Commissioning graduate programme

Commissioning is the act of bringing something newly produced into a working condition.

Commissioning refers to the process of preparing newly produced systems for operational use. In the context of Sellafield, it involves ensuring that all components of a building or industrial plant are designed, installed, tested, operated, and maintained according to the plant owner’s requirements and safety regulations. Commissioning engineers play a key role throughout the project lifecycle, contributing to design, procurement, and construction phases. During the commissioning phase, these engineers rigorously test the systems and components of the constructed plant based on procedures developed from design data and engineering principles. Once testing confirms that the plant aligns with its design intent, commissioning engineers will demonstrate its readiness for operational start-up.

  • In the two-year graduate scheme, graduates will work on projects in various teams. The Commissioning Graduate splits their time between the office and site. In the office, they’ll write test procedures, technical reports, plan tasks, analyse data, and support design processes. On-site, they’ll conduct tests, inspections, and resolve defects. This structured experience promotes professional and personal growth, offering engineering and leadership challenges necessary for achieving Chartered status. Some graduates even earn Incorporated Engineer status during this period, advancing towards CEng.

  • During the trainee period, graduates will develop skills to tackle future project challenges as technical expert engineers or managers. Assignments in commissioning will continue this tailored development to meet professional accreditation needs. Career pathways are designed to progressively challenge individuals as they gain experience in engineering and leadership. Graduates will acquire the necessary technical, project, business, and leadership skills to achieve Chartered Engineer (CEng) status within four years of joining Sellafield Ltd.

    • Electrical Engineering
    • Mechanical Engineering
    • Control Systems
Anouschka
Commissioning Graduate
What type of work have you been involved in within our Commissioning profession?

One of my graduate placements was with the commissioning team for the Pile Fuel Cladding Silo. This is one of the most interesting and demanding projects in the engineering sector. Here, I got to engage with the day-to-day operation on plant, and experience cutting-edge technology intersecting with one of the oldest nuclear stores in the world.

It was a privilege to be part of the team that achieved the first waste retrieval from the silo. In doing so, I know that I’ve made a meaningful difference to progressing Europe’s largest and most complex environmental restoration challenge. There aren’t many people that can say they’ve done that straight out of university!

What opportunities have you gained from the Sellafield graduate programme?

Being part of the Sellafield graduate scheme provides you with lots of opportunities for chartership, training and certifications. The programme pushes our development and keeps us accountable to ensure we get the best out of roles.

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