Nuclear Operator Apprenticeship (24-month)

A nuclear operator is responsible for the hands-on operation of plant systems and equipment on their facility. Operators will be trained in procedures for plant control and monitoring, sampling operations, environmental controls, radioactive discharges, emergencies and other systems such as ventilation, steam and cooling water and dealing with the handling & disposal of radiological and hazardous waste.

Nuclear Operators promote a positive safety culture, act as custodian for front line operations and demonstrate excellent behavioural standards including the nuclear professionalism standard.  Operators comply with all legislative, regulatory and company policies & procedures applicable to the role, follow the Sellafield Ltd Standards and Expectations and align to the manifesto.

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  • As an apprentice Nuclear Operator, you’ll learn by working with trained professionals. Tasks include operating equipment, monitoring plant systems, housekeeping, decontamination, and emergency response. You’ll perform log keeping, handovers, and alignments while adhering to safety protocols. PPE and RPE are mandatory, with work in confined spaces, at heights, and extreme environments. This hands-on role is critical for maintaining site safety and operations.

  • This two-year scheme includes classroom/practical training and on-site rotations to gain Level 2 accreditation. Shifts may include weekends or unsociable hours. Progress is monitored via evidence folders and independent assessments during the final six months, testing your technical and behavioural competence as a Nuclear Operator. You’ll gain comprehensive skills and experience in a challenging but rewarding environment.

  • First 6 months – Classroom and practical training is delivered at a local off-site training facility.

    Last 18 months – On the Sellafield Site and in an operational team, to continue your training and apprenticeship. You may be rotated into other teams or areas as required, to support both your apprenticeship learning and/or to meet key business needs.

    You will be continually monitored and assessed both academically and behaviourally, during your whole training period.

  • Level 2 ST0291 Nuclear Operative

    Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Processing Industries Operations Process Operations

    Level 2 Award for Nuclear Industry Awareness (ANIA)

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

  • Minimum age of 18 by 1st February 2026, in-line with health and safety requirements.

    Minimum of 3 GCSEs at Grade 4 (previously Grade C) or the Scottish equivalent, in Mathematics, English Language and 1 Science or Engineering subject.

    Functional Skills Level 2 will be considered as equivalent to GCSE Grade 4.

    Other qualifications, accredited by a recognised body (e.g. Ofqual), may also be considered.

  • The role can be physically demanding, including manual handling, moving waste bags, climbing multiple flights of stairs and climbing ladders.

    You will be required to wear personal protective and respiratory equipment, including full-face respirators, PVC suits, latex gloves and may include air-fed suits, leather gauntlets, lead aprons, etc.

    You must be able to build effective working relationships and work as part of a team.

    The role will involve working in a range of conditions, including work at heights on platforms or over-head cranes, in hot or cold environments and in confined spaces.

  • Candidates must achieve SC security clearance and the required medical clearances; these will be instigated on receiving a conditional offer of employment.

  • Year 1* – £21,260

    Year 2* – £21,960

    21 years plus* – £26,413

Chloe
Nuclear Operator Apprentice
What kind of tasks have you been involved in during your apprenticeship?

One day I could be dismantling gloveboxes in high hazard areas, the next I could be exporting waste round site. Alongside this I have my learning which has been interesting looking into the history of site for example. The work is diverse and enjoyable, as my apprenticeship placement includes four decommissioning areas each with their own different challenges. I am coming to the end of my apprenticeship, and I am looking forward to becoming a qualified nuclear operator.

How has your apprenticeship shaped your career ambitions?

The apprenticeship has been the best decision I’ve made as I didn’t know anything about what a nuclear operator was. Now I am taking part in numerous decommissioning projects which I am grateful to be a part of. I never knew what I wanted to do as a career, now for the first time I feel like I’m ambitious and I know Sellafield will have plenty of opportunities for me to progress.

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