Nuclear Welding Inspection Technician Apprenticeship (48-month)

• What do I need to consider?

  This apprenticeship is a fantastic opportunity, but it comes with responsibilities and commitments you should think about before applying:

  Age Requirement:

  Candidates must be 16 years of age minimum at the start of the apprentice year.

  Time Commitment:

  This is a 48-month program, combining full-time training, on-the-job learning, and academic study. You’ll need to balance practical work with college day release.

  Travel and Flexibility:

  You will be expected to travel across Cumbria and occasionally to suppliers around the UK. Reliable transport and flexibility are important.

  Work Environment:

  You’ll work in highly regulated, safety-critical environments where strict procedures and attention to detail are essential.

  Career Path:

  While permanent roles are not guaranteed, Year 4 includes a transition phase where you can align your skills with potential opportunities within the business.

  Personal Readiness:

  Consider whether you are comfortable with technical work, continuous learning, and adapting to new standards and technologies.

• Where will my training be delivered?

  The apprenticeship will be delivered through a structured mix of classroom learning, practical experience, and formal assessment across four years:

  Months 1-12 (Year 1): You will spend the first year full-time with a specialist training provider. This will give you a strong foundation in core skills such as metalworking, welding, and an introduction to inspection techniques. Training will take place in a dedicated workshop environment, ensuring hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and equipment.

  Months 13-36 (Years 2 & 3): Learning moves into the workplace with on-the-job training at Sellafield and within the wider supply chain. You’ll rotate through different placements to gain exposure to real-world inspection and certification activities. Alongside this, you will attend college on a day-release basis to complete your HNC studies, combining academic knowledge with practical application.

  Months 37-48 (Year 4): The final year focuses on your End Point Assessment, which includes written and practical tests as well as a competency-based interview. During this period, we will also begin the transition process toward potential permanent roles within the business. While this is not guaranteed, it provides an opportunity to align your skills and experience with future workforce needs.

• What qualifications will I obtain?

  Level 4 ST0292 Nuclear Welding Inspection Technician Apprenticeship

  Mandated by the apprenticeship standard:

  • CSWIP or PCN Level 2 in Dye Penetrant Inspections
  • CSWIP or PCN Level 2 in Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI)
  • BTEC L4 Higher National Certificate in Engineering (QAN 610/3653/3)
  • Integrated EPA:

  – CSWIP 3.1 or PCN Weld Inspection Level 2

  Professional Recognition:

  This apprenticeship aligns with:

  • The Welding Institute for Engineering technician (EngTech)
  • British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing for Engineering technician (EngTech)

  Further Learning to support Year 1 and transition to HNC:

  • Performing Engineering Operations (PEO) NVQ Level 2 in welding (MAG/TIG/MMA)
  • Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Operations and Maintenance (3 units only)

• What are the entry requirements?

  To be eligible for this apprenticeship, candidates must meet the following minimum academic requirements:

  • A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 (A–C) or above, including at least one Science or Engineering subject.
  • Mathematics and English Language at grade 5 (B) or higher.
  • Comparable qualifications approved by Ofqual may be considered equivalent to GSCE grade 4 (Grade C)

• What can I expect to earn?

  Your salary will increase as you progress through the four-year program, subject to achieving key milestones and demonstrating competence at each stage:

  Year 1 – £23,917

  Year 2 – £26,583

  Year 3 – £29,158

  Year 4 – £31,795

  Please note: Progression to the next pay band is not automatic. It is dependent on meeting agreed performance targets, completing required training modules, and demonstrating the skills and behaviours expected at each stage of the apprenticeship.

Josh
Nuclear Welding Inspection Apprentice

How did your background such as your skills/studies play a role in choosing this particular programme?

Regarding to my job role now my previous background played a role in selecting this as I knew from school and throughout my life I succeeded most with practical learning however I also valued theory based learning as well, which I discovered the NWIT scheme offers both of these to help progress throughout the apprenticeship.

How has your apprenticeship helped shape your career goals?

On my apprenticeship I get the opportunity to go on placements with a variety of teams which provides me help in succeeding in my apprenticeship as I get a lot of different experiences. My future career aspirations would be complete my apprenticeship to be a fully qualified welding inspector.