Nuclear Degree Apprentice
Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR)
Merseyside, L20 7HS
Closes in 19 days (Friday 14 March)
Posted on 11 February 2025
Contents
Summary
On our Nuclear Degree Apprenticeship Scheme, you will support the team responsible for regulating nuclear safety, safeguards and security across the UK. You will undertake on the job training via a variety of work placements and study for a Nuclear Engineering Degree.
- Wage
- £23,785 a year
- Training course
- Nuclear scientist and nuclear engineer (integrated degree) (level 6)
- Hours
-
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, to be discussed at interview stage.
37 hours a week
- Possible start date
-
Monday 1 September
- Duration
-
5 years
- Positions available
-
2
Work
As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.
What you’ll do at work
The Nuclear Degree Apprenticeship Scheme recruits and develops A-Level/B-TEC qualified (or equivalent) individuals to become the next generation of nuclear engineers, scientists and inspectors. Nuclear Degree Apprentices will develop an understanding of working on Nuclear Licensed Sites, and the regulation of such, supporting the safe design, build, commissioning, operation and decommissioning of the civil nuclear industry including power generation.
The Nuclear Degree Apprenticeship is a five-year programme, during which you will work towards the Level 6 Nuclear Scientist & Nuclear Engineer Standard.
This involves an initial phase of engineering appreciation and awareness, followed by a series of exciting placements within areas such as nuclear integration, plant operation, maintenance, testing, commissioning and nuclear safety, inspection and regulation.
Our Nuclear Degree Apprentices follow a set placement schedule, which will include placements with the different engineering and science specialisms that are needed to regulate the complex, complicated and hazardous nuclear industry. This will primarily be at our headquarters in Bootle.
During the apprenticeship, you will be involved in a wide variety of tasks and have ample opportunity to develop technical knowledge and mature professional behaviours.
These tasks could include:
- Specification and management of projects
- Individual research to update engineering good practice
- Assessing the adequacy of safety claims
- Inspecting operations or maintenance
- Being part of an investigation team
This will build into a comprehensive portfolio of experiences to demonstrate the knowledge and competencies gained.
You will also complete a BEng (Hons) Degree in Nuclear Engineering which runs for the duration of the apprenticeship and is fully funded by the organisation.
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will have gained a BEng (Hons) Degree in Nuclear Engineering from Lancaster University.
You will have also gained five years of experience within various technical specialisms related to the regulation of the civil nuclear industry.
Opportunities for career progression within ONR are excellent subject to a formal employment offer being made.
Upon completion of the degree during the 6th year you may be required to study for a master’s degree or undertake a 12-month placement in industry.
Where you’ll work
Redgrave Court
Merton Road
Bootle
Merseyside
L20 7HS
Training
An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.
College or training organisation
BLACKPOOL AND THE FYLDE COLLEGE
Your training course
Nuclear scientist and nuclear engineer (integrated degree) (level 6)
Equal to degree
Course contents
- Work competently in a technical nuclear environment, understand and promote personal responsibility for Health, Safety, Radiation Protection, Environmental Protection, Quality, Security, Safeguards and principles of Risk Management.
- Apply their science or engineering discipline knowledge to the development, operation, maintenance and progression of technologies used for Decommissioning (e.g. remote handling and robotics), Waste Management, Reprocessing, and Nuclear Power Generation.
- Accurately observe, record and draw conclusions from data and experimental evidence, recognising inherent uncertainties and limitations.
- Apply design processes including materials selection that meet nuclear industry standards.
- Apply the standards for nuclear professional practice as required by the industry and professional body institutions.
Your training plan
Nuclear Scientist and Nuclear Engineer (integrated degree)
Level 6 (Degree with honours).
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4)
- Maths (grade 4)
- Science (grade 4)
Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Problem solving skills
- Number skills
- Analytical skills
- Team working
- Initiative
Other requirements
· You will need five GCSEs grade A*-C/ 4-9 (or equivalent) including Maths, English and Science/technical subject · And 96 UCAS points (excluding UCAS points gained at AS level) or equivalent at T level or HE Diploma to include Maths plus one other STEM subject (excluding General Studies) · All applicants will be expected to be medically fit as deemed necessary to perform the role, be eligible to work in the UK and be able to successfully achieve security clearance
About this company
The Office for Nuclear Regulation is responsible for the regulation of nuclear safety and security across the UK. Their mission is to provide efficient and effective regulation of the nuclear industry, holding it to account on behalf of the public.
After this apprenticeship
Upon successful completion of the Apprenticeship Programme there are development opportunities within the organisation to work towards becoming a Nuclear Inspector.
Nuclear Inspectors are expected to be capable of undertaking a variety of roles:
- Inspecting sites
- Assessing technical safety cases
- Enforcing the law and influencing improvement in safety cases
- Investigating incidents
- Developing strategic approaches to secure high standards in the industry
- Managing nuclear research contracts etc.
Some inspectors concentrate on undertaking planned and reactive inspections on site, while others will mainly assess safety submissions or manage discrete intervention projects. However, the focus is on working as teams to ensure compliance, reassure the public and improve safety standards.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
BLACKPOOL AND THE FYLDE COLLEGE
Deborah Kelly
deborah.kelly@blackpool.ac.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000302720.
Apply now
Closes in 19 days (Friday 14 March)
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After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.