National Apprenticeship Week 2025

Apprentice • Sizewell C

Ruby Spall, an electrical installation apprentice at Sizewell C, is the first female apprentice from Alde Valley Academy, located in Leiston, to join the project. Growing up in Leiston, the home of Sizewell C, she developed a keen interest in physics and how things work. She spent much of her free time in her shed, soldering and dismantling items to explore their mechanics.

Rather than choosing university, Ruby wanted hands-on experience in a real working environment. She believed an apprenticeship would provide the practical skills and industry exposure that studying alone could not. After applying for an electrical installation apprenticeship at Sizewell C, she successfully secured a place and is now part of Suffolk’s nuclear future.

She takes great pride in contributing to a project that will power millions of homes and create long-term opportunities for the region. But her ambitions don’t stop there—she has her sights set on becoming the Director of Sizewell C!

Apprentice • Rolls Royce SMR

Before the apprenticeship I worked as a Process operator within the sewage industry which required me to maintain around 8 sewage treatment plants and around 25 pumping stations across the county of Pembrokeshire. I decided to make a change and return to education after getting covered in sewage one too many times. I chose nuclear as it’s an exciting industry that has the potential to be a fantastic alternative for fossil fuels and could revolutionise the energy sector whilst aiming towards net zero.

So far it has been one of the more challenging things I have had to do. Between moving to derby and convincing myself that this is a good idea for my career progression, to completing university level work in nuclear physics and high level mathematics, it has certainly challenged me on a personal and professional level.

Apprentice Electrical Nuclear Technician • Nuclear Restoration Services at Hinkley Point A

I am currently in my third year of a Level 5 Electrical Nuclear Technician Apprenticeship with NRS at Hinkley Point A. Before this, I completed a Level 3 Extended National Diploma in Nuclear Engineering. My apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to work with various teams on site, gaining a wide range of experiences. It is a very interesting site to work on due to it being in the decommissioning stage. As a Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) ambassador, I have the chance to visit schools and promote STEM subjects, as well as explain the importance of the nuclear industry. I have worked with different teams on site to build up a range of knowledge and currently working with the maintenance engineers.

Becoming an electrical engineer is my ideal career, as I find the field both fascinating and full of opportunities for continuous learning. I hope to contribute to maintenance work or work on diverse projects within the industry. STEM education is also incredibly important to me, and I am eager to play a greater role in this area. I would love to expand our workshops to reach more schools, including secondary schools and colleges, helping to inspire and engage the next generation of engineers. I am also interested in being part of the future apprentices at NRS as I feel that having an apprenticeship is so important for the industry and making this process as easy and welcoming as possible is key.

3^rd Year Degree Apprentice • Sellafield

I am currently in the 3^rd year of my degree apprenticeship, I have experience as a Radiological Safety Assessor and Safety Advisor, currently, my placement is in the High-Level Waste Plant Technical team at Sellafield Ltd. I absolutely love the experience I have gained so far and I’m excited for the future. I can certainly say the experience I have gained has helped me develop new skills, boost my confidence, and get increased satisfaction from my work all whilst boosting my career opportunities and progression. The degree so far has given me valuable knowledge applicable to the workplace, not only specific to Nuclear, but a wide variety of engineering and science that supports plant knowledge and workings.

Outside of the degree and work there are many opportunities to get involved with. I have great involvement with the Degree Apprentice Council from which I originally supported within one of the sub-committees, and helped organise and complete the National Three Peaks Challenge for which we raised over £5k for North West Air Ambulance. Now as Chair of the Degree Apprentice Council I help over 300 apprentices on the same programme and support the many teams on the council. I had involvement with the Young Group Network (YGN) over the past year, this included, helping organise an ‘Intro to’ event. I am now directly involved with the national committee, as part of the Industrial Liaison team. Additionally, I have been involved with the Nuclear Institute (NI), helping organise the annual Cumbria NI Dinner.

Not only have I been given so many opportunities within my work but have had many opportunities to get involved with the Nuclear Industry outside of work. I look forward to furthering my career with Sellafield through the many opportunities provided, and hopefully be able to pass those opportunities down.

4th Year Technical Engineering Degree Apprentice • Sellafield

I am a 4th Year Technical Engineering Degree Apprentice at Sellafield Ltd currently based in a Plant Facing Technical Team. I completed my Foundation Degree in Plant Engineering in December and hope to go on to do my BEng in Nuclear Science, Operations and Technology. Alongside this I have completed a Level 5 Nuclear Technician Apprenticeship qualification. I work in Technical where I have recently produced Quality Assurance documents which ensure nuclear safety during packing and storage of nuclear waste as well as this I have supported a multi-million pound project for managing robot obsolescence across site. I was the chair of the apprentice council at Sellafield for 2 years and I am now the Industry Lead on the YGN Committee 2025.

