System Engineering

What is a System Engineering Degree Apprenticeship?

As a Systems Engineering 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. 

The first 3 years follow a Level 5 apprenticeship undertaking the Engineering Design –Mechanical or CE&I Design pathway, the final 2 years tailored to System Engineering following a Level 6 apprenticeship with an integrated Degree and Associated Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP) from INCOSE (International Council On Systems Engineering) and the Institute for Systems Engineering (IfSE).

As a Systems Engineer you will be part of a training programme designed to develop the skills required to successfully deliver Sellafield complex engineering problems. Initially you will follow either a mechanical or electrical course and then develop into the area of Systems Engineering on your path to becoming a Projects Systems Engineering Manager  

Things I should consider?

To succeed on your chosen pathway, you should have a passion for a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths) based subject and a desire to pursue a career within the field. Following successful completion of your Level 5 Apprenticeship you will have the opportunity to complete a Level 6 apprenticeship with an integrated Degree tailored to your chosen pathway.

Throughout your chosen scheme, you will get to work on exciting projects and deliver complex pieces of work whilst becoming an integral part of a community of enthusiastic, talented individuals, who will go on to shape the future of Sellafield Ltd.

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 in your chosen career.

Where will my training be delivered?

Year 1 – All Apprentices will commence full time academic and engineering studies at one of our local training providers.

Years 2-5 – All Apprentices will be office based but will continue academic studies at one of our local training providers. Work placements will be based at Hinton House, Warrington.

What qualifications will I obtain?

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) aligned to your chosen pathway, over a further 2-year period.

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

What are the entry requirements?

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grades 9 to 4 (Grades A* to C) including Mathematics, English Language and one Science or Engineering subject.
• Minimum of 96 UCAS points at A-Level, STEM subjects preferred (e.g. Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Science) but not mandatory.
• Other Level 3 STEM qualifications may be considered.
• Vocational equivalents at level 3 or higher will also be considered as equivalent to UCAS points.
• If you do not have Mathematics at A Level, then you must achieve a minimum of Grade 6 (Grade B) at GCSE.

Additional Requirements 

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