Connect. Control. Innovate.

• Why choose Operational Technology?

  Ever wondered how digital technology controls equipment in the physical world?

  Operational Technology brings together engineering, digital technology, automation, cyber security and problem-solving. At Sellafield, engineers and technical specialists manage, maintain and modify operational technology and programmable electronic systems that help keep facilities safe and operational.

  During your experience, you’ll discover how teams:

  • Diagnose and investigate technical problems
  • Manage and improve operational systems
  • Use programming and automation to control technology
  • Protect operational systems from cyber security risks
  • Combine different engineering and digital skills
  • Develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges

  If you’re interested in both engineering and technology, Operational Technology is where the digital and physical worlds meet.

• What you’ll experience

  Solve technical problems: Develop your problem-solving and fault-finding skills through practical challenges and discover how engineers systematically investigate problems.

  Explore robotics and programming: Experience programming activities and explore how technology can be controlled and tested. The existing programme includes developing and testing programming solutions involving a robotic dog in a mock nuclear facility environment.

  Experiment with automation and control: Discover how programmed systems control physical equipment through activities involving technology such as traffic lights and conveyor rigs.

  Discover cyber security: Explore cyber security for Operational Technology and understand why protecting operational systems is so important.

  Experience engineering in action: Spend time in hands-on engineering environments exploring equipment, demonstrations and technical activities, and see how people from different engineering and digital disciplines work together.

  Meet the professionals: Meet engineers and technical specialists and gain insight into their roles, experiences and career journeys.

• What you’ll gain

  Throughout your experience, you’ll have opportunities to develop skills that are valuable in technical careers and beyond, including:

  • Problem-solving and critical thinking, working through practical technical challenges
  • Communication and active listening
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Creativity and innovation
  • Digital and technical awareness
  • Leadership and personal responsibility
  • Confidence and professional behaviours

  You’ll also gain a better understanding of how digital and engineering disciplines connect, helping you discover which areas of technology interest you most.

• Careers you could explore

  Operational Technology sits at the intersection of engineering and digital technology, opening up opportunities to explore careers where technology interacts with real equipment, systems and facilities.

  Your experience could help you discover an interest in areas such as:

  • Operational Technology
  • Automation and control
  • Digital engineering
  • Operational cyber security
  • Systems support
  • Engineering and technical problem-solving

  Keep exploring

  Not sure which pathway interests you yet? That’s exactly what work experience is for.

  Use your week to meet people, ask questions and discover whether your interests lie in engineering, digital technology, cyber security, automation or somewhere in between.

• Is Operational Technology for me?

  This programme could be right for you if you:

  • Enjoy finding out how things work
  • Like solving practical or technical problems
  • Are interested in engineering and technology
  • Are curious about robotics, automation or programming
  • Want to understand more about cyber security
  • Enjoy experimenting with ideas and finding solutions
  • Like teamwork and practical challenges
  • Are interested in careers that combine digital and engineering skills

  You don’t need to know whether engineering, digital or cyber is right for you. This experience gives you the opportunity to explore how they connect and discover where your interests could take you.

Introduction to Sellafield, Operational Technology and the challenge of connecting digital and physical systems.

Develop systematic problem-solving and fault-finding approaches through practical technical activities.

Explore programming, control systems, automation and robotics through hands-on challenges.

Discover Operational Technology cyber security, explore why systems need protecting and experience further engineering activities.

Bring your experience together, reflect on your strengths and explore future technical career pathways.