Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) and Sellafield attended UlverSTEM last week as an opportunity to enthuse and inspire young people in Cumbria into STEM education and careers.
UlverSTEM is an interactive Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths focused event for 6-16 year olds, held at Ulverston Victoria High School and was attended by over 3,000 students.
At the event, NWS explored topics of geology and nuclear with the students, offering hands on activities to engage and learn. Sellafield facilitated interactive learning around building essential skills such as communication, teamwork, creativity and adaptability alongside an overarching theme of construction.
Tracy Badham, Social Responsibility Manager at Nuclear Waste Services, said:
“NWS has always supported STEM in our communities and UlverSTEM was a great success, it was wonderful to see so many young people eager to learn about geology, nuclear science and engineering. We had lively conversations about the creation of rocks, importance of strong engineering in nuclear, how NWS deals with radioactive waste and the topic of radiation in everyday life”.
Stephanie Hetherington, Educational Outreach Lead at Sellafield, said:
‘Educational Outreach is vital in Sellafield. Inspiring young minds aged 6 to 16 across Cumbria means showing them that their classroom subjects aren’t just abstract ideas—they’re stepping stones to real careers. By linking activities to job roles and the national curriculum, we help them see their future in STEM, not as distant or exclusive, but as exciting, inclusive, and achievable. When role models reflect the diversity of our communities, every child can see themselves in their own journey of STEM.”
Nuclear Waste Services and Sellafield are both part of the NDA group, which is responsible for decommissioning the UK’s nuclear legacy.
Primary School workshops with NWS in Cumbria can be booked via the Centre for Leadership Performance.
More information about Sellafield’s Educational Outreach team can be found here: Education Outreach – Sellafield Ltd.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
About Nuclear Waste Services
Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) specialises in the management, treatment and disposal of radioactive waste produced by nuclear technologies in the UK.
NWS is part of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) group, which is the non-departmental public body responsible for the clean-up of historical nuclear sites.
Our goal is to ensure all categories of the UK’s radioactive waste are managed safely and securely through innovative and sustainable approaches to better protect people and the environment, both now and for the future.
About Sellafield Ltd
Sellafield Ltd combines world-class skills and innovative technology to solve complex nuclear, engineering, and infrastructure challenges.
Our activities are driven by a single purpose: to create a clean and safe environment for future generations
This includes the safe decommissioning of the Sellafield site, safeguarding the UK’s largest stockpile of nuclear materials, and managing spent fuel from the UK’s operational nuclear power stations.
We employ 12,000 people and support 54,000 jobs in our supply chain, working with partners ranging from small local businesses to global market leaders.
Media enquiries:
Kristina Drake, Media Relations Manager, Nuclear Waste Services
Mobile: 07928513755 Email: [email protected]
