Technical Degree Apprenticeship


Be outstanding in your Sellafield

As a Technical Degree Apprentice, you will follow a custom-made training scheme, you will develop core skills in the areas of science and engineering whilst undertaking wider practical elements of training on our exciting new build, commissioning / decommissioning programmes.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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

Lucy
Technical Degree Apprentice
How did your background such as your skills/studies play a role in choosing this programme?

I completed work experience at Sellafield when I was 16 which was why I ultimately chose this route. I believe work experience is the best way to help deciding on future career options and it gives firsthand experience of the job role. My A-levels in STEM subjects have helped significantly with my university studies, however softer skills such as communication have been essential for my development in the workplace.

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

There’s a genuine sense of community at Sellafield, especially among the apprentice cohorts. The Apprentice & Graduate Council plays a key role in helping us connect with others across different disciplines and year groups, creating a strong support network. On top of that, my involvement with the Young Generation Network (YGN) has expanded my connections across the wider nuclear industry and I’ve made lifelong friendships along the way!