Cyber Security Apprentice • Amentum

My name is Harry Basnett, and I am a Cyber Security Apprentice at Amentum, based in Cumbria, a key hub for the UK’s nuclear industry.

My passion for cyber began in primary school when an industry volunteer introduced me to coding through “Scratch.” The combination of creativity, logic, and problem-solving captivated me, setting me on a path towards computer science.

Alongside cyber, I’d always been fascinated by the nuclear industry. A work experience programme at the site confirmed my interest—the scale of operations, the expertise of the workforce, and the unique challenges they tackled daily left a lasting impression.

By the time I sat my GCSE Computer Science exam, I knew I didn’t want to pursue A-Levels. Despite my teacher’s advice, I was certain an apprenticeship was the right path. However, cyber apprenticeships within the nuclear sector were scarce. After weeks of searching, I discovered Amentum’s Level 4 Cyber Security Apprenticeship. Though initially unsure if I met the requirements, I found no Level 3 qualification was needed. Determined, I applied, completed four weeks of work experience, and built industry connections, ultimately securing my place.

Over the past 16 months, I’ve developed both technical and interpersonal skills, from system configuration to leadership. My apprenticeship has provided incredible opportunities, including national events, presentations to senior leadership, and winning the NI YGN Apprentice Poster Competition.

Looking ahead, I plan to complete my HNC, work towards a degree, and increase my involvement in the YGN. In 10 years, I hope to have advanced in my career and contributed to the nuclear sector’s future.

Most importantly, I want to inspire others. If someone hadn’t introduced me to coding at eight years old, I wouldn’t be here today, and without the opportunity to do work experience with Sellafield I might be doing something totally different.

Cyber and Digital Apprentice • Amentum

I chose cyber security in the nuclear industry as my career pathway. With the way technology is constantly evolving, cyber security is in high demand all the time. Therefore, becoming an expert in that field means that I have a really bright future in this industry. Nuclear has a lot of confidential information within it so cyber is needed to protect all the information within it.

During my time as an apprentice, I have learned all sorts of different skills. A big skill is being able to work in a proper work environment within a team. Before this I had no experience with this at all and being able to be in a formal workplace and do work felt great. Alongside this comes networking skills. You have to work with other peers who are a part of your team and talk to higher up people in the company. This allowed me to grow my confidence talking to work colleagues and feeling more comfortable within my role at work. I also was able to shadow people who were in the same department as me and this provided good insight in how projects ran and how work within my profession is done in the business.

After my apprenticeship ends, I would love to be able to go into a managerial position of some kind and be able to provide the insight and knowledge I received to people on my team and new starters. Being a part of a big project and having a major role in it would also be an amazing opportunity that hopefully pops up one day.

Technician Apprentice • EDF

After working in retail, Shane wanted to pursue a different career. After deciding university wasn’t for him, he looked at apprenticeships at Hinkley Point C. He is now training to inspect welding work using specialised techniques, such as radiography.

“My retail colleagues were surprised when I told them I was moving into the nuclear industry but

the opportunity to work on one of the UK’s most important infrastructure projects was a huge draw for me. I know that working here will set my CV apart for the rest of my life. Everything needs to fulfil strict nuclear safety standards – so future employers will know I’ve had the very best training.

Steelfixing Apprentice • EDF

David Morris was working in a factory building aluminium windows before applying for a steelfixing apprenticeship at Hinkley Point C. Working alongside experienced colleagues, he is developing specialist skills and is helping to build important parts of the power plant.

“It was my dad, who has been a steel fixer for 30 years, who first spotted this opportunity at Hinkley Point C and encouraged me to apply. He loved his job and had a great career, so I knew I had to go for it.

I’m learning from some of the best steel fixers in the game and they have taken me under their wing. I’m being taught a lot of specialised techniques and can now build a variety of complex prefabricated structures.

This apprenticeship has changed my life. It’s allowed me to enter a skilled line of work with better pay and prospects for the future – it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done.”

Control and Instrumentation Apprentice • Heysham 2

I chose to take on a career in the nuclear industry so that I could be involved with the production of clean energy, helping Britain to achieve net zero.

