On January 28 and 29, 2010, the Energy Facility Contractors Group (EFCOG) D&D Working Group (WG) visited the Applied Research Center (ARC) at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, Florida. The purpose of the two day meeting was to better understand the capabilities and resources of each institution and to forge future collaborations and partnerships. EFCOG was represented by Dr. William Coons (President, Time Solutions Inc.), Mr. Paul Yela (Site Manager at Bettis Facility, Babcock & Wilcox), and Mr. Robert (Bob) Richardella (D&D Working Group Chair, Yampa Valley Consultants). The DOE Fellows participating in the DOE-FIU Science & Technology Workforce Development Program had the opportunity to interact with the EFCOG representatives. The DOE Fellows showcased their Office of Environmental Management (EM) related applied research by making formal presentations and presented their “hands-on” work during tours of the research laboratories. The DOE Fellows’ work at ARC include applied research in DOE EM technical areas of interest such as D&D, soil & groundwater, waste processing, and information technology. One of the topics of discussion during the EFCOG visit was EFCOG support in facilitating interaction with DOE contractors to secure internships and permanent employment for the DOE Fellows. Based on the large number of FIU minority students (DOE Fellows) being trained under this workforce development program, it is expected that DOE-EM will not be able to hire all of these well qualified and trained students, and a number will be seeking employment with DOE contractors. As a first step, EFCOG member companies will be encouraged to interface with the DOE-FIU Workforce Development program and candidates at the upcoming Waste Management Symposia (WM10) in Phoenix, AZ. In addition, the WG will promote this program and arrange visits/presentations at EFCOG member companies such as CH2M Hill and B&W. The WG also agreed get the “word out” and support direct marketing for employment with DOE contractors. Overall, the EFCOG visit was extremely productive and beneficial for both institutions and our DOE Fellows impressed our visitors.
Some of the comments/feedbacks received from our visitors included:
“The ARC is a very credible organization and the D&D Working Group is pleased to be able to facilitate relationships with DOE remediation subcontractors. The DOE Fellows are an impressive group of young professionals and will be an asset to any company.” (Mr. Robert (Bob) Richardella -D&D Working Group Chair, Yampa Valley Consultants)
DOE Fellows, Program Director (Dr. Lagos), and EFCOG Representatives (Dr. W. Coons, Mr. Paul Yela, and Mr. Bob Richardella)
I wanted to let you know about an incredible opportunity made possible to FIU minority students thanks to the sponsorship and funding of the US Department of Energy’s Office of Environmental Management (DOE-EM). In an effort to overcome the challenges of an aging workforce, DOE-EM is actively and aggressively targeting college students across the US to enter DOE’s workforce.