.  Take for instance I just heard back today from the recruiters of a position I applied for over 4 months ago.  Be patient and don't give up.  You'll eventually get your call.

[mwdavis]

I think JustinHEMI can testify...the process is slow and the waiting is long.  Take for instance I just heard back today from the recruiters of a position I applied for over 4 months ago.  Be patient and don't give up.  You'll eventually get your call.

It took me a year of applying and several no answers before I got a yes. Hang in there and keep trying.

[Ahenriksen]

Thanks for everyones input!!  If i may ask what kind of credentials did you guys have on your resumes when you were in the hiring process??

[JustinHEMI05]

9 year Navy MM/ELT with 4 years EWS quals and 2 years EOOW quals. Now I have an SRO license on there. 

[crusemm]

Applied in January dead silence until May when I was invited to take the POSS.  Two weeks later received an offer (and accepted) After that received invites from two other plants to take the POSS, and I had applied to all of the jobs at the same time.  My personal credentials are 21 Years Navy MM Chief, Bachelors Applied Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison.

[mwdavis]

Navy MM/ELT/EWS. 12 years running chemical weapons incinerators for the Army.

[Bleyse]

I graduated with an AAS in Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology and I started an NLO training program in 2007.  So your degree should be just perfect for entry level operations.  One question though, was the college ABET accredited?  If it is not, that could be a deal breaker...

As far as experience, when I started, I had virtually no plant experience, but I had spent some time as an intern for a non-nuclear section of the company.  Like Justin said, you are not wasting your time.  I applied for the NLO job in January and we got hired in August.  And I was lucky that I got picked up that quick.  Hang in there!

[Ahenriksen]

Thank you everyone that responded!! It makes my dad to see you guys respond to my question. I would give karma to all if I could   

Okay I applied at several places and they eventually took there application off the site. Does that usually mean they filled the positions or aren't excepting anymore applications in which case they may not have filled the positions? I appreciate all responses good or bad!

[hogs]

Thank you everyone that responded!! It makes my dad to see you guys respond to my question. I would give karma to all if I could   

Okay I applied at several places and they eventually took there application off the site. Does that usually mean they filled the positions or aren't excepting anymore applications in which case they may not have filled the positions? I appreciate all responses good or bad!

I think it is likely that they have not yet filled the positions.  You still have a shot.  They might have received enough applications and taken it down, or they may have only put it up for a set number of days.  You never know with some HR depts, though: it's of course possible that they didn't take it down until after the positions were filled.  Don't lose hope and be patient while still continuing your efforts to search in other areas.

[Cycoticpenguin]

I think it is likely that they have not yet filled the positions.  You still have a shot.  They might have received enough applications and taken it down, or they may have only put it up for a set number of days.  You never know with some HR depts, though: it's of course possible that they didn't take it down until after the positions were filled.  Don't lose hope and be patient while still continuing your efforts to search in other areas.

I  doubt thats the case right now That was in november last year dude. THAT said, it took me a good 4, 5 months from the time I applied to the time I got hired.

[Smooth Operator]

I have recently graduated from college with an associates degree in Applied Science. With my major being Electrical Engineering Technology.  I have applied to several Entry-level Operator positions but with no success.  I feel that maybe my education is not quite what they are looking for. This positions is my dream job!! and if I can't get a job working in this position I will be very  . I am willing to do what ever it takes!

Question 1:  What education is best.

Question 2:  Where are the best schools to get training and certificates. (minus 4 years degrees)

Thank you for your responses 

We just hired 20 and I count around 5 with BS degrees from engineering to biochemisty, ex-Navy nukes, ex-Navy nukes/with commerical experienced, etc.

Just keep trying....

If you really want a job, try and find slots at the mose remote and undesirable nuke plant locations you can find.....just a thought that more people want to go to St. Lucie than Callaway or Duane Arnold(no offense intended to Mid-Westerners).

Also don't limit yourself to NLO and maybe don't limit yourself to nuclear. Operations is operations in many respects. Big companies are filling for Plant Technicians at dirt burners and other fossils.

[caerbannog]

I have recently graduated from college with an associates degree in Applied Science. With my major being Electrical Engineering Technology.  I have applied to several Entry-level Operator positions but with no success.  I feel that maybe my education is not quite what they are looking for. This positions is my dream job!! and if I can't get a job working in this position I will be very  . I am willing to do what ever it takes!

Question 1:  What education is best.

Question 2:  Where are the best schools to get training and certificates. (minus 4 years degrees)

Thank you for your responses 

I have seen guys with just high school diplomas and maybe some work experience hired (19 to 25y/o) and have seen Engineers (25 to 30y/o, with work experience) not hired for the exact same position.  I have heard they [at my company] prefer military and manufacturing backgrounds with college if possible.  Right now it just seems like it is a crapshoot to get a test and interview.