• The new program will address a critical workforce need in Wyoming and surrounding states

By Courtesy of WesternWyoming.edu

Western Wyoming Community College (Western) is excited to announce the award of $1.9 million from Governor Mark Gordon’s Wyoming Innovation Partnership (WIP) to establish a groundbreaking Nuclear Technology Program. As Wyoming—long known as the “Energy State”—embraces the rapidly expanding nuclear energy sector, Western’s program will be the first of its kind in Wyoming, offering both a certificate and an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Nuclear Technology.

Wyoming has built its reputation as the “Energy State” through its vast resources in coal, oil, natural gas, and wind. Now, with the development of advanced nuclear power, Wyoming is poised to lead the nation in innovative energy solutions. A key part of this transformation is the construction of the TerraPower Natrium facility in Kemmerer, Wyoming—a next-generation nuclear plant backed by TerraPower, a company founded by Bill Gates. The Natrium facility, scheduled to begin operations in the late 2020s, represents a major step in diversifying Wyoming’s energy portfolio with a cleaner, more sustainable source of power.

Western’s Nuclear Technology Program will equip students with essential knowledge and hands-on experience in areas such as reactor operations, radiation protection, and safety protocols. Utilizing industry-standard facilities, students will benefit from the expertise of Western’s experienced faculty, ensuring they are well-prepared to enter Wyoming’s emerging nuclear workforce.

“Western’s Nuclear Technology Program addresses a critical workforce need in Wyoming and in the future, the surrounding states,” said Western’s President, Dr. Kirk Young. “With TerraPower’s advanced nuclear facility slated to begin hiring in 2027, our program will align perfectly with regional industry demands, preparing a pipeline of skilled workers ready to support the nuclear power sector.”

According to industry projections by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. nuclear sector anticipates approximately 500 job openings for nuclear technicians annually over the next decade. Many of these opportunities will result from retirements and career transitions, making it a prime time for a new generation of nuclear technicians to enter the field. The TerraPower Natrium project is expected to create numerous job openings as it begins its hiring process in the coming years, further increasing the demand for well-trained nuclear professionals in Wyoming.

Western’s Nuclear Technology Program will provide students with both the academic and technical skills needed for successful careers in nuclear power generation. The program’s development is directly tied to the Natrium facility in Kemmerer, as Western recognized the need for nuclear industry expertise throughout Wyoming and neighboring states. Supported by the Wyoming Innovation Partnership (WIP), this program will not only serve local economic and energy diversification efforts but will also contribute to the nation’s broader clean energy goals.