Nuclear Higher Apprentice Review

As a Nuclear Higher Apprentice, I will rotate through approximately ten placements across several functions for the first three years of my scheme. The last two years will be spent in my exit role, gathering the competencies for the Nuclear Scientist and Engineering Degree Apprenticeship Standard and developing in the role in which I will eventually exit.

Once a week, I attend Blackpool and Fylde College to study towards a Degree in Nuclear Engineering accredited by Lancaster University. I have also had the opportunity to attend multiple training courses such as; I Keep Submarine Safe, Nuclear Designated Area Passport & First Aid Training Level three. My presentation skills have also developed.

Obviously I am biased, but I can not speak highly enough of the scheme. As an alternative to university, the social side of higher apprenticeships does suffer in comparison however not as much as one may think. There are several socials organised by the Early Careers population such as Christmas Nights Out, Pup Golf and Charity Football.

As we rotate through several teams, we are valued differently in each one. Most of the time we are given valuable work but in some placements, despite being accepted socially, can feel like a burden professionally. This occurs more in hands on based placements as we lack the required skills to complete work by ourselves.

I feel the Nuclear Higher Apprenticeship is organised to a higher standard than the other Higher Apprenticeships offered within the business. All of our placements are organised over 3 years before we join the business. This plan is flexible however and can be tailored to suit an individual's professional interests and ambitions.

Blackpool and Fylde College offer lots of support academically. HELMs are available to grammatically check an assignments grammar before submission and the tutors never hesitate to reply to questions either in person or via email. As we only attend the college once a week and the fact it is two hours away, we are unable to make use of the social support the college offer.

The business has a fantastic support network for both personal and professional issues. I've never had to use the personal support network but I'm well aware of it and wouldn’t hesitate to contact my line manger should an issue emerge. While in our placements, we have a placement manger to help us strive towards our objectives and a discipline manger to oversee our scheme at a higher level.

As I'm from Barrow, the business is local. This means I have retained the ability to live at home and as a result my living costs are greatly reduced. My salary awards me a great amount of disposable income which allows me to visit my friends at university, go on holidays and save up for a housing deposit.

As I'm from Barrow, the business is local. This means I've been able to stay at my old Scout and Explorer groups as a leader. I've also been able to join the Nuclear Institute and the Young Nuclear Safety Professionals Forum (a sub-group of the Safety Directors Forum). The YNSPF has given me the opportunity to work with other individuals in the early stages of their career at different nuclear companies.

Yes

I can't recommend the apprenticeship enough to those interested in the STEM subjects. While it takes an extra two years to earn your degree, the difference between earning and debt is close to £150,000 over three years. You'll also gain invaluable experience over the 5 years on the scheme that you couldn’t possibly get at university alone.

When applying, ensure you mention every major experience you've learned something from, regardless of how unimportant it may seem. It is also important to do some research on the company, both to impress your interviewers and to ensure the scheme you are applying for is right for you. You'll be required to give a presentation at the assessment centre, ensure you practise it as it is the one assessment in which you'll have sole control.