PIKETON, OH - A new partnership between United Steel Workers Local 689 (USW) and Waverly High School, in Pike County, aims to prepare students for careers in manufacturing, but the initiative, tied to the former Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant, is drawing criticism from residents worried about its connection to the site’s radioactive legacy.
The Manufacturing Skills Standard Certification (MSSC) program, set to begin in 2025, will train Waverly students aged 17 and older for entry-level manufacturing jobs. Funded through the Department of Energy’s Appalachia Clean Energy program, the free certification offers pathways to employment with companies like Fluor-BWXT, Centrus, and Mid-America Conversion Services, all of which have expressed support for the initiative.
“This program will help us merge the gap with students who aren’t sure what they want to do after graduation and help them find a path towards career success,” said Waverly High School Principal, Sara Ramsey. “We are seeing a new appreciation for skilled workers and trades, and by refocusing training we can give these students an opportunity to get the qualifications they need to start their careers.”
A Troubled Legacy
Despite praise from local educators and employers, the program is raising concerns among community members and activists who argue it represents a troubling connection to the DOE and the nuclear industry. For decades, the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant enriched uranium for nuclear weapons, leaving behind a legacy of radioactive contamination that still haunts the region. Pike County has the highest cancer rates in the state of Ohio.
“The government is dressing this up as a workforce opportunity, but it’s really about training the next generation of sick workers,” said one local activist, referring to the health risks associated with jobs tied to the site. “This isn’t about clean energy or career readiness—it’s about finding bodies to work in dangerous conditions without addressing the plant’s toxic history.”
The Certified Production Technician (CPT) program, part of the initiative, is designed for students with little to no manufacturing experience. Over 12 weeks, students will meet twice weekly to study safety, quality control, and production processes. While the program does not guarantee jobs, it equips students with certifications for employment in the region’s manufacturing sector, much of which remains connected to the former nuclear site.
DOE Funding Under Fire
The program’s funding through a DOE grant has fueled skepticism among critics who see it as an effort to normalize the plant’s tarnished reputation.
As of January 8, 2023, a total of $1,184,957,836 in compensation, including medical benefits, has been paid under Parts B and E of the EEOICPA to workers impacted by their employment at the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant.
A Divided Future
While the program has its detractors, USW leaders and educators are optimistic about its potential to support students and the local economy.
“Our students can find success in a variety of ways,” said Waverly Superintendent, Bill Hoover. “One of the greatest things we can give our kids is hope, and programs like this help instill hope for all of our students to believe there is opportunity for them. We are grateful for this partnership with the USW Local 689 and the potential it provides for our students.”
Parents interested in enrolling their children in the program can contact Waverly High School at (740) 947-7701.
As the program moves forward, the debate over balancing economic opportunities with the community’s health and safety underscores the lasting impact of the region’s nuclear history.
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