EPCE News and Information
South Texas Project Nuclear Operating Company Becomes New Member of Energy Education Coalition
Denver, CO, August 14, 2008 – The Energy Providers Coalition for Education (EPCE) welcomes the South Texas Project Nuclear Operating Company (STPNOC) as a new member to the coalition.
By joining EPCE, STPNOC supports its strategic objectives to develop a pool of new employees, and provide current employees with development opportunities, through targeted nuclear training and education. Experts forecast that in the coming years, 30 to 50 percent of the nuclear workforce will be eligible to retire. Additionally, the nuclear industry renaissance is expected to drive growth and additional headcount needs. Coalitions like EPCE serve a valuable function in preparing for the impending workforce shortage.
EPCE’s courses provide the flexibility and convenience of online access 24/7. This allows students to go to school while balancing work and family commitments. The online format also provides industry-sponsored education in locations not served by a local college.
Other member benefits include tuition discounts, which translate to reduced tuition assistance and training expenses. EPCE members are active in the evaluation and development of the nuclear energy curriculum, ensuring it remains relevant and current. The curriculum can also be tailored to be utilized as company-specific training, saving internal training resources and expenses. EPCE also provides a forum for networking with other industry professionals.
The South Texas Project Electric Generating Station consists of twin reactors (Units 1 and 2) located 90 miles southwest of Houston. It produces 2,700 megawatts of electricity for nearly two million local homes and businesses. STPNOC manages the power plant for its owners, Austin Energy, CPS Energy, and NRG Energy LLC.
The EPCE-sponsored programs include a Certificate and AAS degree in Nuclear Power Technology from Bismarck State College (BSC), a TAC-ABET accredited BS degree in Nuclear Engineering Technology from Excelsior College, as well as other energy education programs in electric power technology, natural gas distribution, and electrical engineering. For information, visit www.epceonline.org
EPCE and other industry-specific education programs are administered by CAEL, the Council for Adult & Experiential Learning — dedicated to providing adults better access to education through partnerships with business, government, labor and higher education. For information, visit www.cael.org.