Degree apprentice - Nuclear Engineer Review

The primary expectation we are held to is to learn, to achieve this we are moved around different placements within departments within the company for 3-6 months each. We'll start each placement with the basics, i.e. getting to know the team and shadowing colleagues to learn about their responsibilities and how they fit into the wider businesses obligations/objectives. For example some will be more legislation orientated roles where the team ensures the business complies with nuclear rules and guidelines (ONR, DNSR licensing conditions), whereas others will be more focussed on the safe manufacture and design of components. After an initial period of pure learning we are then eased into out own tasks/projects which we are expected to undertake independently, with support available when required. These tasks are varied and depend on the department, I have done various reports, inspections as well as chemical analysis throughout my time so far.

Placements are planned out and structured in a way which gives us a wide breadth of experience across the business and allows us to learn about the businesses different obligations as a nuclear licensed site. We are also given a structures approach to the end point assessment and are incentivised to prepare evidence well in advance to ensure a smooth transition off the scheme at the end.

Regular meeting/check ins with functional leads to address any concerns, major events e.g. uni exams are anticipated in advance and suitable supports put in place to reduce stress.

Weekly day release to specialist apprentice college to complete degree, modules are taught in smaller groups of around 20 compared to typical university so support is much more abundant.

Soft skills developed during coursework are very actively and frequently used, background knowledge on reactor physics is useful in everyday role.

Yes

Major company with very well developed scheme, ample benefits and opportunity for progression.