Nuclear power is one of those subjects that's both awe-inspiring and scary. It's awe-inspiring because we now know that splitting atoms through fission can produce electricity that doesn't depend on fossil fuels like oil or gas. It's scary because should things go wrong, radioactive waste is not something you want to mess with, which is why we need nuclear technicians. These safety experts work at power plants to monitor equipment and radiation levels to protect employees and the community. It's not surprising that along with a love of math, science, computers, and other machines, you'll need lots of training to work in this field. It's possible to learn on the job, though some people choose to enlist in the Navy's prestigious nuclear operations program to guarantee themselves their pick of positions after they complete their service.
The Details
By keeping a nuclear power plant operating safely, these technicians protect people from danger and ensure that homes and offices continue to have electrical power.
There are more than 400 reactors spread across 31 countries around the globe—although the United States is the largest commercial supplier of nuclear power.