After studying engineering in both high school and college, it confirmed to me that this was what I wanted to continue to do as a career. Choosing the apprenticeship through EDF allowed me to have the university experience without the debt you have at the end. It has allowed me to gain industry experience whilst under the protection of education.

The apprenticeship has allowed me to gain several qualifications including a Level 3 BTEC in General Engineering, along with a Level 4 HNC in Electrical Engineering. This has helped me broaden my knowledge within my industry, helping backup the practical element when working back on site.

The apprenticeship has helped enhance my personal growth, including my confidence and public engagements. I have been given several opportunities to attend work related events which has allowed me to broaden my networking alongside other companies and departments to help expand my knowledge on what occurs in the industry.

After my apprenticeship, I would like to be confident in my role as a technician and be able to complete jobs to a constant, high standard. If given the opportunity, I would like to be able to complete the degree in engineering, following on from my HNC, which will help expand my knowledge even further.

Nuclear Engineering Maintenance Technician • Heysham 1

I completed my apprenticeship with EDF Energy as a Maintenance Engineering Technician, driven by a long-standing interest in the energy industry. Growing up near the Heysham sites, I was always intrigued by the work that took place here, and my curiosity led me to pursue a hands-on career in maintenance.

My decision was also influenced by my uncle, who had a successful career with EDF, inspiring me to follow in his footsteps. During school I always enjoyed the hands-on technology subjects which used problem solving and hand tools which has now helped me in my role at EDF.

The program required me to relocate to Bridgwater for two years, which was a significant change, but ultimately, it proved to be one of the best experiences I’ve had.

During this time, I gained fundamental skills and knowledge that were crucial for the jobs I do day to day, learning about the complexities of the station, safety procedures, and industry regulations.

I have also gained many life skills during my time in the southwest whilst also making friends for life from many different parts of the country. The following two years enabled me to put those skills into perspective as I spent time on site before becoming qualified.

After gaining experience during the apprenticeship, I aim to develop my skills, refine my abilities, and take on new challenges that will help me grow professionally.

At some point in the future, I hope to progress into engineering, take on more responsibilities, and build a successful career in the industry.

Control and Instrumentation Technician • Heysham 1

I chose to apply for the EDF apprenticeship programme in 2018 after completing my A–levels. Although these qualifications were not required for the apprenticeship, I originally wanted to apply to university.

Almost 7 years on and I am confident I made the right decision choosing the apprenticeship pathway. I was paid to live away from home, learning the fundamentals of my trade whilst also forming new friendships and developing life skills.

Working on a nuclear site gave me first hand industry experience – following rigorous safety and plant procedures.

You are surrounded by like-minded people with a breadth of technical knowledge and therefore lots of opportunities to learn.

As a C&I technician, we carry out the maintenance of control processes and instrumentation that monitors the reactor and plant systems are operating safely. I have gained confidence, communication, and problem-solving skills through working in the nuclear industry.

Goals for the future would be to further my education by completing a part-time engineering degree and potentially progressing into a leadership role.

Apprentice • Rolls Royce SMR

After having dropped out of my Astrophysics degree at Lancaster University, I still knew I wanted to pursue a career in STEM, and ideally, something with more practical output. Thankfully, in June 2022 the stars aligned and SMR were advertising for nuclear engineering apprentices. Come September 2022 I was attending the college to begin my degree and in April 2023 I had my first day in the office.

My placement on the Electrical Team under Matthew Morris really opened my eyes to the ways of working as an engineer as opposed to a student, as well as exposing me to many important aspects of plant design and the general principles of concurrent design that I have continued to carry forward into my future placements.

By far the best part of being an apprentice is being able to get exposure to many different teams. You can feel your cross-cutting capabilities and plant familiarisation improve from one placement to the next. Being able to dabble in a variety of teams from systems design to layout and radiation shielding is super beneficial and really fun!

Understand that with an apprenticeship, it’s likely that the apprentices will be not only new to the workplace, but aspects such as engineering guidance and procedure, change control, where information is stored etc… It is usually quite overwhelming at first with how much there is to contend with, so my recommendation is that if an apprentice is relatively new to the company, a good amount of time should be spent either teaching or going over how the team operates, where information is stored and how to successfully operate as an individual within the team.

That we don’t want fake tasks! Give us real work with tangible outputs and we will try our best to complete the work but will often make mistakes along the way. This is the point of the scheme! We’re not just developing our technical skills relevant to an individual, but rather that alongside; how the business works, how nuclear plants operate, how the different teams communicate, where information is stored and so much more. To develop all these skills simultaneously, it is beneficial to be given proper work off the bat, even if the task is small in comparison to a large package of work.

