Interested in science and engineering, and looking to progress your career? The Level 2 Nuclear Operative Apprenticeship may be perfect for you.
What is a Nuclear Operative, and what does the role entail?
A nuclear operative is an individual responsible for operating equipment and plant systems in nuclear facilities. They will monitor and control systems that are critical to maintaining the safety of common and generating units, as well as fuel handling areas.
A Nuclear Operative will be expected to work both individually and within a team under a Safe System of Work (SSOW), and perform their tasks in appropriate PPE gear. There are strict controls and procedures within nuclear sites, and a Nuclear Operative is expected to carefully follow these.
The role will also entail the below:
- Data collection and reporting regarding site equipment and procedures.
- Sampling operations.
- Preparing work areas in both radioactive and non-radioactive environments.
- Assembling and dismantling plant equipment.
- Safely applying radiological monitoring equipment, process, and assurance.
- Operating ancillary equipment.
- Minor plant maintenance.
- Interpreting technical drawings and documentation.
- Identifying and responding to emergency situations.
Nuclear Decommissioning Operative VS. Nuclear Process Operative
This apprenticeship will give individuals the skills and qualifications to progress to one of two roles: a Nuclear Decommissioning Operative, or a Nuclear Process Operative. The Nuclear Decommissioning Operative will be responsible for safe operation and surveillance of nuclear facilities during their decommissioning phase, and will include overseeing the dismantling, removal, and disposal of plant equipment. The Nuclear Process Operative is responsible for carrying out the process operations of active nuclear facilities, which can include nuclear reactors, fuel manufacture, waste processing, and more.
What are the entry requirements and qualifications necessary for the apprenticeship?
Entry requirements will be set by individual employers. There are no standard qualifications necessary for the apprenticeship, though if the apprentice does not have GCSE’s in English and Maths, they will need to have achieved Level 1 Functional Skills, and sit the exam for Level 2, by the end of their apprenticeship.
What behaviours will be expected of the apprentice?
To succeed in both this apprenticeship and the wider nuclear sector, an individual should exhibit certain behaviours. They should have a strong commitment to safety, the ability to work well under pressure, be able to pay close attention to detail, follow strict rules and procedures, and work effectively in a team with good communicative abilities.
What is the length of the apprenticeship?
The standard length of this apprenticeship is 2 years.
Progression
Once successfully completing the Level 2 Nuclear Operative apprenticeship, the individual will be qualified, and will therefore be looking to earn approximately £28,485 per year. Career progression from a Nuclear Operative ordinarily leads onto higher level management roles within the nuclear sector. Additionally, the individual will then be eligible to apply for Associate Membership of the Nuclear Institute (NI). Becoming a member of the NI provides independent verification of an individual’s nuclear professionalism, opening up further career advancement opportunities.
Conclusion
If you are an individual with an interest in engineering and manufacturing, looking to progress your career, consider the Level 2 Nuclear Operative apprenticeship. With two starting roles that the apprenticeship can lead to, a Nuclear Decommissioning Operative or a Nuclear Process Operative, you can choose to specialise in either area. Both options will offer opportunities to learn essential skills to work within the nuclear sector, as well as on the job experience, making it a valuable pathway for your career.
Choose the Level 2 Nuclear Operative apprenticeship today, to pursue your professional growth in the nuclear sector. To register your interest, please click HERE.