Spotlight on OPG employee Rene Heeringa
Rene Heeringa is proof that it’s never too late to learn something new – and even change careers.
For nearly six years, the 47-year-old worked as a nuclear operator at Pickering Nuclear Generating Station, a position that involved monitoring key equipment for Units 5 to 8 and ensuring fuel handling systems were in good working order.
Then in 2017, he applied for the Authorized Nuclear Operator in Training (ANOIT) program to become an authorized nuclear operator at the station. Unlike a regular nuclear operator, authorized operators are certified by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and are tasked with operating a reactor from inside the control room.
I applied to become an authorized nuclear operator because I wanted to further develop my understanding of the nuclear side of the business and also further my career. I’m always interested in learning new things. You’re never too old to continue to learn and just be a better person to everyone around you.Rene Heeringa, Authorized Nuclear Operator in Training
Along with 15 others in his class, Heeringa has been in training for the past year and a half. The ANOIT program includes in-depth classroom lessons in which trainees learn the specifics of every single system and piece of equipment in a nuclear reactor as well as its controls. Participants also spend time in a simulated control room and learn on the job with licensed Authorized Nuclear Operators.
It can take anywhere from three to five years for ANOITs to complete the program. Once he becomes an Authorized Nuclear Operator, Heeringa will be working at either Unit 1 or 4 at Pickering, spending most of his time inside the control room to ensure the unit is operating optimally and safely. He will depend on nuclear operators and fuel handling staff to act as his eyes and ears in the station and will use their reports and the detailed information in the control room to adjust the reactor’s systems and controls while remaining focused on safe operation.
This isn’t the first time Heeringa has made a major career change. Before applying to become a nuclear operator at OPG in 2011, he spent the first part of his career in industrial control sales, working in the auto, plastics and beverage industries.
The father of three credits his personal outlook for his continued adaptability.
“I tell my kids, ‘We can improve every day,’” he said. “I look for small things to improve on and try to be a better person in and outside my job. Learning is one thing, but being a better person every day to the people around you is the key.”
Employee spotlight: Rene Heeringa
Work location: Pickering Nuclear GS
Years of service: Seven
Position: Authorized Nuclear Operator in Training
Favourite place to visit in Ontario: Anywhere outdoors
Favourite book: Anything by Wilbur Smith
Favourite hobbies: Camping, baseball, bowling
Favourite weekend activities: Spending time with family and friends
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