Those with college level courses in the mechanical or technical areas may have an advantage. Good verbal and writing skills are required by most employers. Most employers start new hires in the helper or laborer jobs in the power plant. They are usually assigned to other areas of the utility, such as maintenance, so as to familiarize them with the various facets of the company. After a certain training period they may apply for the Power Plant Operator position which is a journey level occupation.
Promotion is generally from within the company.
All prospective operators are trained in operating and emergency procedures. They must become familiar with the entire plant and understand the interrelation of the various systems involved in steam generation, transportation, and return to the boilers and the function of the fuel and water systems of the boilers and the lubricating oil system. They are also trained in turbine start and shut-down. They are licensed by the NRC to operate the plant in which they are employed. No interplant change is allowed without further training on the new plant.