Engineering & Maintenance Degree Apprenticeship

• What do I need to consider? 

  If you have a desire to problem solve, think outside of the box and deliver improvements this might be the role for you. To succeed in your chosen pathway, you should have a passion for STEM subjects and a desire for a career in the field.

  After completing a Level 5 Apprenticeship, you can progress to a Level 6 apprenticeship with a tailored degree. You’ll work on exciting projects, join a talented community, and help shape Sellafield Ltd’s future.

  Progress will be assessed via government standards, evidence folders, and a final independent review to demonstrate your capabilities.

• Where will my training be delivered?

  You will undertake a 3-month induction programme based at our local off-site training facility.

  Work placements will be based on either the Sellafield site or one of our various satellite offices. Academic Learning will take place 1 day a week at our training providers off-site training facility. In addition, some pathways will undertake a Practical Engineering Operations at our local off-site training facility.

• What qualifications will I obtain?

  The Degree Apprentice Programme consists of 2 phases;

  • Level 5 ST0380 Nuclear Technician Apprenticeship
  • Level 5 Foundation Degree/ Higher National Diploma (HND) in Engineering or Science aligned to your chosen pathway

  For candidates with the potential to progress further:

  • Level 6 ST0289 Nuclear Scientist and Nuclear Engineer Apprenticeship
  • Level 6 Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (BEng) or Science (BSc) aligned to your chosen pathway, over a further 2-year period.

  *Specific qualifications are subject to change and may be replaced with an equivalent.

• What are the entry requirements? 

  Degree apprenticeships target A-Level students or equivalents. Entry requirements include:

  • Minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including Maths, English Language, and one Science or Engineering subject.
  • At least 96 UCAS points from A-Level/T-Level, preferably in STEM subjects (Maths, Chemistry, Biology, Physics), but not mandatory.
  • Other Level 3 STEM or Vocational qualifications may be accepted.
  • If lacking A-Level Maths or higher Engineering, you must have a Grade 6 (B) in GCSE Maths.
  • Functional Skills Level 2 is considered to be equivalent to GCSE Grade 4 (C).

• Additional Requirements 

  Candidates will be required to achieve appropriate security and medical clearances; these will be instigated on receiving a conditional offer of employment.

Thomas
Engineering & Maintenance Degree Apprentice

How did your background such as your skills/studies influence your career route?

I studied mathematics, physics, and chemistry at A-Level, which gave me a strong technical foundation. In a previous role, I also managed maintenance and calibration, which sparked my interest in engineering and helped guide me toward this career path.

Did you relocate to take part in the scheme/programme?

Yes, I relocated around 200 miles from the Midlands. It was a big change, and navigating everything from renting to settling into a new area was a learning experience — but one that’s helped me grow both personally and professionally.

How did you find joining Sellafield alongside a large intake of other early careers starters?

Honestly, it was one of the best parts of the experience. Starting alongside a large group of early careers colleagues made it easy to build friendships and connections with people who were in the same boat, which really helped with settling in