Apprentice • Rolls Royce SMR

Growing up I wanted to follow in my dad’s footsteps and become a chef, eventually opening my own restaurant and my love for food encouraged me to study Food Technology at GCSE. However, in Year 8, five other girls and I were invited to participate in the Big Bang Competition in Derby, and then the final in 2015 at the NEC in Birmingham. It was an East Midlands based STEM Fair at the time and our brief was to ‘Identify and Improve an Aspect of Transport within Derby’ where we chose to design and develop a double decker train. Although we didn’t win the competition overall, I found my passion in Engineering. I suppose I knew that I wanted to make a difference in the world, but I wasn’t sure how, and growing up in Derby, everyone told me that Rolls Royce was the way to go. But we all knew how competitive and well sought after it was, but I figured it couldn’t hurt to try.

Following rejection from Sellafield’s assessment day, to not even passing Rolls Royce’s online aptitude tests, I was determined to try again after A-Levels. So, I went to study Maths, Physics and Chemistry at college, because that’s what a lot of Higher Apprenticeships were asking for. I also did something called the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) which is basically equivalent to half an A Level, which you do in your final year at college.

Nuclear degree apprentice • Rolls Royce SMR

From a young age, I was captivated by David Attenborough’s documentaries, which often concluded with a reminder of the impact of climate change on our natural world. These powerful messages ignited my passion for combating climate change. Through my own research, I came to the realisation that nuclear energy is one of our most valuable assets in the pursuit of a net-zero future. This understanding inspired me to pursue a career in the nuclear industry.

During this apprenticeship, I have acquired numerous skills. I have developed hard skills such as proficiency in CAD, VR, 3D printing, and MathCAD. However, my most significant growth has been in soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Rotating through various placements and interacting with different teams have greatly enhanced these abilities.

Upon completing my apprenticeship, I aspire to integrate into a dedicated team and, within a few years, advance to a low-level management position. Additionally, I aim to take on a mentorship role, guiding and supporting other apprentices throughout the company.

Apprentice • NUVIA

I began my Project Management Degree Apprenticeship at NUVIA in September 2024, and it’s already been an incredible journey. One highlight so far was attending the Skills and Apprenticeship Fair at Nuclear Week in Parliament this January—an amazing opportunity to connect and learn.

I chose NUVIA for my apprenticeship because of its welcoming and supportive environment, as well as the variety of exciting projects I get to be involved in. The nuclear industry itself is full of potential for professional growth, which is something I value as I build my career.

Since starting, I’ve developed a range of skills, from professionalism, critical thinking, and teamwork to self-motivation. On the technical side, I’ve gained experience in presentations, Microsoft Excel, planning software, and more. I’m always eager to learn new skills, and my apprenticeship at NUVIA provides the perfect space to do that.

Looking ahead, I’m still exploring different career paths, but right now, project engineering is the most appealing route. From there, I could progress into project management and eventually a senior project manager role. As my apprenticeship continues, I’ll gain even more insight by working alongside experienced professionals and learning from their expertise.

Mechanical design apprentice • NUVIA

I joined NUVIA as a mechanical design apprentice in 2018 and completed my apprenticeship in 2022. I chose this path because I’ve always wanted to become a mechanical engineer in the nuclear sector, and NUVIA has been instrumental in helping me achieve that goal. Not only has the apprenticeship expanded my technical knowledge, but it has also shaped me into the person I am today. The programme is designed for success, with continuous support both during and after the apprenticeship.

One of the best parts of the apprenticeship is the people you work with and the incredible support you receive. I’ve had the chance to gain hands-on experience across a wide range of projects, which has been invaluable. I truly believe that the depth of knowledge and understanding I’ve gained wouldn’t have been possible through other routes.

Since completing my apprenticeship, I’ve gained the confidence to take the next step—enrolling in a degree apprenticeship to further my knowledge and advance my career toward becoming a chartered engineer. Once I complete this programme, my goal is to pursue a master’s degree to bring me even closer to achieving that milestone.

Apprentice Machining Estimator • Sheffield Forgemasters

This apprenticeship has provided me hands-on experience that allows me to gain valuable skills and experience directly with the steel industry and the nuclear industry. I work alongside experienced professionals which has allowed me to develop essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving which is valuable in any career.

– I have developed my CAD design skills through the use of SolidWorks to produce products from drawings given to the team by the customer.

