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What qualifications will I need?

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE WILL EMPLOYERS LOOK FOR?

HIGHER EDUCATION ROUTE

To work in the Nuclear Sector, you will need a degree, foundation degree or BTEC HNC/HND in a relevant subject.  A few specialist degrees and foundation degrees in nuclear engineering or nuclear decommissioning are available, specific job roles include:

  •      Chemical Engineer
  •      Electrical and Mechanical Engineer
  •      Instrumentation and Control Engineer
  •      Quality Manager
  •      Project Manager
  •      Health and Safety Manager
  •      Design Engineer
  •      Non Destructive Technician
  •      Laboratory Technician
  •      Process Engineer

To get onto an engineering or science degree, you will usually need at least five GCSEs (A-C), plus two A levels including maths and a science subject. Alternative qualifications may be accepted and some universities offer a foundation year for people without maths and science qualifications. You should check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

You may have an advantage when looking for work if you have a relevant postgraduate degree as well as a first degree. Your first job in the nuclear industry would often be as part of a graduate training scheme run by one of the larger employers. For this you will normally need a good degree (at least class 2:2) in a relevant technical subject.

APPRENTICESHIP ROUTE

You can get into the industry without a degree, through an Apprenticeship Programme, and work your way up through Technician, Engineer, Manager levels. To get onto an Apprenticeship Programme you will need to have 5 GCSEs (A-C), including maths and a science subject. Alternative qualifications may be acceptable for some programmes, an assessment will usually be carried out by a provider. You can look for Apprenticeship places either through employers own web sites or through provider web sites. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. Apprenticeship places are usually advertised by employers between November and March of each year.

Find out more about the Apprenticeship route contact the National Apprenticeship Services http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/