At a Glance
- Tasks: Train in handling radiological waste, plant control, and emergency procedures.
- Company: Join Sellafield Ltd, a leader in nuclear engineering management and safety.
- Benefits: Earn £19,207 annually, with potential bonuses and salary increases in year 2.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience, work with diverse teams, and build a career in a cutting-edge industry.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English, Math, and Science required; strong communication and problem-solving skills needed.
- Other info: Work involves shifts and physical demands; personal protective equipment is necessary.
Nuclear Operator Apprenticeship 2025
SELLAFIELD LIMITED
Sellafield Site / Surrounding offices in West Cumbria, CA20 1PG
Summary
A nuclear operator apprentice will be trained in procedures for dealing with the handling and disposal of radiological and hazardous waste, plant control and monitoring, sampling operations, environmental controls, radioactive discharges, emergencies and other plant systems such as ventilation, steam and cooling water.
Annual wage
£19,207 a year
Increasing to £21,162 in year 2. Higher rates are applied to those aged 21 and over, year 2 salary £25,472. You’ll have the opportunity to benefit from an annual bonus, linked to company performance, of up to £4000*
Training course
Nuclear operative (level 2)
Hours
Your apprenticeship might involve working shift patterns which can involve working weekends and at times unsociable hours. Exact working days and hours TBC
37 hours a week
Possible start date
Monday 8 September
Duration
2 years
Positions available
60
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
- Monitoring plant conditions, following procedures and responding to alarms via systems and computers
Sampling activities and decommissioning redundant equipment with tools - You will be following documented instructions for nearly all aspects of work
- You will typically be working in teams of ten to twelve colleagues from diverse backgrounds. The roles are physically demanding and do require you to wear personal protective equipment and respiratory equipment (such as full PVC suit, gloves and respirators) whilst working in a range of conditions i.e. hot, cold and or in confined spaces
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Where you’ll work
Sellafield Site / Surrounding offices in West Cumbria
CA20 1PG
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
GENII ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY TRAINING LIMITED
Your training course
Nuclear operative (level 2)
Equal to GCSE
Course contents
Your training plan
First 6 months – Sellafield based apprentices: Training is delivered at our local off-site training facility.
Last 18 months – Start Sellafield Skills Centre on a pre-site ready programme then placed in operating units throughout the business to continue your training and apprenticeship. You will be continually monitored and assessed during your training.
You will obtain the following qualifications:
Level 2 ST0291 Nuclear Operative
Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Processing Industries Operations Process Operations
Level 2 Award for Nuclear Industry Awareness (ANIA)
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE or equivalent in:
- English Language (grade 4)
- Mathematics (grade 4)
- Science or Engineering (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
- Problem solving skills
- Logical
- Team working
Other requirements
Minimum age of 18 by 1st February 2026 in-line with health and safety requirements. The roles can be physically demanding. You will be required to wear personal protective equipment and respiratory equipment such as full PVC suit, gloves and respirators The work will involve working in a range of conditions i.e. hot, cold and or in confined spaces.
About this company
Sellafield Ltd is a global centre for nuclear engineering management. We pioneered the harnessing of nuclear power to generate electricity for the country. Now the world is watching as we set international standards in high-hazard reduction. In short, we’re at the forefront of the industry.
Disability Confident
A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.
You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.
After this apprenticeship
Following successful completion of your apprenticeship, we will look to retain you in a professional full time position at Sellafield Ltd
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The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000290872.
Nuclear Operator Apprenticeship 2025 - Cumbria employer: Sellafield Ltd
Contact Detail:
Sellafield Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nuclear Operator Apprenticeship 2025 - Cumbria
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific safety protocols and procedures related to nuclear operations. Understanding these will not only help you during the interview but also show your commitment to safety in a demanding environment.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any relevant experience you have in teamwork or physically demanding roles. Sellafield values collaboration and resilience, so sharing examples of how you've thrived in similar situations can set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your problem-solving skills and attention to detail. These are crucial in the role of a nuclear operator, so think of specific instances where you've successfully navigated challenges or maintained high standards in your work.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Sellafield Ltd and its role in the nuclear industry. Being knowledgeable about the company’s history, current projects, and future goals will demonstrate your genuine interest and enthusiasm for the apprenticeship.
We think you need these skills to ace Nuclear Operator Apprenticeship 2025 - Cumbria
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Nuclear Operator Apprenticeship. Understand the responsibilities, required skills, and qualifications needed. This will help you tailor your application effectively.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your GCSEs in English, Mathematics, and Science or Engineering. If you have any additional relevant qualifications or industry experience, make sure to mention them as well.
Showcase Your Skills: Demonstrate your communication skills, attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork experience in your application. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate these skills.
Express Your Interest: In your cover letter, express why you are interested in the Nuclear Operator Apprenticeship at Sellafield Ltd. Mention your enthusiasm for the nuclear industry and your desire to contribute to high-hazard reduction efforts.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sellafield Ltd
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of what a Nuclear Operator does. Familiarize yourself with the responsibilities, such as handling radiological waste and monitoring plant conditions. This will help you answer questions confidently.
✨Highlight Relevant Skills
Emphasize your communication skills, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities during the interview. Provide examples from your past experiences that demonstrate these skills, especially in team settings.
✨Prepare for Physical Demands
Be ready to discuss your ability to work in physically demanding environments. Mention any relevant experiences where you had to wear personal protective equipment or work in challenging conditions.
✨Show Enthusiasm for Learning
Express your eagerness to learn and grow within the nuclear industry. Talk about your interest in the training aspects of the apprenticeship and how you plan to apply what you learn in real-world scenarios.