This post is part of the Get Into Nuclear Jobs of the Week series of posts. We are not affiliated with Sellafield Ltd and make no money from anything below. We are passionate about raising the profile of the UK Nuclear Industry and the various roles available - by the way the opportunities below are some of the best around anywhere.
Years of non-stop experience
The Sellafield Ltd Degree Apprenticeships offers the perfect balance of on-the-job training and experience whilst enabling you to also study for a degree without having to cover the cost of tuition.
Through a degree apprenticeship you could gain;
Higher-level qualifications than a regular apprenticeship
Professional accreditation and memberships
On the job experience and skills recognised by employers
A degree qualification without the tuition fees
An excellent opportunity to develop your future career path
Entry Requirements
The Sellafield Ltd degree apprenticeships are aimed at those studying for A-Levels or equivalent. The entry requirements for the degree apprenticeship schemes are:
Minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grades A* to C (Step 9-4) including a Science subject (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Science or similar) and Mathematics at Grade B (Step 6) or above and English Language at Grade C (Step 4).
Minimum of 96 UCAS points at A-Level, STEM subjects preferred (e.g. Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Science) but not mandatory. Other Level 3 STEM qualifications may be considered.
Degree Apprenticeship Pathways
What you will be doing day to day will depend on your chosen pathway; Sellafield Ltd offer a number of different degree apprenticeship pathways including:
Engineering Design
Location: Sellafield, Cumbria or Risley, Warrington.
As an Engineering Design Degree Apprentice you will be part of a training programme designed to develop the skills required to successfully deliver Sellafield Ltd’s current and future missions as an Engineer. You will learn common elements of engineering such as the application of Maths and Science to engineering design and fundamentals of computer aided engineering including 3D modelling. Engineering design apprentices will gain specialist technical knowledge in one of the following chosen pathways:
Civil, Structural & Architectural Engineering Design (Risley Only)
Control, Electrical and Instrumentation Engineering Design
Mechanical Design
Things you should consider?
To succeed on your chosen scheme you should have a passion for engineering or science and a desire to pursue a career within the field. You will have the opportunity to complete a level 6 Bachelors of Engineering degree or a level 6 Bachelors of Science degree, whilst learning the practical engineering skills required for the role and earning a salary.
Throughout your chosen scheme, you will get to work on exciting projects and deliver complex pieces of work whilst becoming an integral part of a community of enthusiastic, talented individuals, who will go on to shape the future of Sellafield Ltd.
Where will your training be delivered?
You will initially complete a 17 weeks bridging course delivered at one of Sellafield Ltd’s local training providers.
Year 1 – Design Engineering and ICT schemes will be based full time at one of the local training providers, undertaking Performing Engineering Operations (PEO).
On completion of PEO all apprentices will be based in the work place with day release at one of the local training providers.
Warrington based apprentices: (Design Engineering only)
Year 1 – All apprentices will commence full time academic and engineering studies at one of the local training providers.
Years 2, 3, 4 & 5 – All apprentices will be office based but will continue academic studies at one of the local training providers.
What qualifications will you obtain?
Phase 1: Level 5 Foundation Degree/HND in either Engineering or Applied Chemistry within the first 3 years.
For candidates with the potential to progress further:
Phase 2: Level 6 Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (BEng) or a Bachelor’s Degree in Science (BSc) a aligned to your chosen scheme over a further 2 year period.
Watch the Sellafield Ltd Engineering Design Degree Apprenticeship video below:
Civil Asset Management
Location: Sellafield, Cumbria
As an apprentice you will learn a broad range of civil asset management knowledge; this will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the full life cycle of civil assets. This includes design, construction, operations, inspection, specifications, maintenance, repair, replacement and asset management techniques associated with civil assets. You will gain the relevant experience necessary to understand the current condition of civil assets and determine how they will meet the future functional needs of the Sellafield site.
Things you should consider?
To succeed on your chosen scheme you should have a passion for engineering or science and a desire to pursue a career within the field. You will have the opportunity to complete a level 6 Bachelors of Engineering degree or a level 6 Bachelors of Science degree, whilst learning the practical engineering skills required for the role and earning a salary.
