Nuclear Welding Inspection

48 month programme

What is a Nuclear Welding Inspection Technician?

The role of a nuclear welding inspection technician will be to provide quality control and welding inspection services for the nuclear industry.

What will I be doing?

You will be carrying out detailed visual inspections, making detailed records and giving technical feedback, as well as, developing the confidence to challenge/question specifications throughout the manufacturing process. You will become trained in other techniques such as liquid penetrant and magnetic particle testing to detect surface breaking defects or you may also get the chance to do volumetric testing such as; Radiography and Ultra Sonic testing, which allows you to detect defects inside the weld. You will need to have the right attitude to health and safety, quality and following instructions.

The scheme will cover:

• Material science
• Welding technology/welding inspection
• Non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques

What do I need to consider?

This is an exciting and relatively new four-year apprenticeship scheme, in fact, there is nothing like it in the UK. For the first twelve months you will be at college learning basic hand skills and three in depth modules covering the most commonly used welding techniques within the nuclear industry. You will then progress and have the opportunity to work towards a Level 4 Apprenticeship certificate, during this time you will work alongside existing welding inspectors at Sellafield Ltd and attend college one day per week.

Having high levels of attention to detail is vital in this role and in the written write up on records.

It is a requirement for the role that you are able to pass an NDT eye test in accordance with BS EN ISO 9712, this is required to be maintained at 12 monthly intervals

More information can be found by clicking here. 

Where will my training be delivered?

1st Year – Training will be delivered at a local off-site training facility. You will learn basic hand, trade skills, welding techniques, reading engineering/fabrication drawings, taking measurements and a basic introduction into welding inspection.

2nd, 3rd and 4th Year – You will be placed in the welding inspection team on site/off site and in the supply chain learning about welding inspection, material defects and NDT techniques, i.e. Dye Penetrant, Magnetic Particle, Radiography and Ultrasonic Testing. We also carry out inspections off site as well which means we have to inspect manufactured items/equipment that our suppliers have made in their workshops to check it meets the required standard.

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 Nuclear Welding Inspection Technician.

What qualifications will I obtain?

• ST0292 Nuclear Welding Inspection Technician Apprenticeship
• Level 4 BTEC Higher National Certificate.
• Level 2 Welding Inspection Qualification, which allows the NWIT to deploy and supervise welding inspection.
• Level 2 certification in two NDT techniques
• Performing Engineering Operations (PEO) NVQ Level 2 in Welding
• Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Operations and Maintenance (3 units only)
• BTEC HNC in Engineering Manufacture
• Award for Nuclear Industry Awareness (ANIA) Level 2 Qualification

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

What are the entry requirements?

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 (Grades A to C) including 1 Science or Engineering subject.
• Mathematics and English Language at Grade 5 (Grade B) or above
• 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?

During the placements on site you may be involved in work that requires you to wear Radiological Protection Equipment such as; Enclosed Suites and Respirators.

As part of the role, you will need to work at heights to work at heights on scaffold erections or moving platforms wearing Safety harness equipment and working in designated confined spaces.

All training will be given to allow you to carry out all of these activities, which includes dress/undress training of enclosed suits, how to correctly wear a respirator.

Additional Requirements

• Candidates will be required to achieve appropriate security and medical clearances; these will be instigated on receiving a conditional offer of employment.
• Candidates need to pass an industry specific eye test, which needs to be reviewed every 12 months.