Lucrative Trades in Nuclear Power: Diving, Masonry, Pipefitting & HVAC

Thanks for tuning in. In this episode, Danielle highlights four in-demand skilled trades in the nuclear energy industry that require months to years of training instead of a doctorate. For each trade, we cover:Commercial DivingSpecialized HAZMAT diving in irradiated environmentsHistorical roots, real-world challenges, and a “day in the life”Training pathways, costs, salary ranges, and union vs. non-union optionsConcrete MasonryBuilding and finishing ultra-low-permeability containment structuresApprenticeships vs. trade-school certificatesTypical project durations, pay, and professional bodiesPipefittingInstalling high-precision coolant, steam, and service pipingNCCER’s 16-module curriculum and UA apprenticeshipsOutage vs. new-build work, salary insights, and key associationsHVACMaintaining clean-room and safety-critical climate systems3–5 year apprenticeships, technical diplomas, and NATE/EPA certificationsDay-to-day tasks, pay scale, and union/open-shop routesRESOURCES Divers Institute of Technology (World Nuclear Diving module):https://diversinstitute.edu/world-nuclear-diving/Pro Diver School: https://prodivertc.com Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI): https://www.adc-int.org/Diver Certification Board of Canada (DCBC):https://www.divercertification.com/more-info/careers-in-diving/ American Concrete Institute (ACI): https://www.concrete.org/International Masonry Institute (IMI): https://www.imiweb.org/NCCER Pipefitting Craft Catalog: https://www.nccer.org/craft-catalog/pipefitting/United Association (UA): https://ua.org/pipefitters/American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE): https://www.aspe.org/EPA Section 608 Certification: https://www.epa.gov/section608North American Technician Excellence (NATE): https://www.natex.org/HVAC Engineer Job Description: https://altea-energy.com/sheets/hvac-engineer-nuclear-energy-jobs/