The Scientific & Technical degree apprenticeship is a science-based Level 5 programme lasting 43 months, designed to develop technical expertise and practical skills for careers in scientific disciplines.
As a Scientific Degree Apprentice, you will learn how to work in nuclear facilities as part of a technical team, alongside experienced professionals. You will learn how to manage the processes of today and help solve the problems of the future.
The Scientific Degree Apprenticeship is a four-year program that combines academic study with real-world experience in science and engineering. As a Scientific Degree Apprentice, you will learn how to work in nuclear facilities as part of a technical team, alongside experienced professionals. You’ll gain the skills to manage the processes of today and help solve the problems of the future, making a real impact on the nuclear industry.
You’ll also learn how science underpins everything we do at Sellafield—from managing nuclear materials safely to supporting environmental protection and innovation. This apprenticeship is perfect if you’re curious, enjoy problem-solving, and want a career where your work really matters.
If you’re considering a scientific degree apprenticeship, the most important question to ask yourself is whether you have a genuine passion for science. This pathway is designed for individuals who are curious about how the world works and eager to apply scientific principles to solve real-world problems. It combines academic learning with hands-on experience, so you’ll need to be motivated, resilient, and ready to balance study with practical work. If you enjoy exploring new ideas, asking questions, and using evidence to make decisions, this apprenticeship could be the perfect way to launch a rewarding career in science.
While working towards your degree, you’ll complete work placements either at the Sellafield site or one of our satellite offices, giving you hands-on exposure to scientific and technical roles. Academic learning takes place one day a week at our training provider’s off-site facility, so you’ll balance study with practical work.
During your apprenticeship, you’ll develop essential skills to work safely and effectively in a nuclear environment, including:
- Laboratory Techniques
- Data Analysis
- Problem-Solving
- Quality Assurance & Compliance
- Communication
- Teamwork & Collaboration
- Time Management
- Critical Thinking
In addition, you’ll achieve nationally recognised qualifications in:
- 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) or Science (BSc) aligned to your chosen pathway, over a further 2-year period.
We’re looking for applicants who have a basic level of:
- Scientific Understanding
- Logical Thinking
- Attention to Detail
The qualifications you’ll need to have, or be predicted:
- 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, T- Level, STEM subjects preferred (e.g., Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Science or Engineering) but not mandatory.
- If you haven’t studied a Level 3 or higher Engineering qualification, Mathematics GCSE at Grade 6 (Grade B) is essential or Grade C at A Level Mathematics.
- Other Level 3 STEM qualifications & vocational equivalents at Level 3 or higher will also be considered.
If you’ve studied in Scotland:
- 5 National 5s at grade C or above including English, Maths (excluding application of Maths) and a Science
- Minimum of 96 UCAS points, 63 at Scottish Higher or 96 at Scottish Advanced Higher. STEM subjects preferred (e.g. Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Science or Engineering) but not mandatory.
- If you haven’t studied a Level 3 or higher Engineering qualification or Mathematics at Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher, then you must achieve a minimum of Grade B at National 5.
- Other Level 3 STEM qualifications & vocational equivalents at Level 3 or higher will also be considered.
- NB If you do not have Mathematics at Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher then you must achieve a minimum of Grade B at National 5.
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 dates: Monday 23rd 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 £23,917 in Year 1, rising to £26,583 in Year 2.
- 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 Scientific & Technical degree 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.
