Career Path »

Cogent, the Sector Skills Council for Nuclear, has a dedicated website www.cogent-careers.com which shows all the roles in the nuclear industry - including where the job fits into the organisation, the work area, the key responsibilities, and the typical day-to-day duties which the post-holder will be expected to carry out. Education and qualification requirements are also set out - and of course the salaries.

There is a huge variety of choice of careers in the nuclear sector. You could work on the design and construction of the new Power Stations, in the processing and manufacturing of nuclear fuel, maintaining the UK's nuclear powered submarines, operating the UK nuclear sites or dismantling the redundant facilities - to name a few examples. Take a look at a few of the case studies below to get an idea of the diverse range of roles in, and related to, the nuclear industry.

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Career Progression »

There are many routes for career progression in the nuclear industry, a fact that is clear in the case studies above. If you joined the industry you could start out, for example, as an Operations Support worker, carrying out checks and applying safety rules. You could end up as the Site Director - overseeing everything on the site.

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How to get Involved »

For the entry roles you'll need good GCSEs; higher up the career ladder you'll need a Degree in Engineering or Science, and for the very senior jobs you'll need to be a Chartered Engineer or Scientist.

So are you interested in science?

The nuclear industry needs more young people to take up science, engineering and technology subjects. Cogent research shows that the industry needs about 1500 recruits per annum - at a time when the uptake of science is fairly static.

The National Skills Academy for Nuclear, which works closely with the Skills Council, has been developed by nuclear employers to aid in the training of people in the nuclear sector.

Its Student Zone aims to provide you with the information and resources you need to achieve the best grades you can in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths and help you to make an informed choice on your future career.

Routes in: the next step

There are a number of routes into the industry, including Graduate Schemes and Apprenticeships, for example http://www.nda.gov.uk/news/calling-nuclear-graduates.cfm.

An Apprenticeship can lead to a top ranking career in the Sector. Click here for one nuclear-based apprenticeship scheme to find out just what the deal is and what's in it for you:

Cogent Apprenticeships.

The National Skills Academy for Nuclear also participates in a programme awarding those who are new to, or transferring to, the nuclear sector.

Award for Nuclear Industry Awareness.

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Links »

Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) - www.nda.gov.uk

Cogent - www.cogent-ssc.com

National Skills Academy for Nuclear - www.nuclear.nsacademy.co.uk

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Case Studies Full »

Name: David Docherty

Job Title: Apprentice

Company: Springfields Fuels

David Docherty is a young engineer who at the age of 16 joined Westinghouse, Springfields Fuels Limited, based in Preston.

Springfields is the site of the UK's nuclear fuel manufacturing operations and has been making fuel and products for reactors in the UK and overseas for over 60 years. The site has the technology to manufacture fuel for all major designs of nuclear reactors worldwide. Most of the fuel requirements for the UK's nuclear power stations are met by Springfields and around 15% of all the electricity generated in the UK comes from power stations using nuclear fuel manufactured at Springfields. Ownership of the site has changed several times over the years and in 2005 responsibility for the assets & liabilities of the site transferred to a new UK Government body, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA). The NDA is a public body whose purpose is to oversee and manage the clean-up and decommissioning of the nuclear sites under its responsibility. A new company, Springfields Fuels Limited, was created to run the site, which continues to be managed and operated by Westinghouse Electric UK Ltd on the NDA's behalf.

On starting his apprenticeship David chose to train in the mechanical trades. The Apprentice Training Scheme is run by Springfields and is accredited by EAL (EMTA Awards Ltd). David pursued an Advanced Apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering Maintenance, the framework of which is NVQ level 2 engineering skills, key skills i.e. IT, communications, application of numbers, working with others and improving own learning, NVQ level 3 engineering skills and a technical certificate.

He displayed consistently good performances throughout his apprenticeship and had placements with a number of supervisors and managers, each of which gave encouraging reports on his ability and future potential.

David said "I chose to do an apprenticeship because I preferred to continue training whilst working full time. I knew I would gain valuable experience as well as good academic qualifications".

