Nuclear Engineer
What is the work like?
As an engineer in the nuclear industry, you could work with nuclear technology to either generate energy or research and develop ways of using the technology in various other industries.
In power generation, you could work on tasks such as:- running nuclear power stations and equipment
- fuel reprocessing
- waste management
- decommissioning nuclear power stations
- radiological protection and safety.
- designing and building new plants and equipment
- measuring radiation levels
- planning safe methods of disposing of nuclear waste during decommissioning
- being responsible for security and safety
- supervising power station technicians
- attending meetings and giving presentations.
You could also work in the medical profession, the military, or in academic research.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To become a nuclear engineer, you will need a degree, foundation degree or BTEC HNC/HND in a relevant subject. A few specialist degrees and foundation degrees in nuclear engineering or nuclear decommissioning are available, or you could alternatively get in with another scientific or technical subject such as:
- chemical engineering
- mechanical engineering
- maths
- physics
- electrical engineering.
To get onto an engineering or science degree, you will usually need at least five GCSEs (A-C), plus two A levels including maths and a science subject. Alternative qualifications may be accepted and some universities offer a foundation year for people without maths and science qualifications. You should check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.
See the Nuclear Industry Association or Nuclear Courses websites for details of universities offering degrees and postgraduate courses with nuclear technology content.
You may have an advantage when looking for work if you have a relevant postgraduate degree as well as a first degree.
Your first job in the nuclear industry would often be as part of a graduate training scheme run by one of the larger employers. For this you will normally need a good degree (at least class 2:2) in a relevant technical subject.
You could alternatively get into the industry without a degree through an Apprenticeship scheme, and work your way up to engineer from technician status. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. To find out more about Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
What further training and development can I do?
Most large firms offer structured training and encourage professional development. Your training would usually include mentoring by experienced engineers, and short in-house courses for specific skills that you might need.
Your employer may also offer you the chance to take further postgraduate training, such as the Nuclear Technology Engineering Consortium (NTEC) professional development programme.
You can improve your career prospects by working towards incorporated or chartered engineer status and joining a professional engineering body like the Institution of Nuclear Engineers (INucE). Chartered engineers are normally involved in senior strategic management, or in research and development. Incorporated engineers often hold operational management roles.
See the Engineering Council and INucE websites for information on how to achieve incorporated and chartered engineer status.
You should continue to update your knowledge and skills throughout your career. Professional engineering bodies such as INucE offer regular professional development opportunities for their members – see websites for details.
Where can I go for more information?
2nd FloorWeston House
246 High Holborn
London
WC1B 7EX
Tel: 020 3206 0408
22a St James's Square
London
SW1Y 4JH
1 Penerley Road
London
SE6 2LQ
Centre Park
Warrington
Cheshire
WA1 1GG
Tel: 01925 515200
London
WC1V 7EX
Tel: 020 3206 0500
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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Electrical Engineering Technician
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Graduate trainees usually earn between £20,000 and £25,000 a year.
- Experienced engineers can earn between £30,000 and £50,000 a year or more.
What are the hours and working conditions?
In processing and power station operations, you could work a seven-day shift system that may include weekends, evenings and nights. In research and development you would be more likely to work standard office hours Monday to Friday.
Your work could take place in laboratories, control rooms or offices. You would need to wear protective clothing when dealing with radioactive material in laboratories or power stations.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- an interest in science and technology
- problem-solving and analytical skills
- good planning and organisational ability
- excellent mathematical and computer skills
- the ability to manage projects, budgets and people
- good spoken and written communication skills
- the ability to work as part of a team
- respect for safety and the environment.
What opportunities are there?
The main employers in nuclear power generation are BNFL and British Energy, at one of their ten operational sites around the UK. You could also find opportunities in research or in university teaching. A growing number of engineers work on freelance contracts.
With suitable skills and qualifications, opportunities are good, due to increased research into nuclear power, and the need for safe decommissioning of older nuclear installations.
Jobs may be advertised in the national press, industry publications and websites, on employers’ websites and by specialist recruitment agencies.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading (links open new window):
Nuclear Engineering International
TCE Today
UK Atomic Energy Authority
New Scientist
Utility Jobsearch
Physics World
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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