AIKEN, S.C. – Born in South Korea, Jae Choi is the first in his family to graduate from college.

   Newly hired as an engineer by Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS), the management and operations contractor at DOE’s Savannah River Site (SRS), he says he feels like he’s been adopted by a large second family.  

   “These days, it’s hard to find a large company that doesn’t think of you as a tool,” said Choi. “One of the primary reasons I chose to accept a position at SRNS is their people-oriented approach to managing employees and the emphasis they place on career growth.”

   Mike Hughes is the SRNS manager of the Engineering Leadership Development Program (ELDP). Hughes says the program is unusual for corporations because it focuses on professional attention, support, and respect for new employees.

   “We are going to do everything in our power to ensure their first six months here is a positive and rewarding start to their career,” he said. 

   ELDP provides technical engineering and operational training and short-term projects in a variety of facilities and processes across the site. Emphasis is on knowledge transfer and one-on-one quality time with experienced engineers who serve as mentors. Mentoring ensures these new employees gain skills and confidence in their new roles.

   The program is shaping the future of SRNS and the rest of the DOE site, Hughes says.

   “We’re developing genuine, long-term relationships, which are a key to success for any organization. In addition, we’ve worked hard to create a process to ease that sometimes difficult transition from college student to full-time employee,” Hughes said.

   Along with Choi, Lisa Lee is one of the 30 new engineers participating in the ELDP. A recent graduate of the University of South Carolina with a degree in chemical engineering, Lee, at age 40, is starting a new career a little later in life.

   “The Engineering Leadership Development Program at SRNS offers a unique experience to new graduates transitioning into the engineering profession,” Lee said. “In this program, experienced members of the SRNS team take the time to guide us through a variety of projects and training courses that prepare us for successful placement at SRS. The support and guidance I’ve received in this program make me feel that I am an important part of the team, not just another new hire. The program is definitely working.”

   Hughes says the program is a win-win for SRS and colleges and universities.

   “Since we’re hiring about five engineers a month, this is an ongoing program,” said Hughes. “We’re investing most of our recruiting resources into local and regional colleges and universities. This strategy supports their engineering programs while providing candidates who have local ties, helping to increase employee satisfaction and retention at SRS.”