Waterford - Dominion announced this week that it signed an agreement with the Connecticut Department of Labor certifying two apprenticeship programs at Millstone Power Station, opening the door for veterans participating in the training to apply for federal GI Bill benefits.

"Dominion recognizes, honors and recruits military veterans who have served our country," Millstone Site Vice President Steve Scace said in a news release. "We need experienced team players to keep our company moving forward. These certifications - the first such at Millstone - will help us recruit new employees from the ranks of veterans to operate our nuclear power station."

The two apprenticeship programs approved for GI Bill benefits are for control room operators and plant equipment operators. Control room operators are trained to operate a power station's nuclear reactors and obtain a license from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to operate them. Plant equipment operators receive training on plant controls and systems to maintain safe operating conditions in compliance with federal regulations.

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, praised the new program.

"I applaud Dominion for taking the initiative to train and hire veterans through their new apprenticeship program," he said. "As the Congressman representing Connecticut's most veteran-heavy district, I am confident that efforts like this coupled with new veterans hiring tax credits, are moving us forward."

Vinnie Valente, program manager in the state Department of Labor's Office of Apprenticeship Training, called it a significant new opportunity for veterans.

"These new apprentices, many of them military veterans, will train for well-paying jobs at Millstone," he said. "This is an exciting opportunity to bring the 'earn while you learn' concept to Millstone, and provides these newly registered apprentices with the high standard of training required of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission."