Aspiring nuclear engineers and scientists have a new route to careers in low-carbon energy with the launch of an undergraduate internship offered by the AMRC Training Center at the University of Sheffield.
The Nuclear Scientist and Nuclear Engineer Apprenticeship has been developed with support from AMRC Nuclear and industry partners, including the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), Westinghouse, Rolls-Royce, Sellafield and Jacobs, to produce graduate professionals who can work across the UK’s current and future civilian nuclear programmes.
The course is designed to provide the engineering and management skills necessary to ensure that nuclear systems and equipment can be operated safely, efficiently and in an environmentally sustainable manner. Specialized modules include nuclear engineering principles, advanced manufacturing and materials for nuclear applications, and industry codes and standards.
Depending on previous experience, the course will take up to five years to complete. Graduates will qualify with a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) and be suitable for roles including design, operational management, project management, improving plant performance and maintaining safety standards.
AMRC Nuclear and the AMRC Training Center worked together to ensure the course met industry needs, coordinating employer contributions in the nuclear supply chain and supporting curriculum development.
Liz Gregory, Director of Supply Chain and Skills at AMRC Nuclear, said: “We are committed to supporting our supply chain companies to obtain appropriately qualified personnel to meet the challenges of today and those of the future. There is a real shortage of personnel in the nuclear sector, so we are working hard with our partner organizations to meet their needs for high quality training and give young people the best possible start in the industry.”
Apprentices will be employed by a company working in the nuclear supply chain throughout the training. Your employer will pay the course fees plus a basic salary, either through apprenticeship fee support or through co-investment with the government if the employer does not pay the fee. As part of their final year of study, the student will carry out an industrial project to tackle a real engineering challenge for their employer.
For people who want to work in the nuclear industry but are not currently employed in the industry, the AMRC Training Center can refer applicants to a suitable employer.
Nikki Jones, Director of the AMRC Training Center, said: “Nuclear is a fast-developing high-value sector in the UK with immense opportunities for growth. With the new Nuclear Scientist and Nuclear Engineer Apprenticeship, we want to feed the skills bank for employers in the industry and also provide our apprentices with the quality training and knowledge needed to get a head start in the industry.
“Based on the AMRC Training Centre’s outstanding track record in apprenticeships in other high-value sectors, we are confident that the new undergraduate apprenticeship will be an excellent first step in filling the existing skills gap in the nuclear industry and will open up exciting opportunities, new opportunities for young people looking to break into the industry.”
Enrollment for students is now open, with apprentices starting the new course in September. The course aims to help industry employers bridge the skills gap and develop their workforce. Employers interested in getting involved can contact the AMRC Training Center For more informations.
With an estimated 150,000 skilled people needed to reach the UK’s target of 24 GW of nuclear power by 2050, AMRC Nuclear is currently expanding the support it provides to companies to support skills development. The course aims to bridge the skills gap for all industry employers.
Visit the AMRC Training Center website for more information: amrctraining.co.uk/aprenticeships/our-apprenticeships/nuclear-scientist-and-nuclear-engineer-apprenticeship
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