At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us for a year-long placement, working on groundbreaking environmental projects.
- Company: Sellafield Ltd, a leader in sustainable nuclear management.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, relocation support, 30 days leave, and a chance to secure a graduate role.
- Other info: Experience life in beautiful West Cumbria, with outdoor adventures at your doorstep.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the UK's nuclear legacy while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Undergraduates on track for a 2:1 in Environmental or Science-based subjects.
The predicted salary is between 25959 - 25959 £ per year.
Environmental Industrial Placement Programme 2026 - Decades of opportunity. One powerful start.
Looking for a placement where you\'ll really feel valued? At Sellafield Ltd, you\'ll be a part of one of the UK\'s most significant missions - safely managing the nation\'s nuclear legacy and building a cleaner, safer future.
With decades of projects ahead, this is your chance to gain experience at a company where purpose and development go hand in hand.
Our Industrial Placement Programme
Our Industrial Placement programme is comprised of 12 months of development. You\'ll work on projects that might be a first in the nuclear industry where you can really make a difference, working with industry leading environmental scientists. There\'s no blueprint for the work we do - that\'s why we need you.
You\'ll receive dedicated support throughout your placement, and by the end you could be rewarded with a conditional offer on our graduate programme for the year you graduate. You can start to build professional networks and pave your own path to success.
You\'ll gain real experience, working on live projects alongside industry experts. We don\'t just look to build your technical skills, we\'ll help you develop those personal and professional skills that can make you stand out from the crowd. You\'ll be supported by experienced colleagues who truly want to see you succeed.
A placement with us means contributing to work that truly matters for the UK\'s sustainable nuclear future. You can really make an impact, helping to protect our site and communities today and being a part of creating the future of our tomorrow. We\'re an organisation with a clear purpose. Join 12,000 people united by one purpose - to create a clean and safe environment for future generations.
We\'re looking for undergraduate students who are:
- On track to achieve a minimum of a 2:1 in an Environmental based subject. Chemistry and other science based degrees will also be considered
- Willing to relocate to West Cumbria for the duration of the placement
- Curious, motivated and ready to learn
Life in Cumbria
Our Environmental programmes are based in West Cumbria, right on the edge of the breathtaking Lake District National Park. It\'s a place where your weekends can be filled with hiking, cycling, or kayaking, and your evenings end with sunsets over the fells. Away from the bustle of big cities you\'ll enjoy fresh air, open space, and a lower cost of living - without missing out on communities, activities or connections. And when you do fancy a city break, Manchester, Newcastle and Glasgow are just a few hours away. It\'s the perfect balance of career opportunity and quality of life.
Enjoy affordable housing and living costs that go much further than big cities. Rural doesn\'t mean isolated, you\'ll still find shops, restaurants and gyms - just without the city chaos.
What\'s in it for you
- As an Industrial Placement student, you\'ll join us on 12-month fixed term contract, with a competitive salary of £25,959.
- If you\'re relocating here from more than 30 miles away, we\'ll support you with a relocation allowance of £1,200 and give you plenty of information on the best areas to live and how to find a place too. £1,200 can provide you with rent cover for up to 2-3-months in some areas of West Cumbria.
- We aim to strike a good work/life balance by offering 30 days annual leave with statutory public holidays on top. There is also the ability to purchase an additional 2.5 days leave on top.
- During your placement with us you will get the opportunity to work towards objectives that if met, you will be offered the opportunity to return on our graduate programme once you have completed your degree. *Subject to their being a suitable graduate position available.
- We also offer an attractive defined contribution pension scheme - the company will match up to 13.5% for a 7% employee contribution.
- All of our employees can benefit from our 18 support networks, including the Nuclear Autism Support Network, oneLGBTQ+ Network and Gender Balance Networks, to name a few.
- Other benefits include paid sick leave scheme, cycle to work scheme, family friendly policies, welfare & employee assistance programme, employee savings & discounts, plus many others.
Application Process
Applications for our placement programmes will close on 2nd November 2025.
You will be issued an assessment to complete, the date you receive this will depend on when you apply. You will be given a deadline to complete this by and will find out the result of your assessment mid-November.
Video interviews will take place from 17th November to 5th December 2025.
Expected start date: July 2026
Sellafield has a proud vision of Diversity & Inclusion that aims to attract candidates into an inclusive and supportive workplace. We are recognised as a Level 3 Disability Confident Employer. Reasonable adjustments can easily be applied to each of our application stages, we want all candidates to feel empowered throughout their application journey - please reach out to us if there\'s any support you need throughout our application process.