Throughout your chosen scheme, you will get to work on exciting projects and deliver complex pieces of work whilst becoming an integral part of a community of enthusiastic, talented individuals, who will go on to shape the future of Sellafield Ltd.
Where will your training be delivered?
You will initially complete a 17 weeks Bridging course delivered at one of our local training providers.
Apprentices will be based in the work place with day release at one of our local training providers.
What qualifications will you obtain?
Phase 1: Level 5 Foundation Degree/HND in either Engineering or Applied Chemistry within the first 3 years.
For candidates with the potential to progress further:
Phase 2: Level 6 Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (BEng) or a Bachelor’s Degree in Science (BSc) a aligned to your chosen scheme over a further 2 year period.
Information, Communications & Technology (ICT)
Location: Sellafield, Cumbria
As an ICT apprentice you will follow a broad training programme designed to introduce you to the many elements of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT), together referred to as ICT. Whilst focusing on the IT aspects, you may work in a team to change or develop systems ranging from small plant based self-managed IT applications through to outsourced enterprise-wide systems. Whilst focusing on the OT aspects, you will learn about powerful control systems and associated technology used to control, safeguard and monitor all aspects of plant operations. Over 5 years, in partnership with Gen2, you will be trained in the design, development, maintenance and servicing of plant control systems. You will gain experience in computer programming, fault finding, electrical principles, maintenance of plant automation systems, knowledge of process plant operations and control system technologies.
Things you should consider?
To succeed on your chosen scheme you should have a passion for engineering or science and a desire to pursue a career within the field. You will have the opportunity to complete a level 6 Bachelors of Engineering degree or a level 6 Bachelors of Science degree, whilst learning the practical engineering skills required for the role and earning a salary.
Throughout your chosen scheme, you will get to work on exciting projects and deliver complex pieces of work whilst becoming an integral part of a community of enthusiastic, talented individuals, who will go on to shape the future of Sellafield Ltd.
Where will your training be delivered?
You will initially complete a 17 weeks Bridging course delivered at one of our local training providers.
Year 1 – Design Engineering and ICT schemes will be based full time at one of our local training providers, undertaking Performing Engineering Operations (PEO).
On completion of PEO all apprentices will be based in the work place with day release at one of our local training providers.
What qualifications will you obtain?
Phase 1: Level 5 Foundation Degree/HND in either Engineering or Applied Chemistry within the first 3 years.
For candidates with the potential to progress further:
Phase 2: Level 6 Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (BEng) or a Bachelor’s Degree in Science (BSc) a aligned to your chosen scheme over a further 2 year period.
Operational Research & Analytics
Location: Risley, Warrington.
What is Operational Research & Analytics?
Operational research (O.R.) is the discipline of applying analytical methods to help make better decisions. Its methods can be used by almost all organisations, groups and individuals. It uses methods such as logic and mathematical modelling to analyse complex situations, giving decision makers of all types the power to make more effective decisions. This decision making covers most areas of Sellafield, and the interface with Design Engineering enables the best possible levels of plant availability and helps us to accelerate high hazard reduction in a safe, environmentally responsible, cost effective and pragmatic way.
What will you be doing?
As an Operational Research & Analytics Apprentice you will be part of a training programme designed to develop the skills required to successfully deliver Sellafield Ltd’s current and future missions. In the first 2 years you will learn common elements of engineering such as the application of Maths and Science to engineering design and fundamentals of computer aided engineering including 3D modelling. Operational Research & Analytics apprentices will gain specialist technical knowledge in the following areas:
Mathematical Methods
Statistical Analysis
Discrete Event Simulation Modelling
Data Visualisation
What do you need to consider?
To succeed on this scheme you should have a passion for problem solving and mathematics and a desire to pursue a career within the field. You will have the opportunity to complete a level 6 Bachelors of Science degree, whilst learning the practical skills required for the role and earning a salary.
Throughout your chosen scheme, you will get to work on exciting projects and deliver complex pieces of work whilst becoming an integral part of a community of enthusiastic, talented individuals, who will go on to shape the future of Sellafield Ltd.
Where will your training be delivered?
Year 1 – All apprentices will commence full time academic and engineering studies at one of our local training providers.
Years 2, 3, 4 & 5 – All apprentices will be office based but will continue academic studies at one of our local training providers.
