Governor McMaster and the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce Announce 

Savannah River Nuclear Solutions as the 2026 Workforce Champion Award Recipient

Columbia, S.C. – To kick off Workforce Development Month, Governor Henry McMaster and S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) Executive Director William Floyd were pleased to present the 2026 Workforce Champion Award to Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) at the Governor’s Mansion yesterday, Tuesday, September 1st. 

This award honors a South Carolina employer that has displayed extraordinary effort and innovation in connecting educators and students with employment opportunities in South Carolina. Savannah River Nuclear Solutions in Aiken was specifically recognized for their student outreach, internship programs, and Apprenticeship School, which introduce youth to high-demand fields while highlighting the purpose-driven missions that protect the nation and advance global security. SRNS’s Apprenticeship School in particular offers a no-cost, 24-month opportunity for high school juniors and seniors in Aiken, Allendale, and Barnwell counties to receive a U.S. Department of Labor credential while earning their high school diploma. Its Key Skilled Technician apprenticeships, offered through partnering technical colleges, help SRNS train and hire the next generation of Nuclear Operators, Radiation Protection Technicians, Maintenance Mechanics, and Electrical Technicians.

“Savannah River Nuclear Solutions leads the way in South Carolina by providing students with hands-on experiences that introduce them to the opportunities available right here at home,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “South Carolina has a strong nuclear industry that needs skilled workers, and programs like these help ensure that young people are prepared to pursue rewarding careers in our state. I am proud to recognize Savannah River Nuclear Solutions as this year’s Workforce Champion Award winner.” 

“Along with Governor McMaster, it is my privilege to present the Workforce Champion Award to Savannah River Nuclear Solutions,” said DEW Executive Director William Floyd. “SRNS does an exemplary job of meeting the objectives of the Coordinating Council for Workforce Development’s Unified State Plan in spreading awareness of in-demand occupations in nuclear defense and protection,  directly working with students as early as elementary school, and creating programs for teenagers, including those in our state’s rural areas, allowing them to earn a wage while progressing towards long-term careers at SRNS.” 

“Savannah River Nuclear Solutions is honored to be recognized as the 2026 South Carolina Workforce Champion," said Jeff Griffin, SRNS President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our collaboration with DEW amplifies the impact of every program we offer to ensure students across the region can access career opportunities, industry-leading training, and barrier-free pathways into critical‑skill careers. Through the SRS Apprenticeship School and SRNS Education Outreach and Internship Programs, our company is proud to model scalable workforce programs that build strong community partnerships and remove obstacles for young professionals. This award reflects the success of that shared mission and the thousands of students, educators, and partners who engage with us each year.” 

The award was presented to Savannah River Nuclear Solutions President and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Griffin; Senior Vice President and Workforce Services and Talent Management Bryan Ortner; Corporate Communications Deputy Director Barbara Smoak; and the Director of Site Training Dorian Newton on behalf of the company. Visit savannahrivernuclearsolutions.com/careers/ to learn more about their youth employment programs.

“We encourage all employers in South Carolina, regardless of their size or industry, to invest in our future workforce by supporting their local schools, engaging with teachers in the classrooms, and introducing students to multiple career pathways across all industries,” said DEW Executive Director William Floyd. “For example, businesses can also post their youth-based job openings on our Youth Employment Site, develop internships or apprenticeship programs, participate in local job fairs, or connect with their local Regional Workforce Advisor, who can help build partnerships with schools and students to support work-based learning.”  

For any business interested in learning more about student outreach, please contact a Regional Workforce Advisor at rwa@dew.sc.gov. 

Congratulations to SRNS for being named the 2026 Workforce Champion Award recipient!

Want to learn more about Workforce Development Month? Visit dew.sc.gov/wdm to find an interactive map that shows all upcoming events, featured employers, a Workforce Development Month branding toolkit, and much more. Make sure to visit our News page and our Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube channels for more agency happenings.