Oak Ridge National Laboratory works with schools, colleges, universities and industry partners to prepare people across the region for the jobs of today—and the emerging careers that will shape tomorrow.
These partnerships connect education and training with real workforce needs in fields such as nuclear energy, advanced manufacturing, computing, engineering and project management. ORNL contributes technical expertise, career insights, hands-on learning opportunities and access to scientists, engineers and other professionals who understand the skills these growing industries require.
Academic Partnerships
ORNL partners with colleges and universities to strengthen academic programs and create long-term pathways into science and technology careers. These collaborations connect students and faculty with the laboratory’s expertise while helping educational institutions align curricula with the region’s evolving workforce needs.
Nuclear Technology Program
Supported by a $100,000 contribution from UT-Battelle and technical expertise from ORNL, Roane State Community College’s Nuclear Technology Program provides hands-on training with the instruments and techniques used in nuclear workplaces. Students can earn an associate degree or certificate while preparing for technical careers in areas including medical isotopes, nuclear materials, waste management, reactor development and nuclear fuel.
Chemical Radiation Technology Pathway
Through the Chemical Radiation Technology pathway, Pellissippi State Community College students gain specialized training from ORNL scientists and explore careers in radiochemistry and isotope production. The program combines classroom instruction, ORNL campus visits, preparing students to enter technical careers without first earning a bachelor’s degree.
Project Management Program
ORNL has partnered with Roane State Community College to develop and offer a project management and project controls program. The courses provide students with a solid foundation of both traditional and contemporary project management concepts while also preparing them for the Certified Associate in Project Management exam.
Skill-building Opportunities
ORNL supports short-term, skills-based programs that help students and workers build practical knowledge for in-demand careers. Through hands-on training and exposure to laboratory expertise, participants can strengthen specific technical and professional skills, explore new career paths and respond to the region’s evolving workforce needs.
Neutron Scattering School
This course aims to educate graduate students and postdoctoral researchers about the use of major neutron facilities. Participants will conduct short, in-person experiments and tutorials at ORNL’s Spallation Neutron Source and High Flux Isotope Reactor, which provide hands-on experience for using neutron sources.
High-Performance Computing Crash Course
The Oak Leadership Computing Facility offers a virtual (2- or 3-day) crash course for high-performance computing (HPC) that covers the foundational skills needed to start learning about HPC (e.g., ssh, Linux command line, command-line text editors, introductory C programming) before moving on to the basics of HPC itself.
Veteran Programs
ORNL proudly participates in the SkillBridge program, offering transitioning service members the opportunity to gain hands-on civilian work experience during their final 180 days of military service. Participants work alongside ORNL researchers, engineers, and professionals while continuing to receive military pay and benefits. SkillBridge helps service members build professional skills, expand their networks, and explore civilian career opportunities as they transition from military service.
Our Stories
February 9, 2026
4 MIN READ
ORNL, LSU collaborate to strengthen energy security, support workforce development