You are advised to regularly check your emails (including any junk mail/spam folders) for correspondence related to this post, including assessment or interview invitations and any other type of correspondence relating to your application.
Additional Information
We encourage you to complete our immersive, realistic preview into the life of a placement student at Sellafield before you start your application. Completing this preview will take less than 10 minutes and will help you understand both the type of challenges you may encounter, and if you\'re likely to enjoy working here.
Please be aware that this role is subject to achieving security clearance. This role requires higher level of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 of continuous residency in the UK. Factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the level of clearance you\'re able to achieve.
Start your journey with us today. Gain experience today, help shape the future of our tomorrow.
Environmental Industrial Placement Programme 2026 employer: SELLAFIELD LIMITED
At Sellafield Ltd, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the UK's sustainable nuclear future while enjoying the stunning surroundings of West Cumbria. Our supportive work culture fosters personal and professional growth, with dedicated mentorship and a clear pathway to our graduate programme for successful placement students. With competitive salaries, generous leave policies, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we ensure that our employees feel valued and empowered in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Environmental Industrial Placement Programme 2026
✨Get Involved in Sustainability Events
Join local and national environmental tech events, workshops, and seminars. These gatherings are perfect for meeting industry professionals, showcasing your enthusiasm for the sector, and possibly even catching wind of placement opportunities at companies like SELLAFIELD LIMITED.
✨Tap Into University Resources
Don't underestimate your university's career services. They often have exclusive partnerships and can connect you with companies seeking placements in environmental engineering tech. Make sure to attend career fairs and networking events specifically aimed at students in your field.
✨Join Environmental Forums and Online Groups
Become an active member of online communities focused on environmental technology, such as dedicated forums or professional networks like LinkedIn groups. By engaging with others in discussions or sharing insights, you can boost your visibility and potentially snag a placement with innovative firms.
✨Showcase Your Passion Project
If you've worked on any environmentally-focused projects, whether at uni or in your downtime, make sure to showcase them! Build a portfolio or a simple website to highlight your work. This can be a game changer when applying to placements, making you memorable to companies like SELLAFIELD LIMITED.
We think you need these skills to ace Environmental Industrial Placement Programme 2026
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:For an Environmental Engineering Tech placement, it's essential to highlight any technical skills you’ve gained from your studies or projects. Make sure to mention specific software or tools you’re familiar with, like AutoCAD or GIS. If you've done any relevant coursework or projects, flaunt those as well to show your hands-on experience!
Passion for Sustainability Matters:In your cover letter, express your passion for sustainability and environmental issues. Dive into what motivates you to pursue this field. Whether it's a project from university or an initiative you've participated in, let that enthusiasm shine through. This is your chance to show the team at SELLAFIELD LIMITED why you're the perfect fit!
Include Your Certifications:If you have any certifications related to environmental engineering, definitely include them! These could be anything from health and safety training to specific environmental regulations. It helps demonstrate that you're not just theoretical but also ready to hit the ground running during your placement at SELLAFIELD LIMITED.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:When you’re putting together your CV, make sure to tailor it specifically for the Environmental Engineering Tech role. Highlight relevant modules, skills, and experiences that align with what SELLAFIELD LIMITED is looking for. Don’t forget to add your current studies or expected graduation dates, as placements are all about finding that perfect fit while you learn!
How to prepare for a job interview at SELLAFIELD LIMITED
✨Get Smart on Sustainability
Brush up on the latest trends in sustainable technologies and environmental policies. Being able to discuss innovations in areas like waste management or renewable energy will show that you’re not just knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in the field.
✨Master the Technical Basics
Expect technical questions that might delve into specific engineering principles or environmental assessment techniques. Be familiar with tools like AutoCAD or GIS software, as well as relevant regulations, because these could come up during the interview!
✨Show Your Learning Mindset
As this is a placement, the interviewers will be keen to see your motivation and capacity to learn. Be ready to discuss how your coursework or any projects have prepared you for this role and how you’re eager to grow in this industry.
✨Prepare Case Studies or Projects
If you've worked on any relevant projects – whether in your coursework, as part of a club, or even personal initiatives – bring those up! Being able to present real examples of your work and the thought process behind them can make you really stand out to SELLAFIELD LIMITED.
