Degree Apprenticeship Scheme 2023 - Nuclear Engineering (Level 6)

Job Introduction

There’s never been a more exciting time to be part of the nuclear sector. New opportunities are being created all the time. At NNL, you’ll be in the ideal place to capitalise on this momentum, face new challenges and develop a long, successful and meaningful career. 

We’re an organisation that’s here to experiment and push the limits of what’s possible. So, if you’re keen to excel in your chosen field, this is the place to do it. Because at NNL, anything is possible.

NNL is not like any other business, and our apprenticeships are like no other. Our apprentices are our future, which is why we have a dedicated programme which supports you in your personal development whilst you complete your apprenticeship.

To join the NNL apprenticeship scheme you’ll already have a good academic background and should have attained or be on track to achieving 5 GCSE's 9-4 (A-C) including Maths, English & Science. You will also have a Level 3 qualification, such as A-levels, or completed an advanced apprenticeship in a STEM related subject. 

To be eligible for this apprenticeship you must:

• Not be enrolled on another funded apprenticeship or another funded further education or higher education programme at the time you start your new apprenticeship.
• Only apply if the Nuclear Technician, Level 6 apprenticeship standard, is unrelated to any qualifications you already hold at the same or higher level. The apprenticeship you are applying for must be unrelated in subject and content from the qualification you already hold. 

You will have the right to work in the UK, have lived in the UK for at least 5 years and be able to obtain SC level security clearance (this includes but is not limited to identity, employment, financial and criminal record checks plus 5 years’ worth of UK residency).

We’re looking for people who can be part of our future. People who want to succeed and have the commitment and motivation to get there. People who ask questions and demand answers, who’ll be open to learning and work hard.

We’re looking for bright, enthusiastic achievers who’ll want to be part of our mission to grow the nuclear industry. 

Role Responsibility

For the first year of the Nuclear Engineer apprenticeship you will spend your time at our college provider's training facility. On this apprenticeship (subject to pre-qualifications) you will follow the Nuclear Technician Level 5 Apprenticeship Standard and complete your Foundation Degree for years 1 – 3.   Following completion of the Level 5 standard and review, in years 4 – 5 you will complete the Nuclear Engineer Level 6 Apprenticeship Standard which includes a BEng (Hons) or BSc (Hons) degree in an Engineering or Nuclear.

NNL is where your solutions solve real-world problems. As a Nuclear Technician you will be responsible for the hands-on operation of plant systems and equipment on our nuclear facility. This involves working within a variety of environments within our facility, either operational work or decommissioning work (a process of removing all radioactive, non-radioactive and contaminated plant and equipment), necessitating the use of innovative methods and equipment, where required, and the practical skills associated with this. 

The working conditions are varied and will involve wearing specialist safety equipment. You will be required to work individually and as part of a team, meeting required standards and adhering to strict controls and procedures. 

To welcome you into the business, your programme will start with a tailored induction. This will give you an understanding of the business, the programme you will follow and what we’ll expect from you during your apprenticeship. Following your induction, you’ll be supported through your apprenticeship journey focusing on personal development. This covers a range of skills from time management to team working. We’ll learn about you together.

We even have a dedicated apprentice advisor who is there to ensure that you are settling into your apprenticeship at NNL, both in the workplace and at college.

As part of the selection process for the apprenticeship programme you should expect to complete online ability assessments. Successful candidates will be invited to attend an assessment centre which will assess technical and behavioural competencies. The assessment centre for this role will be held in April 2023. 

If successful you will receive a conditional offer of employment, you will also be required to achieve the appropriate security and medical clearances. 

You will start your apprenticeship scheme on the 4th September 2023. 

About the Company

Grounded in robust science and decades of experience, National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) is the authoritative voice in the UK and beyond for technological development within the nuclear power sector.

Our unparalleled understanding of the science, challenges and opportunities makes us an unrivalled authority and partner in the field, providing experts, technologies, and access to cutting-edge facilities to organisations around the world.

Harnessing potential technologies and translating them into to industry-ready solutions means our pioneering approach spearheads international improvement and technological progress.

We work on projects as small as drilling a hole to analyse underground wastes with our integrated micro drilling technology, or as large as developing state-of-the-art power systems for spacecraft, based on radioactive materials

NNL has a vision for Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity (ED&I) where NNL aims to be an inclusive workplace that attracts diverse talent through transparent and equal policies and procedures. We want you and the diverse mix of people that we employ, customers that we service and stakeholders that we influence to feel valued. We encourage a workplace culture where everyone can thrive with a sense of belonging.

Recruitment Agency Notice

We operate a strict Preferred Supplier List (PSL) for the provision of recruitment services. Only agencies on our PSL may provide CVs and only when the role is released to them by our recruitment team. We will not accept unsolicited CVs from suppliers not currently on our PSL. We explicitly reserve the right to add candidate details from unsolicited CVs from non-PSL agencies into our own candidate database and to pursue/hire such candidate(s) without any obligation, financial or otherwise, to the agency concerned.

National Nuclear Laboratory