Nuclear Engineering Apprenticeship: Mechanical (Level 6 Degree)

As a Nuclear Engineer Apprentice, you will learn the basics of hand-tools, machining, electrical theory, circuits, instruments, and control logic, before learning how to specify, troubleshoot and maintain various pieces of industrial equipment, such as nuclear vent and containment systems through lectures and practical workshop projects. You will then undertake focused professional engineering placements in industrial nuclear buildings across the business to gain an appreciation of the additional challenges and safety requirements of providing engineering services in such an environment throughout the engineering lifecycle (Design, Construction, Commissioning, Operations, Utilities). Following completion of your placements and subject to the business need and your career aspirations, your final role placement will be selected, and you will complete your training as a professional engineer in this area., As a Nuclear degree apprentice, you will work towards BEng in Mechanical Engineering with Nuclear specialist units. The programme will involve

• Inquiry-led constructive learning and technology-based assessment
• Nuclear behavioural culture, safety, and security
• Employer focused contextual content
On completion, you will be able to use the knowledge, skills and behaviours developed to enable systems and equipment to operate safely, efficiently and in an environmentally sustainable way, meeting the requirements set out by AWE and those of the Professional Body Institutions. You will have a fundamental knowledge of engineering / science principles and practices and will be able to demonstrate discipline skills corresponding with your employed job role. This typically will include design, plant performance enhancements, operational management, project management and maintenance of safety standards, utilising analytical thinking to provide innovative solutions. You will also demonstrate good team skills and the ability to communicate in a variety of forms to all levels within an organisation.
• Throughout your studies there is a requirement for you to attend college on a residential basis. During the first year of your apprenticeship the majority of your time will be spent at college, during the second and third years you will undertake shorter block release periods. Suitable accommodation will be provided for you during these times.
About you
• Good communication skills (i.e. technical speaking, active listening, professional writing, professional body language and technical presentation)
• Reliability with a high level of respect for confidentiality on work related and personal matters
• Ability to work autonomously and interact effectively within a wide, multi-disciplinary project team
• Ability to understand the impact of work on others, especially where related to diversity and equality
• Good time management skills (i.e. planning and completing work to schedule)
• A supportive attitude to change and ability to respond positively to change management processes
• Ownership for personal development
• Open attitude towards receiving feedback
• Committed to health & safety (i.e. personal, workplace, radiological and nuclear)
• Effective at following rules, procedures and principles
• Enthusiasm and motivation for the nuclear industry
• PC literate
• Excellent team working skills
• Ability to concentrate for long periods
• Three A-levels grade C or above including Maths or; Equivalent level 3 qualification. (Minimum of 102 UCAS points OR existing level 3 qualification - equivalent to an A level)
• Applicants must be aged 18 or over, as of 31st August 2025 due to security clearance requirements
• You must be a British National to apply for a role with us.
This role may appeal to you if you enjoy
• Understanding how things work and improving them
• Solving problems in different ways
• Working with Mechanical Assemblies (Car/bike/clock maintenance, restoration, and modification etc.)
  
  A starting salary of £22,250 yearly, increasing annually throughout your apprenticeship
• Market leading contributory pension scheme
• Generous holiday entitlement 270 hours a year (inclusive of Bank Holidays) plus every other Friday off
• Access to employee discounts portal, everyday savings on retail, hospitality and leisure.
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services
Alongside these benefits you will get the opportunity to learn from some of the top leaders in their field whilst helping us to continue to deliver national nuclear security, threat reduction and counter-terrorism solutions. Annual leave will not be granted from 27 August until 3 October, due to mandatory inductions and the requirement for you to complete as part of your apprenticeship. Any leave approved after this point will depend on the training provider requirements for your apprenticeship and must be agreed in advance.