His academic work has matched his engineering progress during his time at Springfields and he has achieved the technical certificate, a National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering, with distinctions, and went on to achieve the Higher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering. David was awarded the apprentice fourth year prize for the Mechanical trades and also the Guild Trophy as Apprentice of the Year 2005. David's craft and academic achievements enabled the Company to offer full-time employment on completion of his apprenticeship and the opportunity to study part-time for an Honours Degree in Mechanical Engineering.

On completion of the apprenticeship, Springfields recognised David's aspirations to progress and placed him into the Company Graduate Scheme, awarding him a part-time training concession to study for an Honours Degree in Mechanical Engineering at Manchester Metropolitan University. Now in his second year David continues to develop and broaden his experience of the site. He has experienced placements in a number of different production areas on the graduate scheme, in rotating placements. He is supported by the Skills Development Team, and mentored by one of the Company's Senior Engineers. On each placement his progress is reviewed and discussed to ensure that he is obtaining the appropriate development, which will also ensure development of behavioural skills as well as his technical ability.

In 2006, David was one of only eight young engineers in the UK to receive a Whitworth Scholarship. On completion of his degree David will become a full scholar and will be eligible to enter the Whitworth Society. The title of Whitworth Scholar has been borne by many distinguished engineers and the prestige of the Award is extremely high. It highlights young engineers who are expected to be high achievers in their chosen careers. The Award dates back to the mid-nineteenth century when Sir Joseph Whitworth, who owned a successful tool-making business in Manchester, approached Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli with the offer to fund annual scholarships to help young engineers further their education and training. Today the Awards are still available to outstanding young engineers who can demonstrate academic excellence with the practical and personal qualities to succeed in industry. The scholarship and award provided David with financial support towards the cost of studying for his degree. As an award winner, David is entitled to use the title 'Whitworth Scholar' with the designatory letters 'Wh. Sch.' He is also entitled to become a member of the celebrated Whitworth Society.

David has also been involved in other activities and his development has included roles such as the secretary to the site's joint union and management partnership meetings.

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Name: Dougie Auld

Job Title: Nuclear planning officer

Company: Royal Navy (Seconded to BNS)

Time in employment: Joined RN Sep 86, Joined BNS Oct 04

What is your educational background?

Completed six years at Craigmount High School Edinburgh, joined the Navy and completed a Fitting and Turning Apprenticeship. After gaining a commission, did a BENG Hons Degree at Southampton Uni. Did a post graduate Diploma in Nuclear Science and Technology from Surrey Uni. Many and various naval courses.

What subjects did you like at school?

Technical subjects.

Who influenced your decision making?

Many people.

What has been your career path so far?

Joined the Navy as an Artificer Apprentice, progressed to Petty Officer (passed for Chief PO) on diesel-electric submarines, gained a commission and progressed to Lieutenant Commander on nuclear powered submarines (S Class).

What would a typical day contain for you?

Briefings, meetings, project management, divisional work (people management), problem solving, organisation of men and activities, planning.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Solving problems.

What skills are important in your job?

Technical and people skills.

What are your main responsibilities?

Looking after the nuclear planning of work activities in HMNB Clyde.

What training (on & off the job) has helped you perform your role or to progress?

All training so far in nuclear systems ... everything helps.

Why did you choose a career in the industry?

I wanted to join the Royal Navy from about 14. The rest has been about choosing the right options and career path.

What advice would you give to someone considering their career?

Decide on what you like and are good at and find something that fits. And remember, it is never too late to change completely or choose a different direction.

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Name: Ezzat

Job Title: Chemical engineer

Company: Magnox North

Describe a typical day.

Working at a nuclear power station isn't as gloomy as it may sound at first. I'm living in Bristol (a great city!) and a half hour drive out to Berkeley in the county side first thing in the morning can be really refreshing. My day generally starts slowly - catching up with colleagues in the office and hearing about the different projects our team is involved in.

I've been heavily involved in radioactive water treatment since starting last year. Water is used quite a lot to 'wash' radioactive contamination off certain components resulting in demand for new treatment plants to be designed and commissioned on most power stations. I'm currently involved in the commissioning of a radioactive water treatment plant in Hunterston. I've been travelling up to Scotland regularly (again, beautiful country side and Glasgow is a great city!) carrying out tests on the plant, writing work instructions for operators and playing an active role in coming up with solutions when things go wrong!

