Every person who drives over the blue line as a new employee becomes a part of history. Whatever connection they have to Y-12, whether ties to the past, the community, or a new opportunity, employees find their place as they build the future. Meet the newest craft members on-site.
Connecting Y-12’s ‘current’ to its past
DJ I. is gaining a new appreciation for the mission during his apprenticeship at Y-12.
Apprentice electrician DJ gained a new appreciation for Y-12 after he was hired in December 2024. He knew working at the plant was a good job opportunity; what he didn’t expect was just how quickly he would feel that the work was more than a job. Working at Y-12 inside production areas in the middle of a nuclear renaissance has given DJ a fresh perspective behind the blue line.
“We are working at the epicenter of the Manhattan Project,” he said. “I feel both connected to history and like I’m a part of making history at a very crucial moment at Y-12. I like the sense of purpose that I get to step into work with every day –– the sense of purpose that we are, in our own way, protecting the country.”
He said he feels most connected to the CNS mission principle to “deliver as promised.”
“As electricians, we handle anything from repairs, to new construction, to installation of machines,” stated DJ. “Every craft has a role when it comes to handling parts of a whole task, and that’s what builds mission success.”
Y-12 Construction Superintendent Sam L. highlighted the important contributions apprentices make as they learn their trades on-site.
“Apprentices like DJ are a vital and integral part of our team, supporting our mission and addressing the needs of an evolving workforce. Witnessing their growth in knowledge and expertise is truly inspiring. For many, this apprenticeship marks their first step into the workforce, making their journey of development even more significant.”
DJ is gaining broad experience and specific expertise he'll retain for a lifetime. Being able to work with a team to complete a project is one of the most important lessons DJ said he has learned at Y-12 … and one of the most rewarding.
“Seeing it all come together and where we all contribute to the whole process –– that’s satisfying,” he said. “Whatever we build, it plays a role in national security.”