Thanks for tuning in. In this episode, Danielle highlights four in-demand skilled trades in the nuclear energy industry that require months to years of training instead of a doctorate. For each trade, we cover:

1. Commercial Diving

   • Specialized HAZMAT diving in irradiated environments

   • Historical roots, real-world challenges, and a “day in the life”

   • Training pathways, costs, salary ranges, and union vs. non-union options

2. Concrete Masonry

   • Building and finishing ultra-low-permeability containment structures

   • Apprenticeships vs. trade-school certificates

   • Typical project durations, pay, and professional bodies

3. Pipefitting

   • Installing high-precision coolant, steam, and service piping

   • NCCER’s 16-module curriculum and UA apprenticeships

   • Outage vs. new-build work, salary insights, and key associations

4. HVAC

   • Maintaining clean-room and safety-critical climate systems

   • 3–5 year apprenticeships, technical diplomas, and NATE/EPA certifications

   • Day-to-day tasks, pay scale, and union/open-shop routes

RESOURCES

• Divers Institute of Technology (World Nuclear Diving module):
  https://diversinstitute.edu/world-nuclear-diving/

• Pro Diver School: https://prodivertc.com

• Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI): https://www.adc-int.org/

• Diver Certification Board of Canada (DCBC):https://www.divercertification.com/more-info/careers-in-diving/

• American Concrete Institute (ACI): https://www.concrete.org/

• International Masonry Institute (IMI): https://www.imiweb.org/

• NCCER Pipefitting Craft Catalog: https://www.nccer.org/craft-catalog/pipefitting/

• United Association (UA): https://ua.org/pipefitters/

• American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE): https://www.aspe.org/

• EPA Section 608 Certification: https://www.epa.gov/section608

• North American Technician Excellence (NATE): https://www.natex.org/

• HVAC Engineer Job Description: https://altea-energy.com/sheets/hvac-engineer-nuclear-energy-jobs/