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All of our current vacancies can be found on this page. You can also find more information at https://jobsearch.uknnl.com
The job details
Apprenticeship Scheme 2025 - Technician Scientist (Level 5)
Category: Apprentice & Graduates
Salary: Salary starting at £21,428
Closing Date: 2025-02-23
Location: Sellafield, Cumbria
The starting salary for this position is £21,428 (Band 5B)
If you have any queries regarding the position itself please contact nnlearlycareers@uknnl.com.
Please be aware that all new appointments will be made in-line with the PLC ‘New’ terms & conditions. Therefore, if you are not already on PLC ‘New’ terms & conditions and you are selected and accept this role, there will be changes made to your contractual terms. The terms and conditions of the role will be made clear in the offer letter.
If you have any queries about the impact of applying for this role on your terms & conditions, pay, pension or benefits, please contact the HR Support Team.
Job Description
There’s never been a more exciting time to be part of the nuclear sector. New opportunities are being created all the time. At NNL, you’ll be in the ideal place to capitalise on this momentum, face new challenges and develop a long, successful and meaningful career.
We’re an organisation that’s here to experiment and push the limits of what’s possible. So, if you’re keen to excel in your chosen field, this is the place to do it. Because at NNL, anything is possible.
NNL is not like any other business, and our apprenticeships are like no other. Our apprentices are our future, which is why we have a dedicated programme which supports you in your personal development whilst you complete your apprenticeship.
To join the NNL apprenticeship scheme you’ll already have a good academic background and should have attained or be on track to achieving 5 GCSE's 9-4 (A-C) including Maths, English & a Science. You should also be on track to complete, or have obtained a Level 3 qualification, such as A-levels, or completed an advanced apprenticeship in a STEM related subject providing the appropriate number of UCAS points for entry to level 5 HE programmes.
You must be 18 years or over by September 2025.
To be eligible for this apprenticeship you must:
- Not be enrolled on another funded apprenticeship or another funded further education or higher education programme at the time you start your new apprenticeship.
- Only apply if the Laboratory Technician Scientific, Level 5 apprenticeship standard, is unrelated to any qualifications you already hold at the same or higher level. The apprenticeship you are applying for must be unrelated in subject and content from the qualification you already hold.
You will have the right to work in the UK and be able to obtain SC level security clearance (this includes but is not limited to identity, employment, financial and criminal record checks plus 5 years’ worth of UK residency).
We’re looking for people who can be part of our future. People who want to succeed and have the commitment and motivation to get there. People who ask questions and demand answers, who’ll be open to learning and work hard.
We’re looking for bright, enthusiastic achievers who’ll want to be part of our mission to grow the nuclear industry.
Main Responsibilities
For this apprenticeship (subject to pre-qualifications) you will follow the Higher National Diploma or a Foundation Degree as a Technician Scientist.
NNL is where your solutions solve real-world problems. As a laboratory technician scientific apprentice, you will be working at the forefront of the nuclear research and development programme that makes NNL one of the world leaders in nuclear energy. You will support our nuclear research and development by operating our process equipment, testing and calibration of equipment as well as undertaking investigations and analysis of samples.
You will learn about:
- Nuclear Operations and Processes
- Calibrations
- Measurement and analysis methods
- Conducting investigations and tests
- Assessing technical data and contribute to technical reports
- Developing presentation techniques
To welcome you into the business, your programme will start with a tailored induction. This will give you an understanding of the business, the programme you will follow and what we’ll expect from you during your apprenticeship. Following your induction, you’ll be supported through your apprenticeship journey focusing on personal development. This covers a range of skills from time management to team working. We’ll learn about you together.
We even have a dedicated apprentice advisor who is there to ensure that you are settling into your apprenticeship at NNL, both in the workplace and at college.
As part of the selection process for the apprenticeship programme you should expect to complete a short online assessment. Successful candidates will be invited to attend an assessment centre which will assess technical and behavioural competencies. The assessment centre for this role will be held in March 2025.
If successful you will receive a conditional offer of employment, you will also be required to achieve the appropriate security and medical clearances.
You will start your apprenticeship scheme in September 2025.You will be based at our Workington or Sellafield Laboratory.