CLEVELAND, Wis. (WFRV) - The Kewaunee Nuclear Power Station owners and management met today with local community leaders about the closing of the plant.

The closed door meeting was a chance to ask questions and lay out a timeline.

Both sides agreed to continue meeting throughout the closure process which will start in about six months.

The decommissioning will put roughly 650 people out of work.

The owners, Dominion, had it on the market for over a year but could not find a buyer.

In addition to Kewaunee county leaders, Dominion also reached out to their partners at Lakeshore Technical College.

They have the longest standing 2 year nuclear technology program in nation.

It was started nearly 30 years ago because of the easy access to experts at both the Kewaunee facility and Point Beach nuclear plant in Two Rivers.

Currently 45 students are enrolled in program.

The Dean of Energy for the college is disappointed to lose a strong community partner like Dominion, who funds scholarships for the program and helps with hands on training for students and staff.

While the college is sad to see the plant set for closure, they feel strong about the future of nuclear energy.

They say their degree program is so in demand, they are adding an online component for students to earn their bachelors degree.

Nuclear energy faces a large number of retirements in the coming years, with most plant managers over age 50.

The students who graduate from Lakeshore Technical College won't feel an immediate impact with the Kewaunee plant closing.

According to the dean they typically have to leave this market to find entry level jobs for nuclear contractors.