– My communication skills have improved as my audience can vary from talking to sub-contractors to operating a stall at a school careers fair for young people. In addition to this I work effectively as a part of a team daily which allows me to build on my teamwork and collaboration skills.

When I have secured the full-time Machining estimating position at the end of my apprenticeship, I hope to advance the estimating process into industry 4.0 and implement this across site.

2nd year Apprentice Design and Development Engineer • Sheffield Forgemasters

I am Harley Edmonds and I am currently a 2nd year apprentice Design and Development Engineer, working within RD&T at Sheffield Forgemasters and studying a mechanical engineering degree at Sheffield Hallam University.

Throughout school I was always drawn to STEM subjects and the idea of becoming an engineer really stuck with me and become the end goal really for me. During my GCSE’s and following onto my A-Levels, the conception of obtaining an apprenticeship and going down that route really resonated with me.

Following the several interview I had with various companies, I had obtained several different offers with Forgemasters really standing out, being a Sheffield local, Sheffield Forgemasters meant a lot to me, my family and the city. With all the positive news around Forgemasters at the time, with government investment and involvement with nuclear projects, my decision was set, and I accepted the offer from Forgemasters. Since that day I’ve never looked back and thoroughly enjoy my job.

Regarding my day to day, I am a designer of castings in my main role, however bit by bit I have been introduced with the forging side of the business and getting more involved with the nuclear projects. Throughout this time, I have gained many skills and much experience, both on a technical and personal scale. I have been able to develop skills in CAD, FEA simulations, lean manufacturing and much more but also on a personal level by attending meetings and conferences I have become more confident in myself and my interpersonal skills.

Post the next two years and completion of my apprenticeship, I aim to continue my development and go as far as I can go both with my skills and my role. With Sheffield Forgemasters I really feel I have a job for life where I can progress myself as best I can and with that there is no place I’d rather be.

Harley Edmonds (Apprentice Design and Development Engineer)

Apprentice Engineering Project Manager • Sheffield Forgemasters

I chose to pursue an apprenticeship in the nuclear sector as I have always had a strong interest in the different aspects of the nuclear industry, either how the nuclear grade components and equipment are made, or their use within certain aspects of the industry. Therefore, Sheffield Forgemasters was the perfect company to join, allowing me to be able to see first-hand how the nuclear grade components are manufactured, which my role has allowed me to experience first-hand, by learning how to maintain and replace the plant and machinery that plays a crucial role in creating the steel components. Whilst picking up knowledge along the way of how our technical and production teams operate to create the final product.

During my apprenticeship Sheffield Forgemasters, it has also allowed me to develop my skills in many different aspects, from risk and issue management, leadership, financial skills and most importantly my communication skills.

My goal is to become a qualified engineering project manager within Sheffield Forgemasters and explore the different sectors within the nuclear industry.

Nuclear Structures Engineering Apprentice • AECOM

Beth Cassidy is a Nuclear Structures Engineering Apprentice based in Warrington, where she has applied the learning from her education to various projects. She has been with AECOM for two years and is currently completing her fourth year of a civil and structural degree course. Beth’s dedication to continuous learning and professional development makes her an invaluable member of the team.

Beth shares her thoughts below for National Apprentice Week 2025: Skills for Life.

Apprenticeships play a vital role in developing these essential lifelong skills. Balancing university work and project deadlines teaches apprentices the importance of time management and prioritisation, crucial for meeting both academic and professional commitments.

Level 3 Machine Engineering Apprentice • Westinghouse

I choose to pursue a career within Westinghouse due to the prestige associated with the high levels of training given within the company. I find the nuclear industry generally attractive due to the growth within that has been seen in recent years with projects like SMR (Small Modular Reactors) and the extension of reactor lives receiving government attention. Westinghouse as a whole has great retention of apprentices with a third of all employees on the Springfields site being previous apprentices. Unlike many companies, apprentices are given opportunities to progress within to the extent that the current managing director and most of his team are previous apprentices.

I have gained both hands on and technical skills from my apprenticeship. Skills like milling and turning have enabled me to think technically and see how a component can be produced to a high standard from stock material. I have developed my abillity to solve mechanical problems at work. This is something that will be of great value to me throughout my career and my life, enabling me to tackle difficult tasks at home too. It has also acted as a stepping stone for me to learn the expectations of a workplace whilst still gaining knowledge from my day at college.

Post my apprenticeship it is my goal to pursue a degree and a higher position with the company. Westinghouse is an amazing organisation to work for and provide great benefits and incentives to employees such as flexible hours and a good pension. I have no doubt about remaining in the nuclear industry for the foreseeable future. With great opportunities worldwide nuclear is a great option that should be considered.

