Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Interests
Timeline
Generic

Thomas Brooks

Gastonia,NC

Summary

Dynamic Nuclear Station Instructor at Duke Energy with a proven track record in lesson planning and group instruction. Enhanced student engagement through innovative teaching strategies, resulting in improved performance. Strong communicator and mentor, adept at fostering a collaborative learning environment while ensuring compliance with industry standards. Committed to continuous professional development and operational excellence.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Nuclear Station Instructor- Operations

Duke Energy
01.2013 - 04.2018
  • Assisted in developing lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
  • Provided support to students during instructional activities and assessments.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to enhance teaching strategies and resources.
  • Engaged in ongoing professional development to improve teaching effectiveness.
  • Supported administrative tasks, including grading assignments and tracking attendance.
  • Promoted a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations and maintaining consistent classroom management techniques.
  • Tracked student progress, frequently checking in with struggling students and identifying root causes of problems.
  • Boosted student performance by providing individualized support and targeted feedback.
  • Promoted classroom safety, collaboration, and best practices.
  • Tested and evaluated students on materials presented in workshops and classes.
  • Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on educational trends and enhance teaching effectiveness.
  • Evaluated student assessments to identify areas of growth and improvement, adjusting instructional strategies accordingly.
  • Observed and adopted new techniques from skilled instructors and lecturers.
  • Improved student performance by defining clear goals and communicating performance metrics.
  • Increased student participation via engaging lectures and assignments.
  • Optimized day-to-day instruction to align educational strategies with industry best practices.
  • Reviewed class and student records to identify improvement opportunities.
  • Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centered learning.
  • Oversaw curriculum development and implementation in alignment with best practices.
  • Developed comprehensive lesson plans to facilitate understanding of complex subjects.
  • Enhanced student engagement by integrating interactive technologies into curriculum.
  • Prepared quizzes, tests and examinations to gauge how well students were learning.
  • Participated in department meetings to provide input to colleagues about student achievement and improvement.
  • Increased educational expertise and knowledge by participating in instructor-oriented workshops.

Nuclear Training Supervisor- Operations

Duke Energy
01.2009 - 01.2013
  • Led training initiatives to enhance employee performance and operational efficiency.
  • Developed comprehensive training materials to support diverse learning styles and ensure engagement.
  • Evaluated training effectiveness through assessments, implementing feedback to refine programs.
  • Facilitated onboarding programs for new hires, improving acclimation and retention rates.
  • Mentored junior trainers, fostering a collaborative environment and enhancing team capabilities.
  • Collaborated with department heads to identify skill gaps and tailor training solutions accordingly.
  • Established a culture of continuous learning by implementing regular feedback loops and performance evaluations.
  • Mentored new hires during their onboarding process, accelerating their integration into the company culture and work environment.
  • Created engaging training content that catered to diverse learning styles, improving overall knowledge acquisition among employees.
  • Provided recommendations for process improvements and discontinuation of ineffective or outdated methods.
  • Updated employees with latest policies, procedures and compliance standards.
  • Managed the logistics of on-site and off-site training events, ensuring seamless delivery and optimal resource allocation.
  • Enhanced employee performance by developing comprehensive training programs tailored to individual needs.
  • Developed strategies for integrating technology into training programs, maximizing engagement while minimizing disruption to daily operations.
  • Managed a team of trainers to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality training sessions across all departments.
  • Evaluated the effectiveness of existing training initiatives using key performance metrics, making data-driven adjustments when necessary.
  • Integrated technology resources into courses to diversify instruction.
  • Leveraged industry best practices in instructional design to create compelling, outcome-focused course material for both online and classroom settings.
  • Collaborated with department heads to identify skills gaps and develop customized training interventions accordingly.
  • Conducted regular skills audits to identify areas for further development, proactively addressing potential performance issues before they impacted productivity.
  • Assessed new employee skills and strengths to provide customized training.
  • Selected or wrote appropriate curriculum for specific course topics.
  • Collaborated with company leaders and department managers to determine training needs.
  • Conducted training courses and prepared videos for long-term use.
  • Researched and obtained relevant course materials to achieve training objectives.
  • Conducted orientation sessions and organized on-the-job training for new hires.
  • Communicated all learning and performance objectives, schedules, and training assessments to upper management.
  • Analyzed effectiveness of training programs at all levels and recommended updates.
  • Implemented new learning strategies depending upon employees' skill levels.
  • Trained staff during demonstrations, meetings, conferences, and workshops.
  • Selected and assigned instructors to conduct specific training programs.
  • Drove departmental performance and achievement of service levels through focused team operational reviews, structured coaching, and managing to enterprise targets.
  • Reviewed and edited all training materials for accuracy and company policy compliance.
  • Coordinated and prioritized required training courses for 60 employees.
  • Tested all training software and hardware prior to commencing training programs.

Nuclear Station Instructor- Operations

Duke Energy
01.2006 - 01.2009

See list of descriptions for item 1.

  • Facilitated classroom management to create a positive learning environment.
  • Adapted instructional materials for diverse learning needs of students.

