UCOR’s Training and Development and Nuclear Operations teams collaborated to streamline a lengthy qualification and training process that will allow workers to spend more time executing UCOR’s mission.
The opportunity was identified within Performance Demonstration Checklists (PDCs) required for Radiological Worker personnel supporting work involving neutron and high-dose LINAC systems. Previously, employees had to complete multiple comprehensive PDCs as part of the qualification process.
Training prepares UCOR employees to perform work safely, but continuous improvement also means ensuring that training makes the best use of employees’ time. UCOR’s Nuclear Operations Team gave feedback to the Training and Development team to improve the lengthy training. The training program stepped up and coordinated with Nuclear Operations Superintendent James Bullard to review, edit, and format new training material. Together, the team consolidated the original requirements into a single comprehensive exam. Streamlining the qualification process reduces time employees spend away from work, creating cost savings while returning specialized personnel to the mission sooner. This is especially valuable for Nuclear Operations, whose employees support around-the-clock operations at ORNL. The team operates and maintains systems that treat liquid and gaseous waste generated by cleanup activities and mission-critical science programs. In FY 2026, Nuclear Operations safely processed more than 30,000 gallons of LLLW waste, discharged over 27 billion cubic meters of gaseous waste, and finally processed and discharged more than 73 million gallons of waste, helping maintain critical facilities and infrastructure at ORNL.
By maintaining standards while removing unnecessary repetition, UCOR’s Training and Development Program is helping employees stay qualified, mission ready, and spend more time being cleanup experts on the work that they do.
