Specialised Process Operations (Nuclear)

The UK’s nuclear industry employs over 50,000 people and provides about 20% of the country’s electricity.

Nuclear power is an efficient source of energy that helps to cut down on carbon emissions, and the government has plans to build more nuclear power stations. However, once a nuclear power station reaches the end of its working life it must be safely shut down, or decommissioned. Increasing work in build, operation and decommissioning means there are growing opportunities across the sector.

The industry is supported by a wide variety of supply chain companies, such as engineering and construction contractors, fabricators of specialist equipment, manufacturers and specialist service providers.

There are also a range of job roles involved in the production, reprocessing and storage of nuclear fuel and in waste handling.

As an apprentice, you could be working as a process operator or a decommissioning operative. The nuclear decommissioning pathway includes an engineering qualification while the process operator pathway includes a qualification in combined working practices. All apprentices will take an Award for Nuclear Industry Awareness.

Within the industry there are many opportunities to progress to technician, supervisory or management roles. British nuclear industry skills are also valued abroad.