Chemical engineering is a well rounded profession and I've found that I'm able to involve myself in the 'big picture' of nuclear decommissioning strategy as well. I've recently spent afternoons in meetings where all the UK's nuclear waste streams have been put on the table and the processes and technologies needed to tackle them have been developed to come up with a cohesive, cross the fleet plan. With such intense days becoming the norm, the drive back in to the city is complemented with keeping the thought of a good pint of Bristolian cider in mind!

Advice for a new graduate?

Being an engineer in the nuclear industry requires working to the highest standards of safety and reliability. Complying with all the regulations in place to ensure this happens gives you the chance to work as part of a meticulous design process. This offers a great foundation to build a career on. Having said this, it's easy to get bogged down with all the regulatory stuff where engineering becomes a distant memory. My advice would be to pursue what you want - it's your career and you have the right to choose what you want to get involved in. Be bold!

What has been the highlight of the job so far?

The highlight so far has to be playing a big part in the commissioning of the new active effluent treatment plant. It's given me real insight into the complexity of a technical project - all the different parties involved and all the opportunities that arise from dealing with so many people. It's been great getting my hands dirty while at the same time realising the fruits of my efforts sat at a desk!

Any comments about the graduate scheme?

The graduate scheme here at Magnox North is a real plus. The courses you get sent on are really useful and making new friends with all the other graduates that are in the same boat as you is self assuring. You get the feeling that the company cares about the early development of your career - I have a mentor and a detailed 'development plan' which both serve to lead me in the right direction.

What are your hopes for the future?

I intend to build on the experience I've gained so far and become a chartered chemical engineer in the not too distant future. This will enable me to get involved in more interesting projects, take on more responsibility and offer more valuable technical input. Chemical engineering is so varied; you can design plant to process anything from chocolate biscuits and loo roll to pharmaceuticals and radioactive sludges, and I'm really looking forward to broadening my horizons.

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Name: Graeme

Job Title: Project Engineer

Company: Magnox North

Describe a typical day.

Although a cliché, there is no typical day as such. My work is divided between three activities:

• Helping deliver the generic research and development portfolio supporting decommissioning activities on sites;
• Coordinating the meetings to report this work to our customer (the NDA), the regulators and other nuclear site license companies, and proposing future work through input from our sites; and
• Producing technical reports on chemical issues to support the sites in their decommissioning work.

Carrying out these roles often requires juggling lots of work and it's great that I have the freedom to organise my working day as best fits the tasks at hand. So one morning I may be on site getting data for a report from the engineers on the job; whilst the next I may be organising a workshop for 30 people with good facilities, ample parking and gluten-free menu options; and on the third I may have a slightly more relaxing day reviewing a report from one of the Research & Development projects over a cup of coffee.

Advice for new graduates?

The best piece of advice I could give a new graduate is to look for a future employer that cares about the personal development of its staff. Magnox Electric have been very supportive in me getting full membership of my professional institute (the Royal Society of Chemistry) and working towards chartership. Even if graduates decide against applying to Magnox I'd recommend that they look for an employer with a similar enthusiasm for staff development.

Highlights of the job so far?

The highlight of the last year as a Magnox graduate was the issue of my first report. I've previously written a number of technical reports, journal papers and even a 277 page thesis, but there was still something satisfying about producing my first report at Magnox and knowing that it would be used to help the work of decommissioning a part of the Magnox fleet. The annual performance bonus was also quite nice.

Any comments about the graduate scheme?

My first impression of the scheme was how quick my application was processed - from application to passing the assessment centre took less than 5 weeks! Since then the scheme has supported my development with the two year programme containing a number of courses aimed at providing a training package to satisfy the generic needs of a graduate new to the industry as well as those identified by my line manager as being particularly useful to my role.

Another plus point has been the appointment of a mentor with a similar background to help me through the chartership process and progression as a chemist within the nuclear industry.

Hopes for the future...

In the immediate future I'm looking at securing a secondment with EDF - based near Lyon, France - on a collaboration looking at common issues of waste package design. I'm also looking to further my understanding of the needs of the reactor sites by spending more time on site, possibly embedded in the site chemist's section carrying out the analyses necessary to maintain the fleet and continue generation.

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Name: Rob

Job Title: Station Physics Engineer

Company: Magnox North

Describe a typical day.

