The Industry
The nuclear sector can be divided into five key areas: decommissioning, power generation, processing, defence and new build. The nucleargraduates programme gives you the opportunity to work across these areas, giving you a unique experience and insight into the industry.
Decommissioning is at the forefront of meeting the commercial and environmental challenges of this sector. By safely and efficiently managing the legacy the nuclear industry of the first 50 years has left, society can have confidence in the next generation of nuclear power stations. This is most definitely long term work - it will be undertaken over the next century and beyond.
Power generation makes up the best known part of the nuclear industry. It’s not surprising. Right now, the UK’s nuclear power stations already account for nearly 20% of the electricity supplied to meet national needs. There are a diverse range of station designs being used, and people with diverse skills are needed. What’s more, the growing appetite for clean, safe and reliable energy has led to the commissioning of a new wave of power stations.
Processing and reprocessing nuclear fuel is a rapidly growing part of this sector. The challenges are incredibly varied - from operating commercially in a global market to making new advances in chemical engineering. In addition, the scale of this area is not to be ignored. It’s comparable with the oil, gas, chemical and banking industries.
Defence plays an important role in the nuclear industry. A number of new contracts being delivered for the Ministry of Defence through suppliers such as BAE Systems and Rolls Royce. These suppliers are located throughout the UK, and the work ranges from construction to dock maintenance.
New Build encompasses project management, engineering, construction and business management. For the new generation of power stations to be built, we need ambitious, intelligent people who can tackle projects as big if not bigger than those such as the Olympic Games and London’s Cross Rail network.