At a Glance
- Tasks: Dive into exciting projects like coding, data visualisation, and hands-on lab testing.
- Company: Join UKAEA, a leader in developing clean fusion energy for a sustainable future.
- Benefits: Gain invaluable experience, learn from experts, and explore world-class facilities.
- Other info: Support for under-represented groups in STEM; friendly team to guide you.
- Why this job: Be part of groundbreaking advancements in energy and make a real-world impact.
- Qualifications: Open to UK students in full-time education, years 10-13 or equivalent.
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 £ per month.
Fusion, the process that powers the sun and stars, is one of the most promising options for generating the cleaner, carbon-free energy that our world badly needs. UKAEA leads the way in realizing fusion energy, partnering with industry and research organisations to achieve groundbreaking advancements. Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the grid by developing the power stations of tomorrow and the skilled workforce to deliver them.
Are you curious about science, technology, engineering, or innovation? Do you dream of working on solutions that could support an organisation to shape the future of the world's energy? Then UKAEA's Work Experience Programme is your chance to do just this. At the UK Atomic Energy Authority, we're tackling one of the biggest challenges on the planet: developing clean, safe, limitless fusion energy. And now you can be part of it.
Across a range of exciting work experience opportunities, you could be involved in:
- Calculating Fusion's energy
- Interactive Python coding
- Data visualisation for scenario testing
- Coordinate Mental Health Awareness Week project
- Embracing AI
- Engineering simulations
- Nuclear power and radioactivity calculations
- Studying decay, coding, and equations
- Develop digital tools using 3D models
- Plan upcoming MASTU Experiment Control Room teams
- Analyse data from the MAST & MASTU experiments
- Hands-on testing in Lab Building/testing vacuum system
- Measuring plasma using lasers
- Deep Space decoding signals
- See like a spy using infrared
- Working in an international environment
- Exploring Electrical Power Systems
- Shadowing fusion materials modelling
- Bubble behaviour in molten-salt systems
- Analysing molten-salt material properties
- Modelling bubble rise velocity
- Improving online systems
- Lab space installation planning
If any of the above projects spark your interest, why not head to our careers website for more detailed information on what you will be doing for the week?
Our work experience programme will be running across two separate weeks, please also specify which week would be most suitable:
- Monday 11th May – Friday 15th May
- Monday 13th July – Friday 17th July
As well as working on projects and learning from inspiring scientists, engineers, and specialists, you'll get stuck into a range of activities. You'll explore our world-class facilities on guided tours, take part in hands-on workshops, and team up with other students for fun group challenges. And don't worry — our friendly Early Careers Team will be with you every step of the way to support and guide you.
Who can apply? Our programme is open to school students who live in the UK and are in full-time education; in years 10–13 (England & Wales), S4–S6 (Scotland), or Years 11–14 (Northern Ireland).
We want everyone to have the chance to get involved in our work experience programme. We know that some groups of people are under-represented in STEM subjects, particularly young people from areas with higher levels of socio-economic disadvantage. That's why we give priority to students from these groups and put support in place to help remove barriers, making sure our programme is open and accessible to as many people as possible. Do reach out to us on careers@ukaea.uk if you have any questions or require help or adjustments to compete on a fair basis, for example, changes to the way we interview or share information.
Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications.
Site Location: UKAEA Culham, Oxfordshire
Confirmed Grade: Work Experience
UKAEA Work Experience Programme 2026 employer: UK Atomic Energy Authority
Contact Detail:
UK Atomic Energy Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land UKAEA Work Experience Programme 2026
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, dive into UKAEA's mission and projects. Understanding their work on fusion energy will help you connect your interests with what they do, making you a standout candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or family member. This will help you articulate your passion for science and technology, and show how you can contribute to their exciting projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm! When you get the chance to speak with the team, let your excitement for the work experience programme shine through. Share why you're keen on fusion energy and how it aligns with your career goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the opportunities available, so you can pick the one that excites you the most.
We think you need these skills to ace UKAEA Work Experience Programme 2026
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for science and technology shine through! We want to see why you're excited about fusion energy and how it connects to your interests.
Be Specific About Your Interests: Make sure to mention which specific project or opportunity you're keen on. This helps us understand what excites you and how you can contribute to our work at UKAEA.
Keep It Clear and Concise: While we love a good story, keep your application straightforward. Use clear language and get to the point quickly so we can easily see your qualifications and enthusiasm.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our careers website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can consider you for the programme.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Atomic Energy Authority
✨Know Your Fusion Facts
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge about fusion energy and its significance. Understand how UKAEA is contributing to this field and be ready to discuss why you're passionate about clean energy solutions.
✨Show Off Your Curiosity
Since the programme is all about science and innovation, demonstrate your curiosity during the interview. Ask insightful questions about the projects you’re interested in, like data visualisation or engineering simulations, to show that you’re genuinely engaged.
✨Highlight Relevant Skills
Think about any skills you have that relate to the work experience opportunities, such as coding in Python or experience with data analysis. Be prepared to share examples of how you've used these skills in school projects or personal interests.
✨Be Yourself and Have Fun
Remember, the interview is also about finding a good fit for both you and UKAEA. Be yourself, let your personality shine through, and don’t forget to enjoy the process. A positive attitude can make a lasting impression!