Typically a working day for me involves completing tasks associated with a running nuclear reactor and its related plant, and undertaking technical investigations into various issues that need addressing. The tasks involve taking readings or information from the control room, and analysing this data to make sure that everything is running as it should. Any problems need to be addressed using the correct procedures, and need to be investigated fully. I have undertaken a number of investigations, both relating to the nuclear and conventional safety areas of the site. These provide a good technical challenge and help me to enhance my analytical thinking.

Advice for new graduates?

I advise new graduates to make the most of all opportunities available to them and to maintain an open outlook. When you enter the nuclear industry it can be overwhelming and daunting with hundreds of abbreviations, regulations and procedures. With time though this becomes second nature and is ultimately very rewarding, particularly for those willing to make the effort and remain enthusiastic. One of the most important things to do is to get yourself known on site. Sites like Oldbury have a lot of people with a vast array of different roles. Go and meet people you are dealing with rather than sending an e-mail; it's helpful to both parties and you learn new things about site by talking to people.

Comments about the graduate scheme.

The graduate scheme has a number of parts to it. Various courses are organised for all graduates across the company to attend, and cover a wide range of subjects. The courses also provide a good backdrop for graduate networking/ socialising. The graduate scheme also works with relevant professional/ academic institutions (the Institute of Physics in my case) in order get each graduate chartered or accredited. This will prove very beneficial for my future career.

Hopes for the future?

I enjoy working at Oldbury, and there will be many new opportunities as the site goes into the defuelling and decommissioning phases. I am happy living and working where I do, but I don't rule out moving to another site within the Magnox fleet if something really catches my eye. The skills that I am learning at Oldbury could prove invaluable at a next generation power station or a decommissioning site in the future.

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Name: Linda

Job Title: Commercial Manager

Company: BNFL, Sellafield

Career to Date

Linda graduated with an MSci degree in Mathematics from the University of Glasgow and followed it with a Postgraduate Diploma in IT. Linda had never considered a career in the nuclear industry and admits she knew nothing about the nuclear industry before she started. However, while at an assessment centre for IBM another candidate mentioned BNFL; Linda investigated, thought it looked interesting, applied, and was ultimately offered a job at Sellafield on the graduate development programme starting in April 2003.

Linda started in the High Level Waste Plants department on the programme concerned with the return of High Level Waste to overseas reprocessing customers in Japan and Europe. As a mathematician, Linda was accountable for maintaining and developing mathematical models for a variety of purposes from risk modelling of plant processes to the radiological modelling of High Level Waste transport flasks.

As part of the graduate scheme, graduates have to do a three to six month secondment. Linda's secondment was into the commercial department to work as part of a small team leading Sellafield's contribution to the implementation of the Energy Act 2004 and the creation of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA). On completion of this secondment, Linda was asked to stay in the commercial department where she has carried out a number of roles including: Cost/Price Analyst, Workstream Leader in the project separating the Low Level Waste Repository (LLWR) near Drigg from Sellafield Ltd, Senior Contract Specialist for Sellafield's Legacy Ponds and most recently as the Commercial Manager for all of Sellafield's functional areas (Environment, Health Safety & Quality, Finance, Information Systems and Technology, Strategy & Transition and Capability).

Aspirations?

Linda plans to stay in the nuclear industry for the foreseeable future probably remaining in the decommissioning and clean-up area. However, she is all too aware of the range of opportunities that will arise as a result of nuclear new build and is delighted that even more opportunities will be available.

YGN Chair Role

Linda is also chair of The British Nuclear Energy Society Young Generation Network (BNES YGN). The BNES YGN is a national group of over 600 young professionals working, studying or simply interested in the nuclear industry. The YGN brings opportunities to get involved in all areas of the industry though the provision of training, development and networking opportunities. The YGN also responds to consultations on issues that affect the nuclear industry and / or specifically affect younger members. For example Linda, on behalf of YGN recently responded to the NDA's draft 3-year business plan as she does not believe that it adequately addresses issues with skills in the nuclear industry.

Challenges in the Industry

Linda does not believe that being female in the nuclear industry comes with any disadvantages; being 'young' is certainly the biggest issue. However, this is an issue which can be overcome by hard work and determination and Linda believes that once colleagues realise the value that 'younger' members of the industry bring, any discrimination soon disappears.

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