What qualifications will you obtain?
Phase 1: Level 5 Foundation Degree/HND in Engineering
For candidates with the potential to progress further:
Phase 2: Level 6 Bachelor’s Degree in Operational Research, Mathematics or a related analytical subject over a further 2 year period.
As an integral part of your apprenticeship your progress will be monitored and assessed, against government standard requirements. You will compile an evidence folder, demonstrating your areas of learning with accredited certificates of completion for elements of your training. Within the last six months of your apprenticeship you will undertake an assessment by an independently appointed organisation, where you will be expected to clearly demonstrate your capability to perform in the role you are aligned to.
What are the entry requirements?
Grade C (Step 4) or above in at least 5 GCSEs including English Language, Maths and a Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology or similar)
A minimum of 96 UCAS points, including Maths at A Level grade B or above and Science at A level grade C or above. Other level 3 STEM qualifications may be considered.
Operations
Location: Sellafield, Cumbria
Apprentices within the Operations profession have a fairly diverse role – it can be control room based (which is mainly monitoring plant conditions and responding to alarms via remote systems and computers) to more hands on work, such as sampling activities, decommissioning redundant equipment with tools and in some instances using robotics/automated technology to complete work packages will be required. There are documented instructions that must be followed for nearly all aspects of the work – the more complex the work the greater the supervision and control. Most of the roles are working in team sizes of around 10-12 people that are usually made up of a diverse group, with different backgrounds. Many areas operate a shift pattern which involves working weekends and unsociable hours.
Things you should consider?
To succeed on your chosen scheme you should have a passion for engineering or science and a desire to pursue a career within the field. You will have the opportunity to complete a level 6 Bachelors of Engineering degree or a level 6 Bachelors of Science degree, whilst learning the practical engineering skills required for the role and earning a salary.
Throughout your chosen scheme, you will get to work on exciting projects and deliver complex pieces of work whilst becoming an integral part of a community of enthusiastic, talented individuals, who will go on to shape the future of Sellafield Ltd.
How will your training be delivered?
You will initially complete a 17 weeks Bridging course delivered at one of our local training providers.
Apprentices will be based in the work place with day release at one of the local training providers.
What qualifications will you obtain?
Phase 1: Level 5 Foundation Degree/HND in either Engineering or Applied Chemistry within the first 3 years.
For candidates with the potential to progress further:
Phase 2: Level 6 Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (BEng) or a Bachelor’s Degree in Science (BSc) a aligned to your chosen scheme over a further 2 year period.
Project Management
Location: Sellafield, Cumbria – (48 month programme)
What is Project Management?
Project Managers are the people who have the responsibility of delivering projects safely, on schedule and on budget. They lead an integrated project team of professionals in the design, construction, commissioning or decommissioning of some of the most challenging projects in the most challenging environments in industry.
What will you be doing?
This is a four year scheme which offers on the job learning across a broad range of project delivery areas. Aligned to the new Project Manager Degree Trailblazer apprenticeship standard you will gain Project Management experience whilst also gaining a professional Project Management qualification. Whilst on the scheme you will undertake six 6-monthly placements and one final year 12-month placement in Project Management, Project Controls, Risk Management and Construction/Commissioning/Pre-Operations.
Things you should consider?
This is a four year Degree Apprenticeship scheme. If you like to own a piece of work from start to finish and like being accountable for delivering work this is a role you will get a great deal of satisfaction from. You will be working alongside world class experts in the industry and potentially leading on projects that are brand new and at the forefront of innovation and problem solving. You will be tested and challenged as you work under demanding deadlines. You will need to be an effective communicator to influence your team and ensure the team maintains its momentum to deliver to cost, time, quality and safety requirements.
Where will my training be delivered?
The apprentice will undertake placements based on either the Sellafield site or one of our various satellite offices in West Cumbria.
What qualifications will you obtain?
Apprentices will achieve;
The Association for Project Management Project Management Qualification (PMQ)
BSc Hons degree in Project Management
What are the entry requirements?
Minimum of 5 GCSEs Grade C (Step 4) in Mathematics, English Language & 1 Science subject (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Science or similar)
Minimum of 96 UCAS Points, all A Level subjects considered. Other Level 3 qualifications may be considered.
