For training programs in the nuclear industry, receiving accreditation renewal is a major accomplishment, and it’s one that the Utilities Service Alliance Training Core Peer Team is currently focused on. Receiving accreditation renewal for operator, maintenance and technical training programs ensures that training for station personnel continues to meet and exceed industry standards. USA’s Training Core Peer Team works together to share ideas and help each other with preparation efforts.

“The goal is to help each other work through issues and share our experiences to help develop strategies to deal with the issues,” said Marios Kafantaris, PSEG Corporate Training Manager and co-peer team lead.

Two USA plants successfully renewed accreditation earlier this summer. Salem and Hope Creek nuclear power received accreditation renewal for another four years for their maintenance and technical training programs on June 12 and July 24, respectively. On August 21 Columbia Generating Station will go before the National Nuclear Accrediting Board seeking renewal for their operator training programs, as will Fermi 2 Generating Station on October 17.

Kafantaris said the USA Training Core Peer Team is a support system of engaged training personnel. Though live-time phone calls, accreditation self-evaluation report reviews and mock board participation, each participant is able to weigh in and help put issues into perspective and come up with a strategy, he said.

“We all take pride that we help each other get though these things and get successfully renewed. Each of the stations do a lot of work preparing for accreditation renewal, but we’re there as a support arm in case they need it.”