Health Physics Monitor

24 month programme

What is a Health Physics Monitor?

A Health Physics Monitor provides radiological monitoring services at the workface within the nuclear industry to protect people, plant and the environment from the adverse effects of ionising radiation and contamination.

What will I be doing?

You will use specialist equipment to carry out radiological protection monitoring; taking measurements of radiation dose rates and contamination levels.  You will interpret these measurements in order to provide protection advice to facility operators. You will need to be comfortable working with numbers and completing mental calculations as you will not always have access to a calculator. This role is critical to ensuring safe operations in nuclear facilities and requires a high level of attention to detail, quality and accuracy in recording and interpreting measurements. You will need to have the right attitude to health and safety, quality and following instructions.

The first 5 weeks of your training programme will be delivered off site. After this initial period, you will move to our on-site training facility for a further 5 weeks theoretical training, in preparation for moving to site-based locations where you will be very much in a hands-on role.

What do I need to consider?

This is a two-year scheme. You will generally work normal office hours between 07:30-15:40, however at times may be required to work different shift patterns including 12 hours working (day and night shifts) as well as weekend working. You will need to wear personal protective equipment, necessary for work in radiologically controlled areas, for a significant proportion of the working day. As part of the role you will need to wear respiratory protective equipment when working in active areas. In this role you will be required to work outside in all weather conditions, at heights, in small spaces and in nuclear facilities with alpha, beta, gamma and neutron radiation. This role provides an exciting opportunity to explore and experience various aspects of the sites and provides great plant-based experience.

As an integral part of your apprenticeship your progress will be monitored and assessed against government standard requirements. You will compile an evidence folder, demonstrating your areas of learning with accredited certificates of completion for elements of your training. Within the last six months of your apprenticeship you will undertake an assessment by an independently appointed organisation, where you will be expected to clearly demonstrate your capability to perform as a Health Physics Monitor.

Where will my training be delivered?

1st and 2nd Year – Training will be delivered between our off-site training facility, Sellafield Skills Centre and the Sellafield site.

What qualifications will I obtain?

• Level 2 ST0290 Nuclear Health Physics Monitor Apprenticeship
• Level 2 Certificate in Health Physics Monitoring in the Nuclear Industry (Theory).
• Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Radiological Protection.
• Award in Nuclear Industry Awareness.
• ISOH Working Safely.

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

What are the entry requirements?

• Minimum age of 18 by September 2024 in-line with health and safety requirements.
• Minimum of 3 GCSEs Grade 4 (Grade C) in Mathematics, English Language & 1 Science or Engineering subject.
• Functional Skills Level 2 will also be considered as equivalent to GCSE Grade 4 (Grade C). Other equivalent qualifications may be considered.

What are the requirements to do the role?

• You may be required to work different shift patterns including 12 hours working (day and night shifts) as well as weekend working.
• You will need to wear personal protective equipment, necessary for work in radiologically controlled areas, for a significant proportion of the working day. 
• Frequent wearing of respiratory protective equipment will also be required.
• In this role you will be required to work outside in all weather conditions,
• You will need to be comfortable with working at heights, in small spaces and in nuclear facilities with alpha, beta, gamma and neutron radiation.
• You will need to be physically fit for suit work and heat demanding tasks

Additional Requirements

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