Nuclear Higher Apprentice Review

As a Nuclear Higher Apprentice I work within placement rotations of 3 to 6 months and attend a foundation degree course for Nuclear Engineering once a week. Within placements we get objectives that we work toward during the time we are within that placement which help us to gain competencies to complete the apprenticeship.

I have only been in the business a few months but I have already learnt a lot. I have completed one placement and I am now on my second. I have learnt some technical nuclear knowledge and I have also learnt about the business and how it runs in order to build submarines efficiently.

The programme is different to what it is advertised to be however I am enjoying what the business does as a whole but I am still trying to figure out where I would like this job to go when the apprenticeship has been completed. Saying this the support you get from the early careers staff is brilliant and make the whole experience more enjoyable.

At the moment the scheme is changing and to my knowledge I believe it has been changing for a while therefore it is not clear what the future may hold for the nuclear scheme. However the early careers side of the scheme is well organised and helps us in every way possible to develop areas that we feel we need help with.

There is a lot of support available to all apprentices/higher apprentices/graduates etc. from discipline managers to well being support to mentors and buddies. Also the early careers time do all they can to make sure that all there employees are happy within their jobs and if there are any issues they will help you to resolve it.

When working toward your degree there are many people you can get in touch with to help you with your studies. They reply quickly and there help is always useful. Support is never far away whether you are in uni or whether you are at home somebody will always answer your requests.

So far I haven't done much technical learning mostly just maths and English so not a lot is specific to my job role. However, learning these skills has helped when writing important documents within my job role and so far it has helped in this way to assist my development.

There are a lot of stretch opportunities to take part in for example helping out with STEM projects, Charity events like football or golf, helping with open days and joining different groups (Nuclear Institute and Young Nuclear Professionals Forum). I have taken part in open days and STEM projects as well as joining YNPF however t is not compulsory and you can do as little or as much as you'd like.

Yes

The opportunities you are given are brilliant and the benefits the business gives you are good too. For example, I have been able to attend a Fukhusima Re-enactment and every employee has access to the shares scheme and a really good pension. There is also so much support within your role where ever you are placed so you are never left alone.

Be confident- shying away doesn't show you interviewer who you really are. Prepare well- You will feel less stressed if you have prepared yourself for what they may ask you. Don't be afraid- They are not there to catch you out they are seeing if you are right for them and if they are right for you (they are only human)