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Nuclear engineer

Alternative titles for this job include

Nuclear engineers are responsible for the safe running of nuclear power stations.

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£58,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 41 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a nuclear engineer

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • a graduate training scheme

University

You can do a degree in a subject like:

  • nuclear engineering
  • chemical engineering
  • mechanical engineering
  • maths
  • physics
  • electrical engineering

Some employers will expect you to have a relevant postgraduate qualification.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and physics
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

Apprenticeship

You may be able to get into the industry through a:

  • Nuclear Scientist and Nuclear Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
  • Nuclear Reactor Desk Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

These can take around 3 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

Other Routes

You may be able to start on a graduate training scheme, like Nuclear Graduates, run by nuclear industry employers.

You'll normally need a degree in a science or engineering subject to apply for a place.

More Information

Career tips

You may need to relocate for work, as many power stations are in remote areas.

Further information

You can find details about careers in the the nuclear industry through Cogent.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • maths knowledge
  • knowledge of physics
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • design skills and knowledge
  • analytical thinking skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day duties you may:

  • design and build new plants and equipment
  • monitor and measure radiation levels
  • carry out maintenance work
  • make sure that the plant structure meets legal requirements
  • be responsible for security and safety
  • supervise power station technicians
  • plan safe methods of nuclear waste disposal

Working environment

You could work at a power station, in a laboratory, in an office or in a control room.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

You could gain skills to move into project management for the nuclear industry through a Project controls professional, degree apprenticeship.

You could use your knowledge of nuclear technology in other areas, like:

  • industrial or academic research and development
  • diagnosing and treating disease in medicine
  • developing and building nuclear-powered submarines

You could become a freelance consultant.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a nuclear engineer right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

ECITB L3 Cert in Nuclear Engineering & Science (19+)

  • Provider: BRIDGWATER AND TAUNTON COLLEGE
  • Start date: 23 October 2023
  • Location: Bridgwater

ECITB L3 Dip in Nuclear Engineering & Science (19+)

  • Provider: BRIDGWATER AND TAUNTON COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 October 2024
  • Location: Bridgwater

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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