KEMMERER — On Tuesday, Oct. 1, the Wind River Job Corps rolled into the Kemmerer Event Center in two buses, bringing with them about 40 students eager to learn more about career opportunities in heavy construction equipment mechanics and operation.

These students are part of the nation’s largest free residential career training program for low-income young adults, age 16 through 24, offering life-changing opportunities for those ready to work hard and grow.

At the event, Wyoming Energy Futures CEO and TerraPower Natrium Project consultant Rita Meyer introduced several key figures in the project: Bechtel Project Manager for the TerraPower Natrium Project Mark Romano, TerraPower Senior Training Manager Mark Verbeck, and Tyler Miller from Earth Works Solutions.

Meyer credited the Job Corps program for helping students get a start in the workplace. She said she herself had access to technical training when she was starting out and was grateful for the opportunity.

Meyer spoke of the workforce deficit across the country and especially in Wyoming and said employers need workers with the skills the students in Job Corps are getting trained in.

“We want these workers, and we want them here in Wyoming,” Meyer said before urging students to take full advantage of the training offered through Job Corps.

Meyer also praised the students’ commitment and highlighted the significance of the day’s visit.

“This is an incredible opportunity to see a big construction site in progress that is a first-of-its-kind nuclear power reactor in Wyoming,” she said.

Meyer noted that the students were excited about the possibility of future opportunities, especially after receiving training from Job Corps.

Reflecting on her decision to organize the visit, she said, “Initially, I thought the students would be interested in seeing a construction site.”

Meyer emphasized the role of Job Corps in helping young people improve their circumstances.

“Without Job Corps, for some of these students, it would be really tough to enter the workplace,” Meyer said.

She explained the need for skilled labor in Wyoming and the possibility of out-of-state students returning if good jobs are available.

“A lot of these kids are from out of state, but that doesn’t mean they won’t come back if there are good jobs,” she said.

Meyer also highlighted the importance of ongoing training.

“Job Corps provides the initial training and then allows the students to get additional training or even internships,” she said. “We want to encourage them to get any training that they can.”

Romano echoed Meyer’s sentiments about workforce development. He said he has worked for Bechtel for over 35 years, and proudly explained the significance of the TerraPower Natrium Project, emphasizing the need for skilled workers to help build the plant.

“It all comes back to the people,” he said, sharing an example of an employee who started in a labor position and moved up to management.

“There is a need to find qualified people,” he said.

Verbeck said they will start hiring operators in 2026 to work at the plant, with positions available in mechanical, electrical, and licensed operations.

The students received a special tour of the nuclear plant site, getting a firsthand look at the project they had been hearing so much about.

Wind River Job Corps student Brett Temple from Orange, Texas, expressed his gratitude for the program. Temple is currently training to be a heavy equipment operator and shared that, growing up, he didn’t have many work options.

“For someone that is in a sticky situation, it is a very good facility,” Temple said. He plans to graduate in March 2025 and said he is excited about the prospects ahead.

“It is a second chance,” he said, explaining how the program is helping him improve his life. “It’s a big step in life.”