At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn mechanical engineering skills while working on critical nuclear infrastructure projects.
- Company: Join Costain, a leader in smart infrastructure solutions across the UK.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, earn while you learn, and receive support from industry professionals.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic team environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable energy and contribute to a safer future.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English, Maths, and Science; A Levels or equivalent in Maths and a physical science.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 25000 £ per year.
The billion-pound, 15-year contract award will deliver critical utilities infrastructure upgrades at the Cumbrian decommissioning site. The safe and responsible decommissioning of the UK’s nuclear legacy is a critical part of creating a sustainable future and delivering local and national economic prosperity.
As one of Sellafield’s trusted partners, we’ll deliver safe, high-quality utilities upgrades in a complex working environment, drawing on our extensive cross-sector infrastructure experience in the water, energy and transportation sectors to upgrade a variety of on-site and off-site utility distribution systems and services.
Our responsibilities will involve refurbishing and replacing a variety of on-site and off-site utility distribution systems and services, including steam, water supply, water treatment, compressed gas and other essential utilities serving Sellafield.
What does joining an apprenticeship at Costain offer you? There are a wide range of apprenticeships available both in levels of qualification, and in length of study. At Costain we have a variety of apprenticeships on offer working on projects around the UK in sectors including nuclear, highways, rail, water, airports and tunnels and with a number of partners and joint ventures.
When taking on one of the many apprenticeships offered by Costain you will be supported by your project line manager and team, The Costain Early Careers Team, and the training provider of your academic qualification. The training provider may be a college, a university or even an independent training provider.
At your interview you will discuss the level of qualification on offer. At this time, we may not know which training provider you will be registered with but either before or in the early weeks of your apprenticeship, the Early Careers Team will register you with a suitable training provider who can support the delivery of your qualification. Being an apprentice means you will work both on-the-job with your project at site, and off-the-job at with the provider.
You will be supported throughout your apprenticeship by your local team and line manager, and you will be given time to carry out your studies with the provider. Your on-the-job training will be in line with the work available on site but will afford the opportunity to ensure that you are given on site experience required to meet the technical and competency levels in order to achieve your apprenticeship goals.
Responsibilities
- Work alongside experienced engineers and construction professionals, learning mechanical engineering skills, including reading and understanding engineering drawings and technical specifications.
- Assist with setting out site inspections and surveys.
- Preparation of work plans and reports.
- Assist with developing construction methods.
- Assist with the preparation of briefings.
- Develop problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills.
- Assist with monitoring and ensuring the works are carried out safely and to design requirements.
- Demonstrate a personal commitment to safety and contribute to safety initiatives.
- Promote and maintain a positive safety culture on the project.
Knowledge, Skills, And Experience
We’re looking for a passionate and organised individual that can work well to deadlines and has an enthusiasm for engineering and in continuing their educational journey through an apprenticeship.
Essential Qualifications
- GCSE or equivalent 5 including English, Maths and Science (Grade 9-4 or A* - C).
- A Level or equivalent 3 A Levels to include Maths and a physical science (Grade B (in Maths) B, C or above) and/or BTEC or equivalent L3 Extended Diploma - Engineering related (Grade DDM or above).
- A passionate individual looking to undertake an apprenticeship with an award-winning employer.
- An organised individual that can work well to deadlines.
- Someone who is creative with a keen interest in the latest technology.
- Someone that enjoys challenges and problem solving in their day-to-day work.
- Communicating clearly, both written and verbally.
- Problem solving.
- Works well within a team, but equally on your own.
- Using a computer and Microsoft software.
Optional, but advantageous
- A Full UK Driving License (or willing to learn).
About Us
Costain helps to improve people’s lives with integrated, leading edge, smart infrastructure solutions across the UK’s energy, water, transportation and defence markets. We help our clients improve their business performance by increasing capacity, improving customer service, safeguarding security, enhancing resilience, decarbonising and delivering increased efficiency. Our vision is to be the UK’s leading smart infrastructure solutions company.
We will achieve this by focusing on blue chip clients whose major spending plans are underpinned by strategic national needs, regulatory commitments, legislation or essential performance requirements. We offer our clients leading edge solutions that are digitally optimised through the following five services which cover the whole lifecycle of their assets: future-shaping strategic consultancy; consultancy and advisory; digital technology solutions; asset optimisation and complex programme delivery. Our culture and values underpin everything we do.
Costain appreciate the time and effort taken when applying for one of our positions but, due to the high volume of responses, we are unable to provide individual feedback on candidates at application phase. We do share individual feedback following an interview.
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that disclose they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people.
For more details please go to the Disability Confident website: Disability Confident.
About The Team
Working as part of a team on the Sellafield Decommissioning & Demolition Partnership framework. The projects range from new installations, refurbishments, decommissioning of existing plants and demolition. The Decommissioning Delivery Partnership, as one of four entities will deliver a predicted £500m of decommissioning and asset care work on the Sellafield site until 2025. Projects located at Sellafield are close to Seascale on the coast of Cumbria.
Potential candidates must be able to obtain and retain Security Clearance to be able to be considered.
Apprentice Mechanical Engineer: Build Nuclear Infrastructure in England employer: Costain Group PLC
Costain is an exceptional employer, offering apprentices the chance to work on critical infrastructure projects at the Sellafield decommissioning site, contributing to a sustainable future while gaining invaluable hands-on experience. With a strong commitment to employee development, a supportive work culture, and opportunities for growth in various engineering disciplines, Costain ensures that apprentices are well-equipped for their careers in a dynamic and innovative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Mechanical Engineer: Build Nuclear Infrastructure in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former apprentices and professionals in the mechanical engineering field. They can provide insider tips and might even help you land an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Familiarise yourself with engineering drawings and specifications, as these will likely come up during your chat with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! Be ready to discuss why you're excited about the nuclear infrastructure sector and how you see yourself contributing to sustainable projects at Sellafield.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Mechanical Engineer: Build Nuclear Infrastructure in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Engineering:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for mechanical engineering shine through. Talk about any projects or experiences that sparked your interest in the field, and how you see yourself contributing to the exciting work at Sellafield.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight the skills and qualifications mentioned in the job description. Use specific examples from your education or previous experiences that align with the responsibilities of the role.
Keep It Clear and Concise:While it’s important to showcase your skills, remember to keep your application clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your writing is easy to read. This will help us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for the team!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the apprenticeship and what we’re looking for.
How to prepare for a job interview at Costain Group PLC
✨Know Your Engineering Basics
Brush up on your mechanical engineering fundamentals, especially those related to nuclear infrastructure. Be prepared to discuss engineering drawings and technical specifications, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Show Your Passion for Safety
Since safety is paramount in the nuclear sector, demonstrate your commitment to safety practices. Share any relevant experiences or initiatives you've been involved in that highlight your dedication to maintaining a positive safety culture.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think of examples from your studies or previous experiences where you faced challenges and how you overcame them. This will show your ability to think critically and creatively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the apprenticeship programme or the projects you'll be working on. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career goals.