Level 3 Electrical & Instrumentation Engineering Apprentice • Westinghouse

My name is Harrison and I am currently in the second year of my apprenticeship at Westinghouse Springfields and The role of my apprenticeship is ‘electrical engineering’. I chose an apprenticeship in the nuclear industry, as after some research I discovered that the future of nuclear fuel looks extremely positive with countries all over the world looking more and more into switching over to cleaner renewable energy such as what we make her at Westinghouse.

I have gained numerous skills so far in my time as an apprentice such as maintaining all different kinds of machinery and electrical circuits that we have on site along with how to install them and I have learnt all about inspection and testing of electrical equipment/circuits. Additionally, I have gained knowledge about the industry and work experience that a lot of people my age do not have. This is why I am a strong advocate of apprenticeships as they are definitely the way forward in this line of work

Level 3 Machine Engineering Apprentice • Westinghouse

I chose Westinghouse due to its extremely high level of attention to the safety of its employees, it is comforting to work somewhere that heavily enforces health and safety regulations as well as other government legislation. Choosing to do an apprenticeship was the best choice I have ever made, you get hands on experience with tools and procedures that you will be following in the future, it builds good practice as well as patience.

My goals post apprenticeship is to work my way up the ladder within Westinghouse. I Would like to challenge myself and see how high I can go. It is inspiring to know that the current Managing Director of the Springfields site began his career as an apprentice just like me, it shows that anything is possible if you are determined to work hard and keep your head down.

Level 6 Engineering Degree Apprentice • Westinghouse

I chose to pursue an apprenticeship after finishing my time in college, as I wanted to be able to gain experience in the workplace whilst I completed my degree. Especially as an engineer, I have always felt that the hands-on experience of an apprenticeship suits the style of work more than a graduate scheme, because most of the time purely understanding the theory behind how a machine operates is not enough to allow you to solve problems and perform improvements in a working plant.

I feel I have developed myself massively through the course of my apprenticeship so far. Along with gaining a greater understanding of technical concepts and the operations of the plant, I have found that being in the workplace has greatly increased my ability to be organised and plan out my work. Most of all, I have found that over the 5 years I have developed a strong sense of drive and determination for all parts of my work, which I feel would not have been nurtured in a classroom environment.

After finishing my apprenticeship I am firstly aiming to secure a role within the site’s Control Engineering Group, a placement which I enjoyed very much. Following this, I aspire to complete a master’s degree in a relevant subject, doing this as a part time course alongside my new role as an engineer. Finally, I will continue to seek out the necessary training while in my role to continue taking on new responsibilities and gaining competencies to become a more proficient engineer.

Information Assurance Advisor • Nuclear Transport Solutions (NTS)

I’m Lauren Gorge, an Information Assurance Advisor at Nuclear Transport Solutions (NTS), where I work as part of the Security and Resilience Directorate within the Information Governance Team.

I was enrolled on the Cyber Security Apprenticeship in October 2019 with Energus as part of the NDA Group Cyber Security Apprenticeship programme. I started my first placement with International Nuclear Services (INS), which was a great opportunity for me to get into the role and learn more about the nuclear sector itself and cyber security.

I had the opportunity to be placed within different subsidiaries within the NDA group. During my first placement, I had many great opportunities, not only learning more about the industry and the profession within the workplace, but also having the opportunity to build my confidence and further develop my personal attributes by being invited and attending the Cyber Security Connect Conference in Monaco and the International Conference on Nuclear Security at IEAE Vienna. These opportunities, along with others such as being part of Women in Nuclear and several other events which I have attended, have all helped me develop my networking skills, enabled me to meet some very interesting people from around the world and ultimately further develop my knowledge in the nuclear industry and cyber security.

I think apprenticeship schemes give everyone a chance at taking up career opportunities they maybe wouldn’t have considered. Apprenticeship schemes allow for on-the-job experience, earning whilst learning and bring so many opportunities to grow and develop.

Going into this apprenticeship, I wasn’t the most confident individual, but I wanted to take all of the opportunities possible which could provide me with the scope to personally and professionally develop. I believe, with the support of Energus, my placement line managers and colleagues, I managed to achieve this.

After completing the apprenticeship end point assessment process, I applied for a role within NTS as Information Assurance Advisor, which is the role I currently hold.

My advice to anyone considering a role within the nuclear sector on an apprenticeship scheme is:

• Seize any opportunity when given the chance
• Take risks
• Always be yourself

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