It's an exceptional time for the UK's nuclear industry. Existing power stations are ready to be decommissioned. A new wave of plants have been given the go ahead. Nuclear is back on the agenda.
The factors behind this resurgence are complex — economic, ecological, political and technological. But one thing is clear. The need for a new generation of engineers, scientists and other professionals is greater than ever. That's why the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority — a non departmental public — body has brought leading businesses and organisations together to create a new graduate programme, called nucleargraduates.
This two–year programme is the most comprehensive graduate scheme the industry has ever seen. More than twenty different companies and governmental bodies are backing it, including Sellafield, Rolls–Royce, BAE Systems, the MoD and the Environment Agency. Of global importance, the scheme includes placements across the UK and internationally. For instance, there are opportunities to work in France, Sweden, India, the USA and Japan.
While the scheme is open to graduates from all disciplines, engineering graduates are particularly encouraged to apply. Areas in which graduates can specialise include Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Civil Engineering.
The nuclear sector can be divided into five key areas: decommissioning, power generation, processing, defence and new build. The nucleargraduates programme offers graduates the chance to experience work across these areas — giving them unique experience and insight into the industry.