Quality Engineer
Location: Sellafield, Cumbria
An apprentice Quality Engineer works alongside experienced engineers, you will learn how to problem solve using a variety of tools and techniques that will benefit projects, operational areas, and the supply chain to improve their processes and enable the successful completion of the company’s mission. You will learn governance, assurance, leadership and improvement skills to be able to implement change in a variety of organisations and scenarios.
Things you should consider?
To succeed on your chosen scheme you should have a passion for engineering or science and a desire to pursue a career within the field. You will have the opportunity to complete a level 6 Bachelors of Engineering degree or a level 6 Bachelors of Science degree, whilst learning the practical engineering skills required for the role and earning a salary.
Throughout your chosen scheme, you will get to work on exciting projects and deliver complex pieces of work whilst becoming an integral part of a community of enthusiastic, talented individuals, who will go on to shape the future of Sellafield Ltd.
Where will your training be delivered?
You will initially complete a 17 weeks Bridging course delivered at one of our local training providers.
Apprentices will be based in the work place with day release at one of our local training providers.
What qualifications will you obtain?
Phase 1: Level 5 Foundation Degree/HND in either Engineering or Applied Chemistry within the first 3 years.
For candidates with the potential to progress further:
Phase 2: Level 6 Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (BEng) or a Bachelor’s Degree in Science (BSc) a aligned to your chosen scheme over a further 2 year period.
Scientific
Location: Sellafield, Cumbria
Scientific Apprentices will learn how to work in nuclear facilities as part of a technical team, alongside experienced professionals. They will learn how to manage the processes of today and help solve the problems of the future of Sellafield Ltd.
Things you should consider
To succeed on your chosen scheme you should have a passion for engineering or science and a desire to pursue a career within the field. You will have the opportunity to complete a level 6 Bachelors of Engineering degree or a level 6 Bachelors of Science degree, whilst learning the practical engineering skills required for the role and earning a salary.
Throughout your chosen scheme, you will get to work on exciting projects and deliver complex pieces of work whilst becoming an integral part of a community of enthusiastic, talented individuals, who will go on to shape the future of Sellafield Ltd.
Where will my training be delivered?
You will initially complete a 17 weeks Bridging course delivered at one of our local training providers.
Apprentices will be based in the work place with day release at one of our local training providers.
What qualifications will you obtain?
Phase 1: Level 5 Foundation Degree/HND in either Engineering or Applied Chemistry within the first 3 years.
For candidates with the potential to progress further:
Phase 2: Level 6 Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (BEng) or a Bachelor’s Degree in Science (BSc) a aligned to your chosen scheme over a further 2 year period.
the future.
Watch the Sellafield Ltd Scientific Degree Apprenticeship video below:
Technical
Location: Sellafield, Cumbria
Technical apprentices will follow a custom made training scheme, you will develop core skills in the areas of science and engineering whilst undertaking wider practical elements of training on our exciting new build, commissioning / decommissioning programmes.
Things you should consider?
To succeed on your chosen scheme you should have a passion for engineering or science and a desire to pursue a career within the field. You will have the opportunity to complete a level 6 Bachelors of Engineering degree or a level 6 Bachelors of Science degree, whilst learning the practical engineering skills required for the role and earning a salary.
Throughout your chosen scheme, you will get to work on exciting projects and deliver complex pieces of work whilst becoming an integral part of a community of enthusiastic, talented individuals, who will go on to shape the future of Sellafield Ltd.
Where will my training be delivered?
You will initially complete a 17 weeks Bridging course delivered at one of our local training providers.
Apprentices will be based in the work place with day release at one of our local training providers.
What qualifications will I obtain?
Phase 1: Level 5 Foundation Degree/HND in either Engineering or Applied Chemistry within the first 3 years.
For candidates with the potential to progress further:
Phase 2: Level 6 Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (BEng) or a Bachelor’s Degree in Science (BSc) a aligned to your chosen scheme over a further 2 year period.
You can check out the Degree Apprenticeships at the Sellafield Ltd dedicated Careers Website. There is more information here and an overview of the application process.
Separately you may want to check out the Our Online Guide Which Will Help You To Showcase You Transferrable Skills To Nuclear Employers to get you started in your pursuit of a career in the nuclear industry.
