Nuclear Operator Apprenticeship 2025
SELLAFIELD LIMITED
Sellafield Site / Surrounding offices in West Cumbria, CA20 1PG
Summary
A nuclear operator apprentice will be trained in procedures for dealing with the handling and disposal of radiological and hazardous waste, plant control and monitoring, sampling operations, environmental controls, radioactive discharges, emergencies and other plant systems such as ventilation, steam and cooling water.
Annual wage
£19,207 a year
Increasing to £21,162 in year 2. Higher rates are applied to those aged 21 and over, year 2 salary £25,472. You’ll have the opportunity to benefit from an annual bonus, linked to company performance, of up to £4000*
Training course
Nuclear operative (level 2)
Hours
Your apprenticeship might involve working shift patterns which can involve working weekends and at times unsociable hours. Exact working days and hours TBC
37 hours a week
Possible start date
Monday 8 September
Duration
2 years
Positions available
60
Work
As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.
What you’ll do at work
* Monitoring plant conditions, following procedures and responding to alarms via systems and computers
* Sampling activities and decommissioning redundant equipment with tools
* You will be following documented instructions for nearly all aspects of work
* You will typically be working in teams of ten to twelve colleagues from diverse backgrounds. The roles are physically demanding and do require you to wear personal protective equipment and respiratory equipment (such as full PVC suit, gloves and respirators) whilst working in a range of conditions i.e. hot, cold and or in confined spaces
Where you’ll work
Sellafield Site / Surrounding offices in West Cumbria
CA20 1PG
Training
An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.
College or training organisation
GENII ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY TRAINING LIMITED
Your training course
Nuclear operative (level 2)
Equal to GCSE
Course contents
Your training plan
First 6 months – Sellafield based apprentices: Training is delivered at our local off-site training facility.
Last 18 months – Start Sellafield Skills Centre on a pre-site ready programme then placed in operating units throughout the business to continue your training and apprenticeship. You will be continually monitored and assessed during your training.
You will obtain the following qualifications:
* Level 2 ST0291 Nuclear Operative
* Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Processing Industries Operations Process Operations
* Level 2 Award for Nuclear Industry Awareness (ANIA)
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE or equivalent in:
* English Language (grade 4)
* Mathematics (grade 4)
* Science or Engineering (grade 4)
Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.
Skills
* Communication skills
* Attention to detail
* Problem solving skills
* Logical
* Team working
Other requirements
Minimum age of 18 by 1st February 2026 in-line with health and safety requirements. The roles can be physically demanding. You will be required to wear personal protective equipment and respiratory equipment such as full PVC suit, gloves and respirators The work will involve working in a range of conditions i.e. hot, cold and or in confined spaces.
About this company
Sellafield Ltd is a global centre for nuclear engineering management. We pioneered the harnessing of nuclear power to generate electricity for the country. Now the world is watching as we set international standards in high-hazard reduction. In short, we’re at the forefront of the industry.
Disability Confident
A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.
You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.
After this apprenticeship
* Following successful completion of your apprenticeship, we will look to retain you in a professional full time position at Sellafield Ltd
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000290872.
Easy Apply (EA)