Technical Industrial Placement Student Review

As part of the Technical Pathway within the Science and Maths Industrial Placement Scheme I was tasked with a wide range of jobs and responsibilities. This pathway is focussed on delivering R&D to major projects on the Sellafield site and thus involves reviewing internal and external literature, producing literature reviews and reports, analysing plant data, engaging with NDA companies, contractors and university SMEs as well as potentially being involved in test rig experiments and/or gaining experience on site.

I was given a significant amount of responsibility and professional respect from the very start of my placement. Throughout the year I was trusted to hold Secretary roles for various team meetings and was able to lead projects and chair meetings. Furthermore I was given the freedom to choose what literature to review and what R&D areas to investigate further too best support the project and the team.

Due to being assigned to the Technical pathway I have often been stretched by needing to carry out work outside of my academic discipline which has helped me develop important soft skills such as working under pressure, proactiveness, communication, problem solving as well as keeping an open mind. I have also been able to practise my data analysis skills and learn how to optimise the use of Microsoft Software e.g. by using Excel Macros or LaTeX in Word. By working at a nuclear licensed site I have also been able to gain valuable industry experience including passing the access to contamination and radiation risk areas course which has helped me gain the necessary skills to enter and work in a nuclear hazard environment.

I have received a substantial amount of support and guidance from my team, the Technical Pathway Leads, my mentor as well as colleagues from other NDA companies. They have supported me both in terms of my work as well as my professional development and I have always felt comfortable asking for help where I have needed it. Unfortunately, I have received poor guidance and limited support from the Graduate Development team who were assigned to oversee the Industrial Placement Scheme; I had often received conflicting information, out-of-date documents and an overall lack of communication and clarity from this department.

Sellafield Ltd are a very inclusive and supportive employer. The company provides a wide range of networks to help employees both within and outside of work. In terms of the workforce, though there is a distinction between the various value streams, the vast majority of the employees are passionate about the work they perform and the mission they are contributing towards. Within individual teams there is a strong sense on unity and most teams maintain social contact outside of working hours. In terms of the Industrial Placement and Graduate cohorts, there exists a Graduate council which ensures all early career voices are heard and people have the opportunity to grow and develop together whether that be through CPD events, conferences and/or socials.

Overall, I have really enjoyed my placement and if I could do it all over again, I would. I certainly would recommend this placement to all interested applicants. It is however key to bare in mind that living in West Cumbria is very different from living in a University city or town so be prepared for the weather, the isolation and the limited social opportunities outside of work. This is naturally made much easier thanks to the relationships you form with other Industrial Placement Students and Graduates; however, it is certainly a factor worth considering!

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