Photo courtesy Roane State Community College
Submitted
A new Roane State curriculum that trains people to become chemical operators will begin in the fall semester, said Markus Pomper, dean of the college’s Division of Mathematics and Sciences.
A chemical operator monitors, controls, and troubleshoots automated chemical processes. The work environment can range from processing uranium at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge to making bulk food products, such as high-fructose corn syrup.
The operator monitors data and remotely adjusts controls as needed to ensure chemical processes operate properly. If equipment breaks down, the operator also maintains and repairs valves, pumps, regulators, and sensors.
Classes will be held in the evening at the Oak Ridge Campus and at the college’s Higher Education and Workforce Training Facility in Clinton. The courses are an emphasis within the associate of applied science in general technology, a flexible two-year degree that allows students to customize their course schedule to fit their interests.
As the difficulty of the training intensifies in the second and third semesters of the program, students will complete six all-day sessions at the WACKER Institute training facility at Chattanooga State Community College, Pomper said. These sessions will meet on Saturdays, and will provide students with hands-on activities.
“Our partners have difficulty filling positions right now,” Pomper said. “Once the new Uranium Processing Facility (at Y-12) is built, I expect a wave of hires.” The first graduating class will be ready to fill this labor market need, he said.
“This training program for chemical operators is particularly interesting for working adult students, who can take advantage of free tuition and evening classes at their community college,” Pomper said. “The program offers hands-on training for well-paying jobs in our area.”
For more information, contact Gordon Williams at williamsg1@roanestate.edu or (865) 354-3000, extension 4899; Jack Parker at parkerja4@roanestate.edu, or (865) 354-3000, extension 4891; or visit roanestate.edu/chemtech.
Remember, eligible adults can now attend Roane State tuition-free with the new Reconnect grant. Learn more at roanestate.edu/reconnect.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
This press release was submitted by Owen Driskill.
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