The NewAmerican Frontier
Job Training for the Next Technological Age
A forward-looking blueprint for job training in the age of AI, from the front lines of technological change.
The view from the edge of the learning curve. New technologies are changing the labor market. What can we learn about new jobs from the regions where they landed first?
The view from the edge of the learning curve
New technologies are changing the labor market
New technologies are changing the labor market
What can we learn about new jobs from the regions where they landed first?
What can we learn about new jobs from the regions where they landed first?
Advanced Nuclear
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Modular Reactors (MRs) deliver flexible, scalable solutions to rapidly growing electricity demands while providing reliable carbon-free baseload power. Unlike traditional large nuclear plants requiring massive upfront capital and fixed locations, SMRs and MRs could enable decentralized nuclear energy infrastructure.
Industry
Advanced Nuclear
Idaho (ID), US
Reactor Renaissance (Idaho)
Idaho National Laboratory is the proving ground for a new generation of small modular reactors and microreactors, with eleven DOE-selected designs and the first pilot reactor — backed by $100M in private funding — breaking ground in 2025. Idaho is positioning itself as a national hub for training the technicians, operators, and tradespeople these reactors require.
Top Jobs in Nuclear without a BA
Priority jobs for the New American Frontier are accessible (no BA Required) and pay well (above median wages)
Source: Authors' analysis; Revelio Labs; Methodology
Advanced Nuclear Fast Facts
39,774
associate's degrees at 3,618 institutions
179,823
certificates at 5,549 institutions
Awarded in nuclear-relevant fields (welding, plumbing, nuclear operations) in the U.S. in 2024
33%
Roles accessible without a BA
$40,000–$71,000
Typical annual pay for non-BA jobs
Source: Authors' analysis; IPEDS; Revelio Labs; EIA; Methodology
Technology Overview
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Modular Reactors (MRs) deliver flexible, scalable solutions to rapidly growing electricity demands while providing reliable carbon-free baseload power. Unlike traditional large nuclear plants requiring massive upfront capital and fixed locations, SMRs and MRs could enable decentralized nuclear energy infrastructure.
Technology Use Cases
Both rely on modular, factory-built components, shortening project timelines from 15+ years for traditional large-scale nuclear to roughly 3–5 years. Modularity allows operators to add units gradually as demand grows, shifting the economics of nuclear energy.
SMRs (20–300 MW)
Serve industrial and grid-scale energy needs. Potential uses include powering data centers, mines, and replacing retiring coal plants.
MRs (up to 20 MW)
Roughly 100–1,000 times smaller than traditional reactors. Designed for rapid deployment to remote communities, military bases, disaster zones, and industrial heat applications.
Economic and National Security Implications
Economic competitiveness
SMRs and MRs address surging electricity demand from AI, data centers, and semiconductors alongside the need for reliable, emissions-free power. U.S. companies could dominate both domestic and international markets if standardized designs and manufacturing capacity scale up.
National security implications
China and Russia are both investing heavily in nuclear. SMRs and MRs offer the U.S. a chance to expand global energy market share, increase energy independence, and improve grid resilience for critical infrastructure and military installations.
Example Jobs without a BA
| Job title | Also known as… | What this role does | Sample skills | Common credentials | Ex. Employers | Est. Pay Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nuclear Technician | Maintenance Technician; Control Room Technician; Electrical Mechanical Technician; Engineering Technician; Electronics Technician | Monitor reactor systems, run routine tests, and support safe operation | Equipment and systems monitoring; Handling hazardous and controlled materials | N/A | Idaho National Laboratory, Kiewit, NuScale Power | $46,000 - $71,000 |
| Pipefitter | Steamfitter | Install and maintain water and steam piping systems critical to reactor operations and safety | Pipe layout and installation; Welding / threading pipe joints; Assembling fittings, valves, and supports | Certificate in Plumbing Technology; Certificate in Pipefitting and Sprinkler Fitter; Certificate in Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services | Fluor Corporation, Kiewit, Merrick & Company, AECOM | $48,000 - $68,000 |
| Machinist | Industrial Production Managers; Drafters; Fabrication supervisor; CAD technician | Fabricate metal parts for key equipment | CNC and manual machine operation; Troubleshooting and quality verification | Certificate in Drafting and Design Technology | Curtiss-Wright Corporation, Idaho National Laboratory, J-U-B Engineers, Inc., Kiewit | $40,000 - $68,000 |
Nuclear Education
Idaho State University's (ISU) Energy Systems Technology and Education Center (ESTEC)
Energy Systems Nuclear Operations Technology Associate of Applied Science; Intermediate Technical Certificate in Energy Systems Technology; Intermediate Technical Certificate in Nuclear Hot Cell Manipulator Technology
ESTEC offers one-to-two-year certificate and Associate of Applied Science programs inside a land-grant university. ESTEC’s Intermediate Technical Certificates (1 year) and Energy Systems Nuclear Operations Technology Associates (2 years) prepare students for work in nuclear power plants, fuel cycle facilities, and nuclear research labs as reactor operators, I&C technicians, facilities technicians handling radioactive materials, health physics technicians monitoring radiation levels, and industrial cybersecurity specialists. Students learn electronics, instrumentation, power generation, radiological work standards, radiation detection and protection, and reactor plant operations. Students train on a control-room simulator built to regulatory specifications and mockups of the “hot cells” used at Idaho National Lab as well as supervised training on a real, low-power reactor on campus.
College of Eastern Idaho (CEI)
Associate of Applied Science, Advanced Technical Certificate, or Intermediate Technical Certificate in Welding Technology
CEI provides an Associate of Applied Science (69 credits), Advanced Technical Certificate (54 credits), and Intermediate technical Certificate (30 credits) in Welding Technology. CEI’s welding pathways are critical to nuclear energy because welding is what physically holds reactors and their safety systems together under extreme heat and radiation. Given safety risks, nuclear welders must meet high training and regulatory standards.
Electrical Apprenticeship
The Eastern Idaho Electrical JATC, a partnership with IBEW 449, runs an apprenticeship with 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 960 hours of classroom instruction over four years. Apprentices are exposed to a wide range of projects, including nuclear facilities. Nuclear-specific work may demand additional layered training such as specialized radiation-safety certifications. Electricians build and maintain the nuclear facility substations and fuel-storage facilities.