How to get nuclear work experience over the summer holidays

get into nuclear
Jul 13, 2017
3 min read

Updated: Dec 2, 2022

Looking for work experience in the nuclear industry? Well, there are several opportunities open to you. Read on to find out more:

Research laboratories

If research is of interest to you, then look to the National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) or the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy (CCFE) to find a work experience opportunity in the nuclear industry.

The NNL plays a crucial role in the UK’s nuclear industry, supporting the full nuclear fuel cycle with the necessary skills, facilities, and expertise. Their expertise encompasses waste management and decommissioning fuel cycle solutions and reactor operations support. The NNL offers some week-long opportunities for students in year 10 and 11 or studying for their ‘A’ levels. Check out their website for further details.

For an insight into the nuclear industry's future, consider applying for work experience at the UK's national laboratory for fusion research CCFE, operated by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA). The CCFE is developing technology to be used in the power stations of tomorrow. Each summer, the CCFE offers pupils from year 10 or 11 the work experience opportunity for a week or two. Look out for details on their website in the autumn. Alternatively, if you are further on in your education, consider applying for their short-term placemats, ideal for undergraduate and graduate students. Undertake a work experience placement with CCFE, and you’ll have an insight into an organisation leading the way in fusion research.

Energy providers

Alternatively, look to energy suppliers for work experience opportunities in the nuclear industry. EDF Energy has a particularly well-developed outreach and education program suitable for a wide range of applicants, including opportunities for school leavers, undergraduates, and graduate students. EDF also work with the Social Mobility Foundation on their Aspiring Professionals Programme, helping to improve the social mobility of young people from low-income backgrounds. So if you're in Year 12 and live in a commutable distance of EDF’s London sites, Sizewell Power Station in Suffolk, or their Barnwood office in Gloucester, it could potentially be the scheme for you.

However, EDF is not your only opportunity. Horizon Nuclear Power offers work insight weeks for year 11, 12 and 13 students, so check out their website for details. If you’re still considering what options to take and what’s the right career for you, then log onto their website to hear some of their employees talking about their jobs and learn more about where your science qualification could take you.

Industry partners

With every industry, industry partners provide key services to the sector, and the nuclear industry is no different. These partner organisations provide further opportunities for you to undertake work experience. Look to companies such as Cavendish Nuclear or Nuvia to provide you with a different perspective on the nuclear industry. They may not be the household names of the energy suppliers, but they are no less skilled for that.

Alternatively, if you are a graduate looking for a suitable internship, then take a look at the website https://graduatetalentpoolsearch.direct.gov.uk. You can search by sector, including energy and utilities, to find the right opportunity for you.

So as you can see, there is a range of opportunities available in the nuclear industry. Take up work experience placements and get an insight into your chosen career.