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Nuclear technician

Alternative titles for this job include Nuclear operating technician, radiation protection technician

Nuclear technicians maintain equipment and monitor radiation levels in nuclear power stations.

Average salary (a year)

£22,000 Starter

to

£42,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 42 week

You could work

days / nights / weekends on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a nuclear technician

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship

University

You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

  • nuclear engineering
  • electrical or electronic engineering
  • mechanical engineering
  • physics

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

College

You can do a college course to learn some of the skills you'll need to become a nuclear technician. Courses include:

  • Level 3 Certificate in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering
  • Level 3 Diploma in Integrated Nuclear Engineering and Science
  • Level 3 Diploma in Maintenance Engineering Technology
  • Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Nuclear Engineering

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
  • 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course

More Information

Apprenticeship

To become a nuclear technician, you can do a Nuclear Technician Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship.

You can also start a Maintenance and Operations Engineering Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship then get further training on the job to work in nuclear facilities.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

More Information

Career tips

You can find employers on the Nuclear Industry Association jobs map.

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
  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • knowledge of physics
  • observation and recording skills
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

You'll usually need a driving licence to get to work outside of public transport hours.

What you’ll do

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

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a nuclear technician, you could:

  • find and fix faults
  • install new equipment and systems
  • monitor radiation levels at the power plant
  • run regular inspections and safety checks
  • work with staff on emergency procedures
  • remove equipment from power stations that have shut down

Working environment

You could work at a power station, at a research facility or in a laboratory.

Your working environment may be humid.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a:

  • maintenance shift supervisor
  • radiation safety adviser
  • nuclear engineer

You could also use your skills to move into other engineering or power industries. You could work with other types of radiation equipment in hospitals, maintaining radiotherapy and medical imaging equipment.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Maintenance Technician

  • Wage: £23,028.00 Annually
  • Location: Annesley, Nottingham

Engineering Operative Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £13,520.00 Annually
  • Location: WITHAM ROAD, TOLLESHUNT MAJOR, MALDON

Courses In England

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

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

General Engineering with Nuclear Behaviours - Level 4 HNC

  • Provider: LANCASTER AND MORECAMBE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 August 2023
  • Location: Lancaster

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