Our Nuclear Welding Inspection Technician apprenticeship is a Level 4, 48-month programme that trains you to ensure the quality and integrity of welded components through advanced inspection techniques in a nuclear environment.
The Nuclear Welding Inspection Technician apprenticeship is designed to develop the skills and knowledge required to provide quality control and welding inspection services within the nuclear industry. Throughout the apprenticeship, you will learn to carry out detailed visual inspections, maintain accurate records, and provide technical feedback at various stages of the manufacturing process.
You will also develop the confidence to challenge and question specifications during production, ensuring compliance with strict industry standards. Training will include non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques such as liquid penetrant and magnetic particle testing to identify surface-breaking defects.
In addition, you may gain experience in volumetric testing methods, including Radiography and Ultrasonic Testing, which allow detection of internal weld defects. This role demands a strong commitment to health and safety, quality assurance/Quality Control, and the ability to follow precise technical instructions. It offers a unique opportunity to work in a highly regulated environment where attention to detail and technical expertise are critical.
This is a four-year program, so you’ll need to be ready to commit to both hands-on work and study. You’ll spend time learning on the job and also attend college on day release, so being organised and able to balance practical tasks with coursework is important. If you’re looking for a career where you can learn real technical skills and earn while you learn, this could be a great fit.
You’ll also need to be flexible. Sometimes you’ll travel across Cumbria and even visit suppliers around the UK. The work takes place in safety-critical environments where following procedures and paying attention to detail really matters. If you like working with precision, enjoy problem-solving, and want a role that makes a real difference, this apprenticeship could be perfect for you.
Throughout the apprenticeship, your progress will be assessed against national standards, and you’ll build an evidence portfolio. In the final six months, you’ll complete an End Point Assessment to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and behaviours you’ve gained.
During your apprenticeship, you’ll develop essential skills to work safely and effectively in a nuclear environment, including:
- Visual Inspection Techniques
- Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
- Quality Assurance & Quality Control
- Technical Documentation
- Defect Analysis
- Health and Safety Compliance
- Regulatory Knowledge
• Attention to Detail • Communication Skills
In addition, you’ll achieve nationally recognised qualifications in:
- Level 2 in Dye Penetrant Inspections
- Level 2 in Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI)
- Weld Inspection Level 2
- Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Operations and Maintenance (3units only)
- BTEC L4 Higher National Certificate in Engineering
We’re looking for applicants who have a good level of:
- Communication Skills
- Attention to Detail
- Willingness to learn
The qualifications you’ll need to have, or be predicted:
- Minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 (Grades A to C) including 1 Science or Engineering subject
- Mathematics and English Language at Grade 5 (Grade B) or above
If you’ve studied in Scotland:
- 5 National 5s at C or above including English and Maths (excluding Application of Maths), 1 Science or Engineering subject
- Mathematics and English at Grade C or above
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.
In addition, you will be required to pass an NDT eye test, corrected or uncorrected, in accordance with ISO 9712. Further details can be found by searching “PSL 44”.
- 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: Friday 20th 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 Nuclear Welding Inspection 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.