Senior Reactor Operator

Duke Energy
05.2003 - 01.2006
  • Operated and monitored reactor systems to ensure safety and efficiency in daily operations.
  • Conducted regular safety inspections and maintenance on equipment to uphold regulatory compliance.
  • Led team training sessions on emergency response protocols and operational best practices.
  • Developed and implemented process improvements, enhancing operational efficiency by refining workflows.
  • Analyzed system performance data to identify trends, recommending adjustments for optimal reactor operation.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to address technical challenges, ensuring seamless operations.
  • Mentored junior operators, fostering skill development and promoting a culture of safety awareness.
  • Managed incident response procedures during unforeseen events, minimizing downtime and maintaining safety standards.
  • Improved reactor safety by consistently monitoring and adjusting key parameters.
  • Achieved regulatory compliance by maintaining accurate documentation of operational activities and adhering to industry standards.
  • Streamlined communication between departments by acting as a liaison during complex technical projects.
  • Maintained high levels of nuclear safety through rigorous training programs and adherence to established protocols.
  • Assisted in the implementation of new technology, staying current with industry advancements to improve overall plant operations.
  • Reduced downtime during refueling outages by efficiently managing shutdown and startup procedures.
  • Mentored junior operators, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development within the team.
  • Conducted thorough walkdowns to identify potential issues and ensure proper functioning of all systems.
  • Participated in emergency preparedness exercises, ensuring readiness for various scenarios involving reactor operations.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop detailed operating procedures for new processes or equipment.
  • Optimized plant performance through effective coordination with maintenance and engineering teams.
  • Ensured timely response to abnormal events by expertly guiding shift team members towards effective solutions.
  • Supported licensing renewal efforts by providing comprehensive reports on key safety metrics and process improvements implemented throughout tenure at the facility.
  • Championed a culture of continuous improvement and safety-conscious behavior, fostering a proactive approach to problem-solving in the workplace.
  • Identified machine operational issues and contacted mechanics to discuss repair needs and schedule service.
  • Identified reactor equipment problems and applied appropriate resolution strategies to resolve issues.
  • Authorized maintenance activities on units or changes in equipment or system operational status.
  • Dispatched orders or instructions to personnel through radiotelephone or intercommunication systems to coordinate auxiliary equipment operation.
  • Performed surveillance tests, gathered data and inputted information into internal database for further review and permanent recordkeeping.
  • Managed accurate and efficient control adjustments to position rod and to regulate flux level, coolant temperature and reactor period.

Reactor Operator

Duke Energy
12.1994 - 05.2003
  • Operated and monitored reactor systems to ensure optimal performance and safety compliance.
  • Conducted routine inspections and maintenance on reactor equipment to prevent operational issues.
  • Collaborated with engineering teams to implement process improvements for enhanced efficiency.
  • Trained junior operators on safety protocols and operational procedures to promote a safety-first culture.
  • Analyzed system data to identify trends, troubleshoot issues, and optimize reactor operations.
  • Supported the development of junior operators, acting as a mentor and sharing knowledge on best practices in reactor operations.
  • Assisted in root cause analysis investigations, identifying areas for improvement and preventing future incidents.
  • Promoted a strong safety culture by consistently reinforcing importance of following established guidelines, leading by example through personal actions and behavior at work site locations.
  • Contributed to a culture of continuous improvement, participating in training programs for professional development.
  • Minimized downtime during refueling outages by coordinating activities and providing clear communication among team members.
  • Enhanced operational efficiency with thorough monitoring of reactor parameters and timely adjustments.
  • Optimized reactor performance by implementing effective control strategies based on data analysis.
  • Mitigated potential hazards by strictly adhering to radiation protection principles throughout various job responsibilities.
  • Supported control room operations effectively managing alarms/alerts according situation severity level.
  • Enhanced team performance through active participation in meetings and open discussions regarding operational concerns or challenges faced within the workplace environment.
  • Provided valuable input during procedure updates, ensuring accurate technical content for safe operation standards.
  • Played an integral role in emergency preparedness drills, demonstrating excellent decision-making skills under pressure situations.
  • Reduced unplanned shutdowns, proactively identifying potential issues through detailed system evaluations.
  • Maintained compliance with regulatory requirements through rigorous adherence to safety protocols and procedures.
  • Displayed solid understanding core fundamentals, utilizing skills knowledge for efficient reactor management.
  • Ensured safe handling of radioactive materials, following strict guidelines and protocols at all times.
  • Demonstrated strong troubleshooting skills while resolving complex reactor issues quickly and efficiently.
  • Played pivotal role during start-up/shutdown sequences, successfully executing necessary steps with precision accuracy.
  • Operated and continuously monitored boilers, turbines and wells within Catawba nuclear power plant.
  • Reported findings to supervisors following manipulations of reactors during periods of shutdown.
  • Identified machine operational issues and contacted mechanics to discuss repair needs and schedule service.
  • Identified reactor equipment problems and applied appropriate resolution strategies to resolve issues.
  • Dispatched orders or instructions to personnel through radiotelephone or intercommunication systems to coordinate auxiliary equipment operation.
  • Performed surveillance tests, gathered data and inputted information into internal database for further review and permanent recordkeeping.
  • Managed accurate and efficient control adjustments to position rod and to regulate flux level, coolant temperature and reactor period.

Education

Diploma High Honors - Electrical Systems Technology

Gaston College
Dallas, NC
05-2023

Skills

  • Strong communication skills
  • Public speaking
  • Class instruction

  • Lesson planning
  • Group and individual instruction
  • Expertise in subject matter

Certification

  • Nuclear Station Operator Training Instructor and Supervisor- Previously held 2006 to 2018
  • Senior Reactor Operator License - Previously held 2003 to 2007
  • Reactor Operator License - Previously held 1994 to 2003

Interests

  • Volunteering
  • Dancing

Timeline

Nuclear Station Instructor- Operations

Duke Energy
01.2013 - 04.2018

Nuclear Training Supervisor- Operations

Duke Energy
01.2009 - 01.2013

Nuclear Station Instructor- Operations

Duke Energy
01.2006 - 01.2009

Senior Reactor Operator

Duke Energy
05.2003 - 01.2006

Reactor Operator

Duke Energy
12.1994 - 05.2003

Diploma High Honors - Electrical Systems Technology

Gaston College