Our Nuclear Operator apprenticeship is a Level 2, 24-month programme that prepares you to safely operate and monitor processes within our nuclear facilities.
A Nuclear Operator is responsible for the hands-on operation of plant systems and equipment on their facility. Operators will be trained in procedures for plant control and monitoring, sampling operations, environmental controls, radioactive discharges, emergencies and other systems such as ventilation, steam and cooling water and dealing with the handling & disposal of radiological and hazardous waste.
Nuclear Operators promote a positive safety culture, act as custodian for front line operations and demonstrate excellent behavioural standards including the nuclear professionalism standard. Operators comply with all legislative, regulatory and company policies & procedures applicable to the role, follow the Sellafield Ltd Standards and Expectations and align to the Sellafield Ltd manifesto values.
Before applying, make sure you’re comfortable with the hands-on, varied nature of the Nuclear Operator apprenticeship:
- Two-Year Programme – You’ll complete a structured apprenticeship with training and support throughout.
- Working Hours – Standard office hours are 07:30–15:40, but there may be occasional 12-hour day/night shifts and weekend work during your training.
- Work Environment – You’ll spend time outdoors in all weather, sometimes at heights on platforms or over-head cranes, in confined spaces, and within nuclear facilities. The role can be physically demanding, including general manual handling, moving waste bags, climbing multiple flights of stairs and climbing ladders.
- Safety First – PPE is essential in certain areas, including respirators and protective suits, to keep you safe. Some of our personal protective equipment requires you to be clean shaven and make-up free to keep you safe.
- Training & Qualifications – You’ll build a portfolio of evidence, gain accredited certifications, and complete a final assessment in your last six months to become a qualified Nuclear Operator.
During your apprenticeship, you’ll develop essential skills to work safely and effectively in a nuclear environment, including:
- Attention to Detail
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Data Interpretation
- Emergency Response
- Equipment Handling
- Fault Diagnosis
- Plant Operations Safety & Compliance
In addition, you’ll achieve a nationally recognised qualification in:
- Level 2 ST0291 Nuclear Operative Standard Apprenticeship
We’re looking for applicants who have a good level of:
- Communication
- Health & Safety
The qualifications you’ll need to have, or be predicted:
- 3 GCSEs Grade 4 (Grade C) in Mathematics, English Language & 1 Science/Engineering subject or ICT subject
- Comparable qualifications approved by Ofqual may be considered equivalent to GSCE grade 4 (Grade C)
If you’ve studied in Scotland:
- 3 National 5s at C or above including English and Maths (excluding Application of Maths), 1 Science/Engineering OR ICT subject.
- Comparable qualifications approved by Ofqual may be considered equivalent to GSCE grade 4 (Grade C)
Please be aware that this role is subject to achieving security clearance. This role requires higher level of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 years of continuous residency in the UK. Factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the level of clearance you’re able to achieve.
- Application Closing Date: 15th February 2026
- Assessment: You will be issued an assessment to complete, the date you receive this will depend on when you apply. You will be given a deadline to complete this.
- National Apprenticeship Week: 9th – 15th February 2026
- In-Person Assessment Centre: Wednesday 18th or Thursday 19th March 2026
- Conditional Offers issued between April & May 2026
- Upon receiving an offer, you’ll be invited to attend a skills scan, this is a pre-requirement for your apprenticeship and will take place between May and July, you will be notified of the date upon receiving your conditional offer.
- Expected Start Date: 21st September 2026
In promoting equal opportunities, we welcome applications from all sections of the community. We select people according to their abilities and our needs. Please regularly check your emails (including any junk mail/spam folders) for correspondence related our apprenticeships, including assessment or interview invitations and any other type of correspondence relating to your application.
In the event of a high number of responses to any advert, we may close the advert early.
We are recognised as a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3). Disability Confident employers offer an interview to disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for a vacancy. We define the minimum criteria as the ‘essential skills’ which are listed on the vacancy notice. Whilst completing your application form, you will be able to indicate if you wish to be considered under the disability confident scheme. If you would prefer to discuss this directly with us, please contact the GBS Recruitment team on recruitment@sellafieldcloud.co.uk.
- Salary of £21,260 in Year 1, rising to £21,960 in Year 2. If you’re over 21 when you enter Year 2, you’ll receive a salary of £26,413 – choosing to make a career change has never been easier.
- On top of your annual salary, you’ll have the opportunity to benefit from an annual bonus, linked to company performance, of up to £4,000.
- We aim to strike a good work/life balance by offering 30 days annual leave with statutory public holidays on top. There is also the ability to purchase an additional 2.5 days leave on top.
- If you’re relocating here from more than 30 miles away, we’ll support you with a relocation allowance of £1,400 and give you plenty of information on the best areas to live and how to find a place too.
- We also offer an attractive defined contribution pension scheme – the company will match up to 13.5% for a 7% employee contribution.
- At the end of your apprenticeship and subject to there being a suitable vacancy, you’ll have the opportunity to be considered for a full time position with us.
- Other benefits include paid sick leave scheme, cycle to work scheme, family friendly policies, welfare & employee assistance programme, employee savings & discounts, plus many others.
- Plan Before You Apply – When you click ‘Apply for Job’, review the application form carefully. Note the key questions and minimum response requirements. Draft your answers offline first to ensure they’re well thought out, rather than rushing through the form.
- Include Skills We’re Looking For – refer your responses back to the Nuclear Operator apprenticeship and the skills we’re looking for.
- Include All Qualifications – Make sure every qualification you’ve achieved is listed. Before submitting, double-check each section to confirm nothing is missing.
- Prepare Your Documents – If you’ve already achieved your qualifications, have digital copies ready to upload. This will save time and help you complete your application smoothly.
